Have You Read These Books?- Part I

A good book  influences its reader in a positive  way, and a bad one has the exact opposite effect.
In this post, I just want to share with you a list of my favourite Christian books that I found them to be of great help in my spiritual growth and development over the years. Not being a great reader myself, my list is small. However, I am confident that you too will find these books interesting and illuminating spiritually, and I strongly recommend  them for your reading pleasure, if you have not already read them before.
1. The Bible:

The Bible, of course, must top the list. We cannot grow spiritually without a healthy dose of daily Bible reading. I have been following what Tim Lahaye wrote in his book, "How to study the Bible for Yourself" where he recommended making a sacred vow to God: "No Bible, No Breakfast!" You don't have breakfast unless you read the Bible first before breakfast in the morning. For some reason if you have no time to read the Bible, just skip the breakfast! This vow is not to be used as a legalistic bondage but a sacred vow to God which you have made voluntarily and willingly! If you are serious about Bible reading and study, making this sacred vow will help you read the Bible more consistently. Make no exceptions - read daily!

2.The Immitation of Christ:

Author: Thomas a Kempis.
For five hundred years, this gentle book, filled with the spirit of the love of God, has brought understanding and comfort to millions of readers in over fifty languages, and provided them with a source of heart-felt personal prayer. These meditations on the life and teachings of Jesus, written in times even more troubled and dangerous than our own, have become second only to the Bible as a guide and inspiration. A must read for all who are interested in deeper walk with God.



3. The Practice of the Presence of God:

By Brother Lawrence. I don't know if this book is still in print, but I am sure you can access it online. This book will help you discover how to practice God's presence at all times and see His glory in every facet of life.

4.Celebration of Discipline:
A fantastic Christian Classic written by Richard Foster; Published by Hodder & Stoughton Ltd., 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH. This book tells you about classic Christian disciplines such as Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Simplicity, Solitude, Submission, Service and so on. If you are interested in deeper Christian life and further maturity, this book is a must reading.

5. Purpose Driven Life:
Written by Rick Warren, the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California;published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA. In this book, Pastor Rick Warren will take you through a personal 40-day spiritual journey that will transform your life, answering life's most important questions, such as, What on earth am I here for? What is God's purpose for creating me? What are the most important things in life? Where am I going? etc. If you have not read this book, you should!

6. In His Steps:
Author: Charles Sheldon. Publisher: RiverOak Publishing, P.O. Box 700143, Tulsa, Oklahama 74170-0143. This book is the first entry in '100 Christian Books That Changed the Century' by William J. and Randy Peterson. Asking in genuine faith, 'What would Jesus do?' before doing anything will transform the way you look at things, and it will help you follow Jesus daily walking in His steps! This book is written in the form of a novel, and is easy to read. A must read for every Christian!

7. How to Study the Bible for Yourself:
Written by Tim Lahaye, published by Authentic Books, P1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921, USA. This book is also published in India by OM Books, Logos Bhavan, Metchal Road, Jeedimetla Village, Secunderabad 500 055, AP. This book will tell you how to study the Bible and where to start! It is a very practical and informative study tool.

8. He Came To Set The Captives Free:
Author: Rebecca Brown MD. Published by Whitaker House, 1030 Hunt Valley Circle, New Kensington, PA 15068. This book is a must for Spiritual warriors, and it will tell you detailed account of Satan's activities today. Frighteningly graphic and real!

9. Entering The Presence of God:
Author: Derek Prince; Publisher (India): Derek Prince Ministries, Rhema Media Centre, 18/32 Mangammal Salai, Renga Nagar, Trichy 620 021, TN.
Legendary Bible teacher Derek Prince shows the way to victorious intimacy with God, and explains how you can move beyond the usual praise and thanksgiving and enter the very presence of God and truly worship Him!

10. Ablaze for God:
Written by Wesley L. Duewel, a former president of OMS International, and a missionary to India for 25 years. Published by Zondervan (as for #5 above). This book describes the spiritual dynamics of leadership, how one can be more fully a Spirit-filled leader, and how to be more aflame for God. It's an amazing and practical book for all Christian leaders and laymen alike.