Several collective calendars acknowledge every day, week, month, and ancillary date celebration known to humans–including World Book Day on April 23. (I should know. I’m proud to say I helped create a week on that calendar dedicated to personal finance.)
In 1995, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) established what is technically called “World Book and Copyright Day.” The United Nations committee gathered under the international auspices of publishers, booksellers and libraries. It determined to establish a global day celebrating the love of reading—and it seems the legal discourse to keep all written materials protected, too.
All bookworms and bibliophiles are given April to declare their love for reading aloud. Yet, they tend to limit themselves publicly. In Christianity, church folk like to take the easy way out for positioning.
“What’s your favorite book?”
“Well, bless God. The Bible, of course.”
Yes, thank you, Captain Sanctimony. We understand that the 66 chapters of the King James Bible are the only page-turner for you. But countless shelves contain other dynamic Christian books, study guides, devotionals, fictional stories, leadership notes, non-fiction accounts, and scriptural-based lessons.
If there is one thing the Church has in surplus, it is a litany of amazing reads and incredible books. World Book Day should be a clarion call in every church worldwide to note the best ones for any personal library. If for any other reason, April 23 is a fun time for Pastor to promote the latest title in the bookstore.
We all have favorites, right? Some of them are those special books that are earmarked and highlighted because the certain anointed words within those pages grab your heart and cause you to think of Jesus in a different, unforgettable way.
What books would you recommend if you could shout at all readers of Close to Home or Patheos? Let’s highlight some of the best-selling, heart-filling, life-changing books Christians must own, read, and bless for others.
If you had to make a list, these all-time greats for the Church should populate it.
Bible Studies
“Battlefield of the Mind,” Joyce Meyer (1995)
It makes sense that our soul and its focal point, the mind, are the fulcrum between the Spirit of God reigning within us and the enmity of the flesh. We doubt God’s Word and make horrible decisions with it, too. The power of the mind is painted in the red letters of the Bible; yet, when Joyce Meyer wrote this Bible Study, “Battlefield of the Mind,” it shattered the psyche. You’ve always been told, “Change your mind.” In this powerful book, Joyce shows you how.
“Breaking Free,” Beth Moore (1999)
Notable people in their professions all have a “that’s where it all began” moment. Outside of God’s calling, this extraordinary Bible Study was that point for Beth Moore. Beth Moore’s mandate to the Body of Christ was actually what was perceived as a comparative exegete between the meandering children of Israel and the like-minded believers of today. God wants us all to experience freedom. Romans 6:22 declares it. This Bible Study repeats clearsightedly, unlike most Christian books have before or since.
“When God’s Spirit Moves,” Jim Cymbala (2011)
Anyone looking for a new vision of what God wants for their life either listens to a pastor or attends church. When the pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle wrote a book to point out a path for Christians to find a refreshed direction on their own, people paid attention. This exploration of the Holy Spirit is a fundamental part of a new Christian’s understanding of the third person of the Trinity. Pastor Cymbala uses personal anecdotes and scriptural truth to walk anyone through Biblical mysteries. Thanks to this comprehensive but concise study, what may have been unexplained is now uncovered.
Business
“Jesus CEO,” Laurie Beth Jones (1995)
(Self-disclosure: I’m on my second book because I destroyed the first one, with pages falling out and notes clouding the words.) This book is valuable for understanding how the workplace should operate, and you may be the only Christ-follower in the building. Jesus comes to town with a vision for a new operation, recruits 12 guys, trains them (a lot), and finds them all successful after multiple mistakes on the job. How did this concept develop until 1995? Who knows? Thank God Ms. Jones did it. Buy this!
“Every Good Endeavor,” Timothy Keller (2012)
If you’re unaware of Timothy Keller in the Christian Business space, learn his name. He is pastor of New York’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church and the New York Times bestselling author of The Reason for God. Keller understands business clearly, but he also understands how to get you to understand business even more. The keys in this book are adaptable and can be used in many ways. How do you use grace on the job? How can you receive mercy there, too? It’s an eye-opening experience.
