Recommended Reading

Books God has used to transform our lives

The Bible has shaped us first and foremost. It sheds light on what is true and untrue.

In addition, here are other resources we have found helpful.

*Books marked with an asterisk are secular books written from a secular worldview. We found some of their tips helpful and practical but, obviously, please read with discernment.

Addiction

Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave (Ed Welch)

Addresses spiritual and physical aspects of addiction, laying it out as a “worship disorder.” Something has captured the addict’s affections more than God, and they can’t just use willpower to quit.

*Alcoholics Anonymous (“The Big Book”)

The Lord used this book as the first means of intervention in Jason’s life, encouraging him to seek help and allowing him to see the possibility of living differently. It explains the 12 steps and contains stories of many alcoholics who found freedom from addiction.

Biographies/Great Stories

Must Reads

Chasing the Dragon (Jackie Pullinger)

Incredible story of a single British woman called to minister in “Sin City” Hong Kong to drug addicts, gang members, and more.

The Cross and the Switchblade (David Wilkerson)

A small-town, Pennsylvania pastor felt led by God to sell his television and, instead, spend his evenings praying. When he did, God led him on one adventure after another to New York City where he ended up ministering to gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes, and murderers.

C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer (Norman Grubb)

Well-off, successful British man who gave up everything to follow God and become a missionary.

E.M. Bounds: Man of Prayer (Lyle Dorsett)

An amazing man who developed the habit of praying every morning from 4 – 7 a.m. and wrote inspiring books motivating others to pray also.

George Muller: Delighted in God (Roger Steer)

Man who supported thousands of orphans for many years in England without asking for a single penny! Anything you read about him should inspire your faith.

God's Smuggler (Brother Andrew)

Dutch man who smuggled Bibles to communist countries amidst much danger and experienced lots of miracles

The Heavenly Man (Brother Yun)

An incredible book describing contemporary miracles God did in a Chinese man’s life to lead him to faith, grow him, and use him to reach others with the gospel, including as a prisoner.

How I Know God Answers Prayer (Rosalind Goforth)

A thin little book sharing testimonies of answered prayer. She and her husband were missionaries to China with Hudson Taylor.

Hudson Taylor: God's Man in China (Mr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor)

My favorite book! (This is abridged from a 2-volume work, which is also very good.) I consider Hudson Taylor my mentor and role model. We named our firstborn after him. He was a missionary to China where he saw God do amazing things as he relied on him through faith.

Rees Howells: Intercessor (Norman Grubb)

A Welsh man in the early 1900s who surrendered the control of his life over to God and watched God move and provide in amazing ways. including making him into a powerful prayer warrior.

Sealed Orders (Agnes Sanford)

The autobiography of a woman with the gift of healing, which she developed and used during the WWII timeframe to benefit soldiers and many others. (Also Healing Light, by the same author.)

A Severe Mercy (Sheldon Vanauken)

A self-proclaimed “pagan” and his girlfriend-turned-wife attempt to live the perfect love story. Their plans are interrupted when she becomes a Christian. He struggles to believe but is helped by C.S. Lewis, whom he meets while at Oxford.

The Shack (William Young)

If you struggle to grasp God’s love for you or understand how a good God can allow evil, this contemporary novel may be a good place to start. It provides fresh insight into God’s character and how much he loves us. (I am aware that some Christians found this book controversial.)

They Found the Secret (V. Raymond Edman)

Compilation of short, inspiring bios of giants of the faith who received power after or with their conversion experience in a variety of ways.

They Speak with Other Tongues (John and Elizabeth Sherrill)

A husband-and-wife journalist team who didn’t believe that tongues still existed today set out to learn whether they did or not.

Additional Biographies/Stories

Abraham: The Obedience of Faith (F.B. Meyer)

This book is not about singleness. But I was surprised by how many of its truths could be helpful to singles. Abraham’s primary tests related to an unknown future, unfulfilled promises, and losing things he held dear. Sound familiar? (Be sure to read slowly.)

Andrew Murray: The Authorized Biography (Leona Choy)

Scottish transplant to South Africa who learned the secret of relying on God rather than himself and was launched into worldwide ministry.

Faith’s Work Perfected (A. H. Francke)

This is a small and very old book written by a German professor and theologian in Halle, Germany, who endeavored to trust God to start an orphanage. God provided for him and the effort in amazing ways in answer to prayer. George Muller later read his biography and was inspired to rely on God through faith and prayer alone also.

