Reviews:
The Holy Bible
Without any question, the most valuable book we could own is the Bible. If we take seriously our desire to know how to live, we will go directly to “The Maker’s Manual”, first and foremost. It is He who made us who best knows how to instruct us to live. Read more!
The Holy Bible
Without any question, the most valuable book we could own is the Bible. If we take seriously our desire to know how to live, we will go directly to “The Maker’s Manual”, first and foremost. It is He who made us who best knows how to instruct us to live. Read more!
Daily Light
I mentioned previously that in this section I wanted to introduce you to certain individuals who, through their writings, have become my spiritual mentors and friends. Actually, the first two books that I will suggest to you “for your library” do not quite fit that category. However, I think you may find these books foundational for beginning your own digging for the principles that have been proven to constitute invaluable treasure to the lives of countless searchers over many generations. Read more!
I mentioned previously that in this section I wanted to introduce you to certain individuals who, through their writings, have become my spiritual mentors and friends. Actually, the first two books that I will suggest to you “for your library” do not quite fit that category. However, I think you may find these books foundational for beginning your own digging for the principles that have been proven to constitute invaluable treasure to the lives of countless searchers over many generations. Read more!
Strong’s Concordance
Some people say that they don’t read the Bible because it’s too hard to understand. You may have felt that way, too. I’d like to introduce you to a valuable tool that can help you, as it has me: Strong’s Concordance. If you sincerely desire to be a student of God’s Word, I suggest that you acquire this time-honored resource. Read more!
Some people say that they don’t read the Bible because it’s too hard to understand. You may have felt that way, too. I’d like to introduce you to a valuable tool that can help you, as it has me: Strong’s Concordance. If you sincerely desire to be a student of God’s Word, I suggest that you acquire this time-honored resource. Read more!
John Henry Jowett
One of my most treasured books is a daily devotional book by Dr. John Henry Jowett. My Daily Meditation is a book from a great heart. Read more!
One of my most treasured books is a daily devotional book by Dr. John Henry Jowett. My Daily Meditation is a book from a great heart. Read more!
F. B. Meyer
Another favorite devotional book of mine is by F. B. Meyer (1847-1929), a godly spiritual mentor to many. He was a contemporary and close friend of D. L. Moody, and sincerely sought to live and share the "higher life." Here is an example of his writing from Strength for the Day: "I am like a green olive tree in the house of God" (Psalm 52:8). In its dress of evergreen, the olive tree is at all times a beautiful object. There are many reasons why we should resemble it. Three ways of becoming like a green olive tree are mentioned in this and the following verses. Trust in the mercy of God - To trust when the light has burned to its socket in the house of life, and the heart is as lonely as Job's amid the wreck of his home. To believe that the mercy of God is not clear gone, nor His tender mercies failed. To know that all is well, that seems most ill. This keeps the heart from withering. Thanksgiving - "I will give thanks forever." There is always something to thank God for. When someone condoled with the old slave woman because she had only two teeth left, she replied quickly, "But I thank Him, Honey, all the time, that they are opposite each other." Find out with Paul something to be happy about, even when arraigned before a judge, on trial for your life: "I think myself happy, King Agrippa." Waiting on God - Not always talking to Him or about him, but waiting before Him, till the stream runs clear; till the cream rises to the top; till the mists part, and the soul regains its equilibrium. This keeps the soul calm and clear. The name of God is good, a wholesome theme for meditation because it includes His nature. To meditate on it is soul-quieting and elevating. O troubled one, get away to some quiet spot and wait on God! Look away from the wind and the waves to the face of Jesus. The Divine Name is written on those dear features; and heaven looks forth from those true, deep, tender eyes. The presence of God is a safe and sheltered place for His olive trees!