“Work Matters,” Tom Nelson (2011)
How often have you heard about someone who comes to church and acts like heaven every Sunday? Then, you see that person acting like a bat out of hell on Monday? There’s no connection between the Gospel message to start the week and the lost connection of how to apply that message to wrap up the week. Nelson focuses on God’s work in the world and forces that to become your new perspective. How it happens proves it all “matters!” If being the witness everyone needs but rarely sees in the workplace, this will be your routine each morning before work.
Devotionals
“Jesus Calling,” Sarah Young (2004)
This should be the hot-seller for World Book Day among modern Bible devotions. Sarah Young’s book is considered the standard among guides for daily living. It has a tone uncommon in most Christian books–calming and comforting. It’s like Max Lucado and the Holy Spirit got together and wrote Young a pamphlet on how to soothe a confused Christian. It’s just that good. And the nearly 50 million copies sold will validate that sentiment.
“My Utmost for His Highest,” Oswald Chambers (1924)
Imagine marrying a man considered a modern-day prophet because he sees things around you and about the Gospels you could never see on your own. Then, the great man of God dies due to complications from some pulmonary issues. And now, Biddy, his faithful wife determines her vision — take your husband’s ideas and allow the Holy Spirit to fill in the blanks, and you have a book. That was 1927. Today, it’s been in print for 97 years, printed in 39 languages, and more than 14 million worldwide. That’s wife love!
“The Imitation of Christ,” Thomas Kempis (1418)
It was published during the Dark Ages, but when this devotional–originally written in Latin–reached people, hundreds of millions of lives changed for the glory of God. Thomas Kempis wrote this, literally, with a child in mind because “love should be free and unrestrained.” Kempis’ book was the crux of the Devotio Moderna movement. To this day, this is the most popular and (considered) best-selling Christian book in history, second only to the Holy Bible.
Fiction
“The Shack,” William Paul Young (2007)
One day, Christmas was here, and people talked about the usual pastors and a few Bible studies. The next day, everyone else shouted at anyone who would listen about this Trinity idea dumped on its head and recreated through the lens of nothing you would ever expect. Whatever you think the Church can do to make you reconsider how God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost will transform your life, think much harder. What you learn inside “The Shack” is nothing compared to how you learn to listen outside of it. Your life won’t be the same.
“Redeeming Love,” Francine Rivers (1991)
It’s a historical fiction book written in the California Gold Rush. By the time you are neck deep in learning about the lives these daring miners work for their blessing, that’s when the revelation comes–you’re tiptoeing through the Book of Hosea in the most respectful way. And when you trip over the welcome mat over the Book of Hosea, you’re faced first at the feet of Jesus, understanding what these characters know now — absolute forgiveness.
“This Present Darkness,” Frank E. Peretti (1986)
Suspense. Horror. Thriller. And Fantasy. It’s everything most nerds for a day out on the town. This poor tiny town of Ashton becomes ground zero for a tug-of-war between humans who want more and demonic spirits who believe they have more. Before this, many young adult Christians who didn’t know about the other fantasy OGs in space thought this was the next Marvel or DC movie with potential. If only that happened!
Leadership
“The Power of Positive Thinking,” Norman Vincent Peale (1952)
These days, thanks to The Secret and “The Law of Attraction,” or speaking a claim and watching it come to pass, we are all aware of the power of positive speaking, but it all begins in the mind. And no man or woman of God was quite ahead of the curb as Norman Vincent Peale and his inspiring book, “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Millions have been sold, and the book has been written in over 40 languages. It is an effective tool for your arsenal.
“The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” John Maxwell (1998)
Easily one of the best investments for any Christian with a purpose to lead. John Maxwell’s entire catalog can guide you to the Promised Land, but these 21 irrefutable laws will keep you there and get you the penthouse behind the gated community. The book spans generations because a Baby boomer could get blessed through this as much as their Generation Y child could. It’s a universal motivator for “Let’s Go!”
