This week I offer something a little different. With the Labor Day weekend upon us (which for some will be a four-day weekend), you may find yourself with a little more time. If you would like to spend some time reading something that will help you grow spiritually and will bless your life, may I suggest a few books you might want to read?
The following books have all been a blessing to my life in one way or another. I pray they bless your life as well. All of these can be found on Amazon.com with the exception of the book by Bro. Cloyce Sutton Jr., which can be ordered from OneStone.com.
Mind Change: The Overcomers Handbook by Thomas A. Jones
This book talks about how we can overcome the challenges we experience in this life through Christ. Whether that be pain or illness or persistent sin, family problems or depression or fear. Whatever we are dealing with we can overcome those things. The key is to change our thinking and bring it in line with the will of God.
Jones states:
“In every situation there are two significant elements: (1) the circumstance itself and (2) the way you think about it. Of these two, the second is more important than the first. …Overcoming never happens without a ‘mind change’. …In every situation there is a right and spiritual way to think that will enable us to overcome whatever challenge we are facing.” (Mind Change, pp. 48-49)
This book is as practical as it is deep and challenging. I’ve read it again and again over the years. It has helped me beyond measure.
By Way of Reminder: Bible Lists for Memorization & Reference by Cloyce Sutton Jr.
This is a book of lists. Here’s how it’s described on OneStone’s website:
“This is a what-to-know book, not a how-to-do-it book. It contains various lists related to or taken from the Bible. Much of this you may have learned long ago in church or family Bible classes or studies. If that’s the case, this may serve as a refresher course. If you never learned the information, or you’ve forgotten it, this may serve as a springboard for further learning.”
If you’ve ever struggled to remember what king reigned when and for which kingdom. If you’ve ever wanted to know how many prophets there were or how many books of prophecy there are in the Bible. If you’ve ever struggled to understand the timeline of events in the Bible and put the major events in their proper order, then this is the book for you!
There is also a nice section which contains key scriptures on various topics which we are encouraged to memorize.
I believe memorization is important. David said, “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
The Bible is our guide to Christianity and our handbook for life. This book will help you know it better.
A Sense of Presence by Edwin F. White
I’m embarrassed to admit that it wasn’t until I read Brother White’s book that I had a true sense of what it means to be aware of the presence of God in my life.
In his introduction to the book, he writes:
“Modern Christianity engrosses itself in a world of anxious activity that consumes time and attention. We are so busy building churches, administering programs and managing our corporate assets that we have no time to pursue a personal relationship with God. The cumulative effect of less important activities robs of us time to develop a greater awareness of Divine Presence. As a result, God, who alone can satisfy the human soul, is lost to His people.” (A Sense of Presence, Introduction)
That was written in 1989. I dare say his words ring truer today than they did back then. This book will help you become more aware of God’s presence. That in and of itself will be a great blessing!
Boundaries by Cloud & Townsend
This is another book which can transform your thinking and, in turn, transform your relationships with others.
Not a week goes by that I don’t use the principles of this book in the counseling office.
There are many versions of this book — “Boundaries in Marriage”, “Boundaries in Dating”, “Boundaries with Kids”, even “Beyond Boundaries: Learning to Trust Again in Relationships”.
But it’s the original book, Boundaries, that introduced this concept to us. I cannot recommend it enough.
Here’s the purpose of this book as described by it’s authors:
“Is your life out of control? Do people take advantage of you? Do you have trouble saying no? Having clear boundaries is essential to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. A boundary is a personal property line that marks those things for which we are responsible. Boundaries define who we are and who we are not. Boundaries affect all areas of our lives: Physical boundaries help us determine who may touch us, how, and when. Mental boundaries give us freedom to have our own thoughts and opinions. Emotional boundaries help us deal with our own emotions and disengage us from the harmful, manipulative emotions of others. Spiritual boundaries help us distinguish God's will from our own and give us renewed awe for our Creator. Often, Christians focus so much on being loving and unselfish that they forget their own limits and limitations. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend offer biblically based insights into how to set healthy boundaries with our parents, spouses, children, friends, co-workers, and even ourselves---boundaries that give us freedom to walk as the loving, giving, fulfilled individuals God created us to be.”
Finally, let me suggest…
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This is a children’s book. But it’s one of those “children’s books” that seems like it was really written for us adults.
It tells the story of a boy who loved a tree, and the tree who loved him back. It’s a beautiful story which shows us the nature and power of sacrificial love.
I won’t tell you any more lest I spoil it!
Allow it to touch your heart as it did mine.