As the Apostle Paul neared the end of his life, he asked Timothy to bring him three things: A cloke – for his body. The books – for his mind. The parchments (probably scrolls of Scripture) – for his spirit.
While many of us are confined at home, let's take some instruction from the Apostle Paul – especially when it comes to this matter of reading. Spurgeon expressed amazement at Paul's request for Timothy to "bring the books." He said, "He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for men to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!" Spurgeon then reminds us, "He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains proves he has no brains of his own."
Last week (read part 1 Here), I shared a few of my favorite biographies with you. I have enjoyed reading e-mails and messages about some of yours. This week, I want to share more of my favorite books with you.
The Christian Life
"Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan - Spurgeon claimed to have read it over a thousand times. I try to read it every year. Bunyan distills Biblical counsel for most every experience in the Christian life into the memorable medium of allegory. Even this week, I've been meditating on Christian's escape from the Giant Despair and Doubting Castle by using the Key of Promise. We are reading a couple of chapters of Pilgrim’s Progress every evening with our children. Here are some helpful resources for incorporating it into family devotions:
Pilgrim’s Progress Simplified by Abeka Books
Pilgrim’s Progress Complete Curriculum (including Audio dramatization) by Answers in Genesis
"E. M. Bounds on Prayer" by E. M. Bounds - This is actually a compilation of seven books on the subject of prayer. It will both encourage you to pray and challenge you about your lack of faith and passion in prayer. It's memorable, quotable, and packed with prayer stories that you'll enjoy passing on to others.
"Knowing God" by J. I. Packer – This is a mind-stretching and heartwarming volume on the attributes of God. The chapters on the jealousy of God and spiritual adoption changed my perspective on the God I love.
"Basic Christianity" by John Stott. Stott is one of my favorite writers and commentators. This book is a basic Christian apologetic. I often recommend it to skeptics and to young people who are questioning their beliefs.
"Point Man" by Steve Farrar – Farrar challenges men to be the spiritual leader of their homes. It is both convicting and practical. Every Christian man should read it and then re-read it.
"Living by the Book" by Howard G. Hendricks – A incredibly practical and memorable method for studying the Bible. I have used these principles for years in my personal Bible study and sermon preparation. Caution: Hendricks recommends reading from many different English translations. I do not.
"Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health" and "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life" by Donald Whitney – Whitney's writing style is warm and devotional and full of helpful quotes and anecdotes. His chapters on "Groaning for Heaven" and "Bible Intake" are worth the price of both books.
"What Every Christian Ought to Know" by Adrian Rogers – Rogers was one of the great preachers of his generation. This is a fantastic read for new believers. It is jam-packed with solid Bible teaching and unforgettable illustrations.
"The Christian in Complete Armour" by William Gurnall – I have to include at least one Puritan. A dear lady in our church gave me these volumes, and I had ingested them within a week. They are full of encouragement and Biblical insight.
Marriage and Family
"Making Home Work" and "Are We There Yet?" by Dr. Paul Chappell – These are two of the best books that I have read on parenting and marriage. You'll find solid Bible teaching and illustrations communicated in a relatable way.
"Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Tedd Tripp – This book is a must-read for Christian parents. We must move beyond behavior modification and learn to speak to the hearts of our children. Change in the Christian life is always from the inside out. I discovered that as I was learning strategies to help change the hearts of my children, God was changing my own heart as well.
"Strengthening Your Marriage" by Wayne Mack – This is a workbook for married couples. I often use it in marriage counseling. Take a weekend with your spouse and work through the first five chapters. You'll be surprised to discover the areas of your marriage that will be strengthened.
Leadership
"Spiritual Leadership" by J. Oswald Sanders – I read this book every year. Though it is written for those in vocational ministry, the leadership principles it communicates are invaluable for people in every profession. Dr. Don Sisk recommended it to me years ago. It's the best book recommendation I have ever received.
"When People Are Big and God Is Small" by Edward Welch – To some degree, all of us struggle with what the Bible calls, "The fear of man." This book challenged me to need people less and love people more. Read it and be convicted, challenged, and strengthened.
"A Tale of Three Kings" by Gene Edwards – Have you ever been hurt by another believer? This story looks at the leadership styles of Saul, David, and Absalom. After reading it, I committed that I would never "throw the spear back." We need more Davids and fewer Sauls in Christian leadership today. This book will help any leader.
There are many books I would like to add, but I want you to spend your time reading one of these books – not my bookish blog post about them. I'm currently reading "Leading with Love" by Alexander Strauch and "If God is Good" by Randy Alcorn. I'm enjoying both. Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep reading. Bring the books!