I thought it was time to put together a list of the 10 best (and most challenging) books I’ve read in the past 10 years.
These books have convicted my heart, challenged my theology, helped me grow, opened up my eyes to new insights, and helped me love Jesus more. When we love Jesus more we can be a better wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, employee, neighbor, and so on.
Wow, it was hard to confine this list to just 10 (and I omitted some great titles I’ve read more than 10 years ago), but these are the books I need to re-read now and then because their principles are timeless. And this list is in no particular order…I’d rate them all No. 1:
- A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller (There are golden nuggets in this book that I think about daily and I can’t forget his description of how cynicism in this world affects us.)
- Slave: The Hidden Truth About Your Identity in Christ by John MacArthur (You will never again confuse the word “servant” — which is a profession — with “slave” — which is a purchased possession. We are God’s slaves.)
- Say Goodbye to Regret: Living Beyond the Would-Haves, Could-Haves, and Should-Haves by Robert Jeffress
- Grace Gone Wild: Getting a Grip on God’s Amazing Gift by Robert Jeffress
- The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People by John Ortberg
- The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible Really Says About the End Times and Why It Matters Today by Hank Hanegraaff
- The Last Days According to Jesus: When Did Jesus Say He Would Return? By R.C. Sproul (If you think we’re living in the “last days” that the Bible refers to, I challenge you to read this one!)
- Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed: Experiencing God in Extraordinary Ways by Lysa TerKeurst
- When People are Big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man by Edward T. Welch (Ok, I read it 15 years ago, but just revisited it this week as I was finishing up my book, Drama Free — which releases in March. We are drama when we fear people more than we fear God!)
- Suburbianity: What Have We Done to the Gospel? Can We Find Our Way Back to Biblical Christianity? by Byron Forrest Yawn.
Which books have been life-changers for you? Please let me know in the comment section below. I’m sure I — and my readers– can glean from your list, too. Keep reading books and keep growing!
Thank you so much for sharing these. I love reading books that enrich my walk with the Lord and that reinforce what I find in His Word. A couple of my faves are Following Christ by Joseph Stowell and Let God Be God by Ray Stedman.
Leah, thank you for your comments. I do like Joseph Stowell, so I’ll have to check that one out. “Let God be God” also sounds great. Thank you for suggesting them.
Hi Cindi, I loved your list! I read at least one new book on prayer every year. I had not read the one in your list by Paul Miller, so I am making it my next one!
Have you read Transforming Prayer by Daniel Henserson? Another excellent choice!
God bless you!
Hi Sara! Thanks for reading and commenting on my list. Yes, A Praying Life….so unforgettable. I have not yet read “Transforming Prayer” but thank you for the recommendation. Will add that to my list.
Beautiful Outlaw – John Eldridge
Oh, yes, Hugh has that one but I haven’t yet read it. Sounds like I need to. Thanks, Barbara.
I’ve read and reviewed at least 60 books so far this year but the one that really stands out to me is Bronner, A Journey to Understand by Sherri Burgess. She and her husband Rick (of the national radio show Rick and Bubba) lost their two year old son to an accidental drowning. Even through the grief they used this to witness to others about the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. I was amazed, astounded and deeply moved by this book.
Wow, that sounds like an excellent read, Gail. Thank you. And 60 books this year alone! You are amazing!
Hi Cindi, thanks for sharing your lists. Your articles have been a great blessing to me. I love writing and reading too. Prayer secrets by Kenneth E. Hagin is an amazing book.
Cindi – it looks like a great list. I recognize most of these authors. When you have time, could you tell us why you liked each one so much?
Blessings, Donna
Will try to do that soon, Donna. Thanks for requesting it. I’m currently finishing up the manuscript for my next book, Drama Free (releasing from Harvest House Publishers in March, 2017). Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hi again Cindi, I got my copy of A Praying Life today! Loved the first chapter! Thanks for the recommendation. Btw, Kurt and I are headed to the leadership prayer conference in Denver at the end of the month. Jim Cymbala is one of the speakers.
I’m so glad you are reading A Praying Life, Sara. Let me know what you think. Especially when you get to pages 92-94….his lesson on cynicism, using David’s life as a contrast. Life-changing!!I have several other pages highlighted and marked, but that one still stands out to me.