I’ve been doing a lot of studying lately. I had foot surgery in early December, which left me sitting on forced bed rest. December is a busy time in my home but this rest allowed me time to study my bible and consume books and media to help me get into and understand God’s word. I found so many great resources that every day was packed with learning for me.
I was lucky enough, (or more likely led by God) to find a church near my home with real bible based teachings. This church community has welcomed my family with open arms and given us so much to be thankful for in a church family. Our church has a website that has a link to all its past and current teachings. These series of teachings have been so helpful for me and have led me on a quest to find even more resources for getting into the word. Since some of the series have been based on books it has encouraged me to read more books on Christian Living and Prayer.
Right before my surgery, my church has a conference on mental health. At this conference, my church had about thirty books on a table that all had something to offer about mental health. I picked up a copy of Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald and it was just what I needed. This book really helped me put my time into perspective. In today’s busy world we all need to shut down. Gordan MacDonald is a seasoned Christian and pastor and his insight into how to pull away from all the demands on our time for quality time with God was so timely for me.
Gordan’s book had me taking furious notes while I read. This book had me seriously asking myself if I spend enough quiet time with God to hear his still, small voice on what He has called me to do with my life. Gordan’s insight into how Jesus managed his time, as shown in the gospels, was such a blessing for me.
I picked up Seek Him First: How to Hear from God, Walk in His Will, and Change Your World by Jennifer Hayes Yates on a whim. I didn’t realize this book would lead me on a journey for a prayer ritual that set my days on fire for God. Jennifer has a genuine heart for God and invites all her readers to go along with her as she seeks God daily.
In this book, Jennifer Hayes Yates encourages readers to make God a number one priority by setting time aside to pray and study scripture. Jennifer invites the readers to join a Facebook group that sends out almost daily tips on seeking God. Her website is also loaded with resources, most of them are free and I highly recommend you dig into them.
I am currently reading another book by her called Living Faith: A Study of Hebrews 11. This book takes Hebrews 11 and studies it line by line, referencing back to the Old Testament, Diving into this chapter in Hebrews on the great models of faith has been such an inspiration to me.
Probably my favorite book I’ve read during this time was Your Powerful Prayers: Reaching the Heart of God with a Bold and Humble Faith by Susie Larson. I can’t say enough about what this book did for my prayer life. Using scripture as a reference, Susie led me to see how God wants me to approach him in prayer.
Susie uses her own stories as a catalyst for a walk through the bible introducing us to who we are to God. Susie invites the reader to dare to pray like we’re loved and to pray those impossible prayers. God wants to perform miracles in our lives. If we align our hearts and approach the throne of God boldly, who can be against us?
I enjoyed this book so much that after borrowing it from the library and reading it through, I bought a copy for my future reference. I am not the kind of person to re-read a book but this book is one I want to have on hand to re-read when my prayer life seems to stall, which I’m sure it will at some point, (because I am human and the devil is always at work).
So that’s my list. I hope some of these can help you on your journey.
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