Certain television shows, movies and books just bring you closer to God, and what Christian doesn’t desire closeness with God? Books can be some of the most effective tools in understanding God and His love for you. Here are some books that will serve as both a catalyst in your relationship with Jesus and a fun read.
Praying For Your Elephant: Boldly Approaching Jesus with Radical and Audacious Prayer
By Adam Stadtmiller
Another serious read, Adam Stadtmiller’s Praying For Your Elephant, examines the importance of prayer—or rather, the importance of significant prayer. Stadtmiller helps you to identify your “elephants”—the most outrageous and daring prayers that you can imagine asking God. And he challenges you to have the courage to then pray them. Stadtmiller wraps up by explaining how to implement prayer so that it may revolutionize your life, and the world. Praying For Your Prayer also includes a prayer chart, so you can keep track of what you’re praying about. There’s certainly an elephant in the room, and it’s this life-changing book about prayer.
Thou Shall
By Jamie Snyder
Thou Shall Not. The first three words of the Ten Commandments are almost universally recognizable, by Christians and non-Christians alike. In Thou Shall, Jamie Snyder debunks the misconception that God is merely “the Great Referee in the sky,” waiting for you to mess up so He can blow his whistle. Snyder asks his readers to avoid living a life where their sole purpose is avoiding sin. Yes, sin is bad. However, instead of devoting energy to eluding sin, Snyder encourages readers to give that same energy to spreading the word and love of God. Live a life of compassion and action, and live by the words “thou shall,” rather than “thou shall not.” Shall we recommend this book to all of our friends? We shall.
All You Want To Know About The Bible in Pop Culture: Finding Our Creator in Superheroes, Prince Charming, and Other Modern Marvels
By Kevin Harvey
What does Superman have to do with Jesus Christ? And how is the Bible connected to your favorite reality show? Read Kevin Harvey’s All You Want To Know About The Bible in Pop Culture and find out! This entertaining book takes a fascinating, but honest look at pop culture, and how most of it is probably influenced by the Bible. God manifests Himself in mysterious ways—just turn on the television and see. Or, you can read Harvey’s novel and have him explain how Disney’s Rapunzel is a testament to how we’re all God’s children. The book is also full of fun, informative quizzes and trivia. This book is totally binge worthy!
Be the Message: Taking Your Faith Beyond Words to a Life of Action
By Kerry & Chris Shook
Written by husband and wife duo, Kerry and Chris Shook, Be The Message is more of a call to action than a religious book. Kerry and Chris step back and examine the very real disconnect between what they preached in Church and how they lived their actual lives. They reveal that this disconnect is present for most Christians, and that it takes a certain awareness to begin to live the words of Christ. The couple discloses the characteristics of an active, gospel-filled life: “truth, love and grace.” Be The Message is more of a serious read, but if you’re feeling like your life is lacking God-inspired action then it’s a great book to sink into.
Tongue Pierced: How the Words You Speak Transform the Life You Live
By Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson
Everyone knows that words are important. They’re how you form relationships, how you lose them, how you connect to the world and how you express yourself. Still, Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson want you to know more deeply that words can do all of this and more. Words even have the power to change your reality! Just think of all the great stories that began with the few words “once upon a time.” The words of your story are just as important, and just as mighty. If you would like to know more about how the words you speak influence the world and the future, then pick up Tongue Pierced. The book also includes a “Thirty-Day No-Cursing Challenge.” We may not recommend a tongue piercing, but we definitely recommend this book.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Teens Talkin’ Faith
By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Michelle L. Trujillo
Chicken Soup for the Soul Teens Talkin’ Faith includes advice and personal stories written by Mrs. T. This collection of stories is broken up into chapters about faith, doubt and trials. There are honest, heartfelt stories about doubting God but knowing in the end He’s there. There are numerous encouraging stories. There are poems praising and thanking God. The book includes teens talking about God’s love and forgiveness. This book will renew your hope in God and encourage your faith.
