Friday, March 1, 2024

The Most Influential Books in My Life

In my previous article, Those Who Have Most Influenced My Life, I shared with you who the people are that have most profoundly impacted my life. Today I want to share with you which books have had the greatest impact upon me.

Of course, the first and foremost book that's transformed me is the Holy Bible, God's Word. It was through a quest for truth in the Bible that I came to know Christ. A friend challenged me to blow the dust off my Bible and begin reading it. But he challenged me to pray before reading it and ask God to show me the whole truth and nothing but the truth. That soon led to my salvation, which I have documented in The Truth Set Me Free! Let me challenge you to do the same. Read you Bible and before you do, pray and ask God to reveal the whole truth to you and nothing but the truth. Ask Him to speak to you and reveal Himself to you. I assure you that He will do so, if you seek Him sincerely with all your heart. I would encourage you to begin with the New Testament, especially the gospel of John.

But aside from the Bible, there are other books that have impacted my life in one way or another. These include the following:

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
John Bunyan: Author of The Pilgrim's Progress by Sam Wellman
Smith Wigglesworth: Apostle of Faith by Stanley Howard Frodsham
Baptize by Blazing Fire by Yong Doo Kim
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Heroes of the Faith: Dietrich Bonhoeffer by Michael Van Dyke
Yes, Lord! by Harald Bredesen
Release of the Spirit by Watchman Nee
The Doulos Principle: Called to be God's Slaves by James Walker Garrett
Angels on Assignment by Charles and Frances Hunter
Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China by Janet and Geoff Benge
Adoniram Judson: Bound for Burma by Janet and Geoff Benge
Healing the Sick by T.L. Osborn
Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
Rees Howells: Intercessor by Norman Grubb
John Wesley: The Great Methodist by Sam Wellman
The Obedience of Faith by Mary Campbell Wilson
John Newton: Author of "Amazing Grace" by Anne Sandberg
Samuel Morris: The Apostle of Simple Faith by W. Terry Whalin
David Livingstone: Africa's Trailblazer by Janet and Geoff Benge
John and Betty Stam: Missionary Martyrs by Vance Christie
George Muller: Man of Faith by Bonnie Harvey
Set the Trumpet to Thy Mouth by David Wilkerson
Only Love Can Make a Miracle by Mahesh Chavda
John Williams: Messenger of Peace by Janet and Geoff Benge
Sundar Singh: Footprints over the Mountains by Janet and Geoff Benge
The Heavens Opened by Anna Rountree
The Priestly Bride by Anna Rountree
Foxe's Book of Martyrs by John Foxe
He Came to Set the Captives Free by Dr. Rebecca Brown Yoder, MD.

Some other books that I enjoyed, which I recommend are:

A Plain Account of Christian Perfection by John Wesley
Visions Beyond the Veil by H.A. Baker
Hinds' Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Ida Scudder: Healing Bodies, Touching Hearts by Janet and Geoff Benge

What I have found is that in many cases the biographies of some people have affected me much more than the books they themselves have written, as you might have noticed in this list. This goes to show that the way people live their lives can have just as great or greater impact on others than even their writings. If you are looking for a good book to read, I can recommend to you the ones I have listed above, and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Author's note: If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy Those Who Have Most Influenced My Life and The Truth Set Me Free! You may access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." 
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He has been based in Eastern Europe, helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. He is currently on furlough, off the field, praying and seeking the Lord's guidance regarding where to be, and for the provision to fulfill the mission. www.dmiworld.org. 

2 comments:

  1. Thank you brother Len.. i needed a guide on the best books to read. And this list Is awesomely good.. Finding these books will be great for the reading room And for myself. thanks

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    1. You're welcome, sister Sherry. I'm glad you found it helpful. God bless you.

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