RU Searching for inspiring Christian books?

Have you found a go-to Christian book? One that you keep coming back to year after year. A book that brought you closer to God? That’s the question we put to the Rise Up UK team.

Firstly though, there is nothing that can replace reading your Bible regularly. It is one of the precious means by which God communicates with us. There are likely to be other books that also deepen your faith and help you apply biblical teaching to your everyday life.

Here’s the Rise Up team’s recommendations: -

Jo Pearse

I love testimonies. Currently, I’m reading Jean Gibson’s “Seasons of Womanhood & Joyful in Hope.” It is a collection of inspiring stories of women who have faced the reality of life and proved the sufficiency of God in many circumstances.

Before that, I read Melody Green’s “No Compromise,” which is the life story of songwriter Keith Green. It was an amazing read.

For personal development and exploration of Christian identity, “The Gift of Being Yourself” by David Benner is excellent.

Ruth Watkins

My recommendation for a brilliant book is “The Spirit Filled Believers Handbook” by Derek Prince.

It explains the foundation of the Christian faith, salvation, baptism, the Holy Spirit, resurrection and eternal judgement based upon studies of the original Greek and Hebrew texts. Derek Prince Ministries describes it as having “everything you need to develop a strong, balanced, spirit-filled life.”

Lou Ray

The two books I recommend are “Strengthen Yourself in the Lord,” by Bill Johnson, and “The Lost Art of Intercession” by James Goll.

The first book provides helpful insight into navigating the challenges of life. As well as citing personal experience, the author covers how King David strengthens himself in the Lord when it seems life is conspiring against him.

The second book has an extended title, “Restoring the Power and Passion of the Watch of the Lord.” It explains that when God hears the prayers and worship of His children, He sends supernatural power to intervene in response. He loves to hear our voices.

I’ve found both books very helpful, and I should read the Intercession one again!

Gill Trevor

Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest” is my recommendation for a daily devotional and my favourite book.

The book compiles Oswald’s preaching to students and soldiers and is a challenging daily read that gets you thinking. Although he lived from 1874 to 1917, the content is still pertinent today.

The last book that got me excited was “The Unshakeable Kingdom and The Unchanging Person,” by Dr. E. Stanley Jones. The book provides a demonstration of how to claim our spiritual heritage and the abundant life we are promised by embracing the Kingdom and Person of Jesus.

Gill Bough

I often revisit Bob Sorge’s “Secrets of the Secret Place” plus Oswald Chamber’s “My Utmost for His Highest”. Both are excellent. Bob’s book emphasises that we are unique and we will all have a unique relationship with God. It helps provide context to personal struggles as well as encourage developing a personal connection with God. The Oswald Chambers daily devotional challenges us in our walk with God.

The last book I read that excited by spirit was “Momentum”, by John Bugden.

Also, “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Peter Scazzero is a book I can recommend. The book’s title continues with “It’s Impossible to Be Spiritual Mature While Remaining Emotionally Immature.” Peter explains how God showed him how to integrate emotional well-being with the spiritual practice of slowing and quieting your life in order to experience a closer relationship with Jesus. I benefitted from reading this book.

Sarah Canning

I can’t narrow it down to one book. Gill [Bough] once recommended to me “Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels” by Kenneth Bailey. It differed from most books I’d read and interpreted the Gospels within the framework of the historical and cultural setting of the time. This context helped me understand the significance of actions taken when Jesus was alive as well as show the poetic structure of the texts. For a much shorter book, Watchman Nee’s “Sit Walk Stand” is easy to read. It sets out our position in Christ, our life in the world and our attitude towards the enemy, and I found that helpful when I first came to faith.

Clare Cleave

There are so many outstanding books. I love Bob Sorge’s “Secrets of the Secret Place” and Melody Green’s “No Compromise” about her husband, Keith Green. Just after Keith died, I went along to a concert with my church youth group. I remember vividly when there was a call for total commitment to Christ, praying to God that I would go anywhere and do anything for Him. My life changed in that moment.

There are some wonderful testimony books, and the ones that stand out for me are “Chasing the Dragon” by Jackie Pullinger & Andrew Quicke, “Run Baby Run” by Nicky Cruz and “The Hiding Place” by Corrie ten Bloom.   

We hope you have discovered some new favourites to inspire your walk with God. Let us know how you get on and, if interested, we can partner up people in reading too so you share the experience.