"If a book drives you to the scriptures it can be a useful point of growth in your spiritual life."
I love books, as a matter of fact my paper library continues to grow alongside my digital book addiction, although it is considerably slower these days. I have greatly increased my book from my friends recommends. purchases from ThriftBooks and other online vendors.
I was speaking with a friend about books that changed my life spiritually that were outside of the normal scripture reading I was doing. After a little discussion we came to a conclusion that “If a book drives you to the Scriptures it can be a useful point of growth in your spiritual life.” And there were three books that immediately came to mind.
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life
by Donald S. Whitney
This book is a great easy read and each chapter and section is loaded with scriptural connections. It concerns and impacts the daily life of the Christian.
I got this book given to me originally as a giveaway at some conference. There it sat on my bedside bookshelf and one evening I picked it up and realized that there was something different about it.
“We aren’t meant to wait for holiness-
we’re meant to pursue it.”
Spiritual Disciplines is set out in a clear way to allow encouragement with daily areas of growth. Scripture, prayer, Christian fellowship, fasting, worship, and many many more. If someone asks for a good read this book tops my list.
The Discipline of Grace
by Jerry Bridges
Reading Jerry Bridges is a fun journey. The book is written in a simple straight forward letter to my heart.
“The pursuit of holiness requires sustained
and vigorous effort. “
Arranged to help a Christian grow and learn discipline in multiple areas of the Christian life. Topics include commitment, convictions, choices and much more.
The Reformed Pastor
by Richard Baxter
This is another book with JI Packer forward on the list.
I purchased this book on a recommendation of another pastor that saw me struggling with my pursuit of God as I grew in ministry.
“Nothing can be rightly known, if God be not known; nor is any study well managed, nor to any great purpose, if God is not studied.”
Worth your time and effort to read no matter what. I know it says “Pastor” and yes your Pastor would love this book, but it is more than that… every Christian could learn from this mine.
Recently I had an opportunity to give 45 books out to the members and families in our churches. I bought them from multiple orders from ThriftBooks.com At first I was a little worried giving “gently used” books as a gift but the reactions were all positive and even a few kudos for being “green.” Hah!
If you haven’t used ThriftBooks yet, consider it as a source for your next purchase. They have lots of book rewards and sales for book nerds like me. My kids add to my buy list all the time and they get so excited for the next delivery when I get around to ordering.