Hansi (Maria Anne Hirschmann)

Story of a German girl during the Holocaust

I Dared to Call Him Father (Bilquis Sheikh)

Pakistani woman who met Jesus miraculously

If I Perish (Esther Ahn Kim)

Story of a Korean Christian who remained faithful to Christ (and won others to him) amidst horrible conditions while imprisoned in Japan during WWI.

In His Steps (Charles Sheldon)

A classic novel that traces the lives of various church members after their pastor challenges them to consider, in handling all their affairs and relationships, What Would Jesus Do?

Invasion of Wales by the Spirit Through Evan Roberts (James Stewart)

Small but powerful book about the revival in Wales in the early 1900s

L’Abri (Edith Schaeffer)

The author and her theologian husband felt called to open up their chateau in Switzerland to skiers, travelers, and students, where they hosted them for free and engaged in theological dialogue with them about the Lord.

Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God (David McCasland)

Scottish man who developed deep faith in God until his death at 43. Then his wife compiled her shorthand notes of his talks into the well-known devotional, My Utmost for His Highest.

Passion and Purpose (Jimmy Seibert)

The story of how God grew Seibert’s faith as a young person and on into adulthood, using him to start an inner-city church that has become a network of churches around the world.

A Passion for Souls: The Life of D.L. Moody (Lyle Dorsett)

Poor, uneducated man whom the Lord used to reach millions. He learned to rely on God rather than himself, and he maintained strong, happy relationships with his wife and children despite an incredibly busy life.

Pastor Hsi: Confucian Scholar and Conqueror of Demons (Mrs. Howard Taylor)

Chinese convert under Hudson Taylor’s ministry (former opium addict) wins a writing contest put on by missionaries and becomes a powerful force to be reckoned with, robbing the kingdom of darkness of many souls and bringing them over to the kingdom of light.

Realities of Faith (Basilea Schlink)

A group of women that launches out to rely on God through faith witness his miracle-working power and supernatural provision on their behalf.

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus (Nabeel Qureshi)

The contemporary story of a Muslim coming to faith in Christ. Besides being inspirational, the book provides great insights into the Muslim worldview. Qureshi ended up passing away three years after the book was published at age 34.

Classics

Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster)

An in-depth look at the various spiritual disciplines, including what prior Christian classics have taught about them, and how practicing them can contribute to our spiritual growth and create space for God to move.

Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life (Hannah Whitall Smith)

A devotional-style book that describes unwavering faith in God as the secret to living a joyous life and offers practical insights on how to increase our faith.

Hinds’ Feet on High Places (Hannah Hurnard)

Another allegory describing the ups and downs of the Christian life and how God is at work the whole time to create strong faith in us that trusts him no matter what.

Mere Christianity (C.S. Lewis)

Deep, thought-provoking book “proving” Christianity

Pilgrim’s Progress (John Bunyan)

Allegory describing the journey of the Christian life. Supposedly the second-best selling book ever after the Bible. It was written by a British preacher in the 1600s, beginning when he was imprisoned for his faith. You can choose between the original text or a modern English version.

The Pursuit of God (A.W. Tozer)

Tozer wrote this classic on an overnight train ride. He urges readers to deepen their relationship with God and provides tips on how to do so.

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Phillip Keller)

Great insight from a real shepherd into God’s and our attributes, based on Psalm 23.

Why Revival Tarries (Leonard Ravenhill)

Powerful, stirring book full of nuggets on every page about the conditions necessary for God to visit his people in revival.

Devotionals

Come Away My Beloved (Frances Roberts)

Akin to God Calling, a woman listens to God and records the insightful, inspiring truths she hears.

God Calling (A.J. Russell, editor)

Contains words from God to two British women who called themselves “The Listeners” but are otherwise anonymous. The book is deep and anointed.

Streams in the Desert (Mrs. Charles Cowman)

Compilation of lots of quotes, teachings, etc. that meant a lot to the author over the years from great saints of ages past.

Inner Healing/Workbooks

Breaking Free (Beth Moore)

This Bible study helps us take a deep-dive look at anything that is keeping us in bondage or coming between us and God.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Pete Scazzero)

A NY pastor’s seemingly “Christian” behaviors were causing undue stress on his work and family relationships. Upon discovering that they were really rooted in emotional unhealth, such as a fear of displeasing others, he made changes that led to healthier, happier relationships. He shares some of his lessons learned in this book.

