Favorite Books

Favorite Books

This month I asked the wonderful wives of our Pastors’ to send me any scripture-based reading materials that have made a difference in their hearts and encouraged them in their personal walks with Jesus. For some the holiday season can be a difficult time for one reason or another and it may be easy to grow distant from God. For others, it may be an overwhelming time due to all the expectations of the holiday season and it can be easy to not ensure time with the Lord is on that growing to do list. Some of you might just like to find a good book to sit down with on a cold night this winter to help you grow closer to God. Whatever your situation, I hope you all find some encouragement from this great list of recommendations!

Book recommendations by Dawn Bovenmyer:

THE bestseller of all time: The BIBLE! (Psalm 119:16- “I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”)

Although I have grown to love all of the Word, I am partial to a few books within: Genesis, Psalms, Isaiah, the gospels, Colossians, James … One way to understand a book is to memorize it. Pick one and try it; you won’t be disappointed!

Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard- an allegory of endurance, persistence, and reliance on God. This book was foundational for me in my early walk with Jesus, and has continued to be a “go to” when facing difficulties and challenges in life. I simply LOVE how the Shepherd is portrayed!! (think Jesus in “The Chosen!”)

Women of the Bible Books:

Her Name is Woman (Books 1&2) by Gien Karssen

Women of the Bible a one year devotional study of Bible women by Ann Spangler & Jean Syswerda

Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge- written to help you rediscover and recover the true femininity that God has set within the hearts of women

Creative Counterpart: Becoming the Woman, Wife, and Mother You Have Longed to Be by Linda Dillow (foundational in my very early years of marriage)

Marriage Takes More Than Love by Jack and Carol Mayhall (I read this with Dave in our early married days- so helpful and encouraging!)

Intimate Encounters by David & Teresa Ferguson (a practical guide/workbook to discovering the secrets of a really great marriage; There are videos that accompany this book that Dave and I have if anyone is interested)

Biographies: (Just a few favorites of many!)

Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret

The Little Woman- the story of Gladys Aylward

John and Betty Stam by Kathleen White

The Shadow of the Almighty: The life and testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot

Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot

Peace Child by Don Richardson

Ruth, a Portrait: the Story of Ruth Bell Graham by Patricia Cornwell

Prodigals and Those who Love Them by Ruth Bell Graham- a comforting and assuring book for those with prodigals

The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero

Book recommendations by Judy Anderson:

There are so many wonderful books!  These are the books that I have read, reread, poured over and regularly go through or am regularly inspired by.

Books for living a grace-paced life in a burned out culture:

Reset by David Murray and/or Refresh by Shona and David Murray

Reset is a little bit angled more toward the guys and Refresh is angled more toward the gals.  Mike and I started out listening and discussing Reset together first and then I also read Refresh.  I recommend them both. Two to three times a year I get a day with the Lord and relook at my life and schedule.  During that time I bring out my outline of this/these books to assess if I am giving my time to the best for my walk with the Lord.

Books for encouragement:

Ecclesiastes Through New Eyes – A Table in the Mist by Jeffrey Meyers

Whenever I am discouraged I will pull out this book and reread through my highlights.

“Human life in all of its mystery is a gift from God.”

(Biographies)

Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose

This story tells of a missionary woman’s remarkable faith surviving four years in a Japanese prison camp during WWII.  It is so encouraging and amazing how God used her.

The Insanity Of God by Nik Ripken

Nik and his family were missionaries in Africa, including Somalia.  He questions how anyone can be a witness for Christ in extreme persecution, when anyone “coming to Christ” forfeits their lives. Eventually this leads him around the world meeting persecuted Christians, hearing their stories and seeing their amazing walks with the Lord. So encouraging!

So You Want to Share Christ with Others But Don’t Feel Comfortable: Or Know How:

God Space by Doug Pollock

Books for a deeper connection in marriage:

How We Love by Milan & Kay Yerkovich

Read it, but read it with your husband if possible.   Even better, DO IT together or even better do it with other couples. 

Intimate Encounters by Dr. David & Teresa Ferguson

Goes well with How We Love.

Book recommendation by Mindy Song:

Longing for God, Seven Paths of Christian Devotion by Richard Foster and Gayle Beebe

Book recommendations by Nancy Heerema:

Biographical Books:

21 Servants of Sovereign Joy by John Piper

Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn

Faithful women and Their Extraordinary God by Noel Piper

Dispatches from the Front by Tim Keesee

Family Devotionals:

Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Ology by Marty Machowski

The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments by Marty Machowski

Devotionals:

Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp

Valley of Vision edited by Arthur Bennett

Book recommendations by Holly Anderson:

Devotionals:

Come Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional by Paul David Tripp

Handel’s Messiah: A devotional Commentary by Joseph E. McCabe

The New City Catechism Devotional: God’s Truth for Our Hearts and Minds by Collin Hansen

John: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore

Commentary:

Believer’s Bible Commentary: Second Edition by William MacDonald

Books on Scripture:

God-Breathed: The Undeniable Power and Reliability of Scripture by Josh McDowell