“Who Moved My Pulpit,” Thom Rainer (2016)
“Simple Church” author Tom Rainer studied the management of 50,000 churches and found that 90 percent of American congregations are losing ground in their communities. Pastors need strategies, and preachers need directions. Through the world’s actions, those teachers look to reverse that trend. The time is now to stop moving the thing and give it a home.
Non-Fiction
“The Case for Christ,” Lee Strobel (1998)
One man, a respected newspaper journalist and investigative reporter for the Chicago Tribune named Lee Strobel, searched for unrefuted proof and an unrelenting reason for the birth, life, death and resurrection. He was a skeptic and demanded truth for himself. What he found changed his life, and how he found it has changed millions. It’s been an acclaimed movie, too. His path to righteousness is something we should all understand. And even if we can’t, watching how it happened is fascinating.
“Heaven is for Real,” Todd Burpo (2010)
A book and a movie that may be a little better, “Heaven is for Real,” is about a cute three-year-old named Colton who was under the knife for an emergency. Unsuspecting to anyone in the operating room, Colton tragically slips away. An hour later, he returns and shares with everyone what he saw, exactly what was happening–in different rooms, among each doctor, and even the people crying in the hallway. Dad wrote the book. Colton narrates the movie. And we get to understand Jesus so-so-so loves His babies! Can’t wait.
“The Cross and the Switchblade,” David Wilkerson (1970)
If you know David Wilkerson, you know he’s a kind and folksy guy who loves Jesus and everyone else. Any book of his for World Book Day would be a nice read. But this one hits differently. “The Cross and the Switchblade” is that life-changing story about not judging anything–or anyone named Nicky Cruz–by what you see but only speaking to a situation through what you know. And having faith in Christ that everything will work out. A champion’s story, if ever there was one.
Prophecy
“The Late, Great Planet Earth,” Hal Lindsey (1970)
This book has sold 35 million copies so far, and plenty more people worldwide grabbed it, got scared stiff, and gave their lives directly to God. Eschatology and the Book of Revelation (and Daniel) are chapters that can rock someone to their core. Many bubble question marks float overhead regarding the prophecy of the end days. Yet, TV personality Hal Lindsey had a way of breaking down the nuance of complex prophecy into translatable reality. And then, even more, people got saved.
“Left Behind,” Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (1995-2007)
When Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins first got together to discuss the practical applications and understanding of the Book of Revelation, there was no telling they were about to embark on a journey of 16 best-selling books. The “Left Behind” universe repurposed content that has touched dozens of millions of people. Since then, five movies have hit the big screen. There have been spinoffs, study guides, graphic novels from Tyndale, and even a video game! There is a fascination with the end times because many believe it will affect them. Somehow.
“Fresh Fire,” Mario Murillo (1991)
Many preachers explore the depths of America’s free fall through politics, social ills, and the influence of Satan everywhere. Yet, few ministers of the Gospel attack the enemy and warn children of God about impending doom with such convincing force as Mario Murillo. As the tagline of the book proclaims, “When you are finally serious about power in the End Times.” As the Bible proclaims, Jesus was imbued–as are we–with “incomparable great power.” That power is fully displayed through Murillo’s fueled words in “Fresh Fire.”
Relationship
“The Power of a Praying Wife,” Stormie Omartian (1997)
Think “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” There is a bowl of soup for everything under the sun. It’s comical and lost its luster of pragmatic commentary, but there they are. Unlike that, Stormie Omartian and the “Power of Praying” series began with “The Power of a Praying Wife” before the turn of the century. It was remarkable. Omartian wrote down the power behind the prayers and the reasons for the revelation. And then, like Holy Ghost dominoes, every type of person needs prayer power. It’s one of the most remarkable Christian book series ever.