How to Stop the Pain (James Richards)

Everyone experiences pain, but we can choose not to let things hurt us! We also create pain by the judgments we make, of ourselves, others, and God. There is another way. Great book!

How We Love (Milan & Kay Yerkovich)

This is a marriage book, but the material in it should be helpful for anyone who wants to discover more about herself and “how she loves” in relationships. It explores various attachment styles and how our childhoods impact the way we relate to our romantic partners.

Journey to Wholeness in Christ (Signa Bodishbaugh)

A 40-day Spirit-led “journey” with journaling and reflection exercises.

Love Is a Choice (Minirth, Meier & Hemfelt)

Great book that helped lead me out of codependency and into healthier relationships.

Pleasers (Kevin Leman)

This book is for women who are too “nice,” especially in their romantic relationships. One thing that surprised me is that being a people pleaser is tantamount to being a liar because you’re not telling the other person the truth; you’re just telling them what you think they want to hear. It is possible to be assertive and confident while still being soft and feminine.

Making Peace with Your Father (David Stoop)

Discusses different types of fathers and the wounds they might cause (even in their absence). Provides exercises to help identify wounds and move towards forgiveness.

Making Peace with Your Mom (H. Norman Wright)

A helpful book for those who would like to improve their relationships with their mom or understand her influence in their lives.

*Men Who Hate Women & the Women Who Love Them (Susan Forward)

NY Times Bestseller back in the ‘80s. Helpful resource for women who find themselves drawn to unhealthy men and relationships.

Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters (Meg Meeker)

A pediatrician spells out the role fathers are designed to play in their daughters’ lives and why. Full of stories and examples, this book can be very healing as it helps daughters identify the attributes they needed from their fathers but may not have received.

Writing to Be Whole (Eddie Ensley and Robert Herrmann)

A spiral-bound journaling-style book with Q&A activities that help you reflect on your past, present, and future.

Jason’s Picks

Desiring God (John Piper)

How finding joy and satisfaction in God brings him the most glory.

Gospel Treason (Brad Bigney)

Discusses the dangers of idolatry, making anyone or anything more important than God.

Prodigal God (Tim Keller)

Incredible book exploring the character of God and his love for his children.

The Reason for God (Tim Keller)

A modern apologetic resource, helpful for anyone struggling with believing in or trusting God.

The Meaning of Marriage (Tim Keller)

Good teaching on the fundamentals of Christian marriage and God’s intent behind it.

Recovering Redemption (Matt Chandler & Michael Snetzer)

Introspective book showing that we are all serving something and using it to fill and complete us.

The Four Loves (C.S. Lewis)

Thought-provoking teaching around the different types of love and how to look at them biblically.

Singleness

*Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man (Steve Harvey)

Dating strategies to help women find a quality man, recognizing that not all men are ready for relationships.

Boundaries in Dating (Henry Cloud and John Townsend)

A helpful look at what healthy dating is and isn’t and how to do it well.

God, You, & Sex (David White)

Not a singleness book per se (though it contains a chapter on singleness, which the author did experience), but a very important book for singles to read. It challenged my preconceived notions, fed by both the world and the church, of what sex is about and why. It’s a theological, rather than a “biological” book, so it should not lead into temptation but, if anything, away from it.

*He’s Just Not That into You (Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo)

This book demystified some things for me. For instance, just like not every man is my type, I am not going to be every man’s type. It’s nothing personal. “He’s just not that into me.” One review says this book teaches women to read male signals and stop wasting time on dead-end relationships.

How to Avoid Falling in Love with a Jerk (John Van Epp)

This is the only book on this list I haven’t read, but I heard the author speak and admired him.

How to Get a Date Worth Keeping (Henry Cloud)

Dr. Cloud “dating coaches” one of his single, female employees, as long as she agrees to do everything he asks her, no questions asked. His strategy forces her to “put herself out there,” which leads to her meeting more men, including her husband.

Singled Out: Why Celibacy Must Be Reinvented in Today’s Church (Christine Colon & Bonnie Field)

Not a super encouraging book, but good to read if you want to feel understood as a single. (Church leaders are really the ones who should read this book.) The single, female authors provide lots of examples of why singleness in the church (and world) is such a struggle today.

*Straight Talk, No Chaser (Steve Harvey)

Helps women understand how men think, what their priorities are, and what motivates them.