“The Five Love Languages,” Gary Chapman (1995)
Saved or not, single or not, Gary Chapman’s “The Five Love Languages” created more than something to fill the shelves at a local library. It created a revolution. It gave a voice to how people loved each other, even if they didn’t do it “your way.” Each expression gave freedom to the over 20 million people who bought the book. And now that there are 11 books in the series, there is no telling how many questions have been answered through these native tongues, now translated into 50 languages. Amazing reads.
“Courtship After Marriage,” Zig Ziglar (2018)
When you’re married after 50 years, these books should come easily to a writer. Yet, when you’re one of the most quotable Christians in history, this particular relationship book shouldn’t be able to stay on a shelf. For a while, this couldn’t. Ziglar’s incomparable ability to boil complex issues into simple eight-word sentences is fascinating. Writing about keeping a marriage holy is no different regarding Zig Ziglar. There’s even a 60-question quiz to audit your marriage. If you haven’t read this, his “Six Steps for Starting Over” (regardless of how long you’ve been married) is worth the investment. Period.
Spirituality
“The Search for Significance,” Robert S. McGee (1984)
For World Book Day, this should be required reading for any new Christian because of the practicality of every Biblical truth and note Robert McGee lists in this book. At its essence, self-worth has nothing to do with your value, only your perception of how God sees you. There’s no excuse not to read and cherish this deep-sea diving exercise into the Word of God.
“In Pursuit of God,” A. W. Tozer (1948)
Some books are classics for a reason- they never get old. A.W. Tozer’s seminal study of the divinity of Christ and the reality of God is a must-own for any believer. Simply put, from Tozer’s pen, “God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves.” Own and digest this book if you haven’t already.
“The Prayer of Jabez,” Bruce Wilkinson (2000)
It was a pocketbook, a stocking stuffer–all based on a popular prayer from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. And then, it went viral like few things ever have in the Church. Before social media and email, this Bruce Wilkinson book led to a series that changed lives globally. Everyone needed this prayer in their closet, from the countless sermons to the mandatory memorizations. It all began with this book, with reports of nine to 15 million copies sold.
“Crazy Love,” Francis Chan (2008)
Often, it’s the most rudimentary of concepts that gain the most attention. Like, “How did I not think of that or even see that before?!” When Francis Chan wrote “Crazy Love,” the world did a collective facepalm. Within months, two million books were sold, and every church was doing a “Crazy Love” series for bandwagoning blessing. The brevity and agility of each thought poke you like a hypodermic needle. One of my favorites that convicted me like self-flagellation was, “Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.” Wait, what?! Chan makes a fascinating read that is as full as much cheer as conviction.
“He Chose the Nails,” Max Lucado (2000)
Best-selling author of approximately 145 million books and founding pastor of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, Max Lucado is arguably the most prolific storyteller of this generation or most others. His ability to weave a tapestry of words transports any believer into the scene he is creating to help that person understand the reality of God’s Word is mesmerizing. And this book for new creatures in Christ probably does it better than any other in his austere collection. It’s a life-changing tale for someone whose life just changed.
“More Than a Carpenter,” Josh McDowell, 1977
Much like Lee Strobel’s journey into the unknown, Josh McDowell was a hardcore skeptic with an adroit and analytical mind. His doubts had a rationale, and his complaints had a reason. How would anyone who doesn’t know him know that? Read the book. It’s gripping and dogmatic and slaps any non-believer of Christ smooth in the mouth. McDowell’s fluid explanation of who Jesus is and why…and how…confronts anyone with their unbelief and forces them to stand upright and become singled out for their senseless reality.
As a point of cherished reference, I used to ask, “How come no one says ‘Buddha Dangit?” (You get it.) I thought I was being cute. Little did I know someone much smarter than me had the same idea years before. I only learned the answer to my senseless question when reading this book. “Why don’t the names of Buddha, Mohammed, or Confucius offend people the way the name of Jesus does? I think the reason is that these other religious leaders didn’t claim to be God.” Yeah, what he said. It’s one of the most popular evangelism tools for a reason.
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