Another favorite devotional book of mine is by F. B. Meyer (1847-1929), a godly spiritual mentor to many. He was a contemporary and close friend of D. L. Moody, and sincerely sought to live and share the "higher life." Here is an example of his writing from Strength for the Day: "I am like a green olive tree in the house of God" (Psalm 52:8). In its dress of evergreen, the olive tree is at all times a beautiful object. There are many reasons why we should resemble it. Three ways of becoming like a green olive tree are mentioned in this and the following verses. Trust in the mercy of God - To trust when the light has burned to its socket in the house of life, and the heart is as lonely as Job's amid the wreck of his home. To believe that the mercy of God is not clear gone, nor His tender mercies failed. To know that all is well, that seems most ill. This keeps the heart from withering. Thanksgiving - "I will give thanks forever." There is always something to thank God for. When someone condoled with the old slave woman because she had only two teeth left, she replied quickly, "But I thank Him, Honey, all the time, that they are opposite each other." Find out with Paul something to be happy about, even when arraigned before a judge, on trial for your life: "I think myself happy, King Agrippa." Waiting on God - Not always talking to Him or about him, but waiting before Him, till the stream runs clear; till the cream rises to the top; till the mists part, and the soul regains its equilibrium. This keeps the soul calm and clear. The name of God is good, a wholesome theme for meditation because it includes His nature. To meditate on it is soul-quieting and elevating. O troubled one, get away to some quiet spot and wait on God! Look away from the wind and the waves to the face of Jesus. The Divine Name is written on those dear features; and heaven looks forth from those true, deep, tender eyes. The presence of God is a safe and sheltered place for His olive trees!
Suggested Reading:
(General List of Writers - Overview)
Early Centuries A. D.
Ignatius of Antioch (68-107) - Epistles (Letters)
Polycarp of Smyrna 69-155) - Letters
Clement of Rome (88-101) - Letters; The Instructor; Faith and Good Works
Tertullian (c.155-230) - The Apology; On Idolatry; The Soul's Testimony
Evagrius Ponticus 345-399) - Chapters on Prayer; Praktikos
Augustine (354-430) - The Confessions; City of God; On Christian Doctrine
Pseudo-Macarius (c.300-391) - Homilies
Guigo I (c.1083-1136) - Meditations
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) - On the Song of Songs; On Loving God
Aelred of Rievaulx (1110-1167) - Spiritual Friendship
Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) - Admonitions; Rule of 1221
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) - Summa Theologica
Richard Rolle (1300-1349) - The Fire of Love; The Mending of Life
John Tauler (1300-1361) - The Inner Way: The Book of the Poor in Spirit; Signposts to Perfection; Sermons
John Wycliffe (1328-1384) - The Poor Caitiff; Select English Works
Julian of Norwich (1342-1416) - Showings; Revelations of Divine Love
Thomas a Kempis (1379-1471) - The Imitation of Christ
Hugh Latimer (c.1480-1555) - Fruitful Sermons
William Tyndale (1492-1536) - The Parable; Exposition on the Sermon on the Mount; Preface to Obedience
John Knox (1505-1572) - Volumes 1-6
John Bradford (1510-15350 - Daily Meditations
Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) - The Interior Castle; The Way of Perfection
John Foxe (1517-1587) - Foxe's Book of Martyrs
Lorenzo Scupoli (1529-1610) - The Spiritual Combat
John of the Cross (1542-1591) - Ascent of Mount Carmel; Dark Night of the Soul;
Living Flame of Love; The Collected Works
Francis de Sales (1567-1622) - Introduction to the Devout Life; The Art of Loving God: Simple Virtues for the Christian Life; Finding God's Will for You
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1600's and 1700's
Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661_- Letters; Christ Dying and Drawing Sinners to Himself; The Trial and Triumph of Faith
Brother Lawrence (1614-1691) - The Practice of the Presence of God
Blaise Pascal (1623 -1662) - Pensees
John Bunyan (1628-1688) - Pilgrim's Progress; The Acceptable Sacrifice; Journey to Hell; The Saint's Knowledge of Christ's Love; The Water of Life
Jeanne-Marie de la Motte-Guyon (1648-1717) - Madame Guyon (autobiography); The Song of Songs
Henry Scougal (1650-1678) - The Life of God in the Soul of Man
Francois Fenelon (1651-1715) - Meditations and Devotions; Let Go; Talking With God; The Royal Way of Devotion
Jeanne-Pierre de Caussade (1675-1751) - Abandonment to Divine Providence
William Law (1686-1761) - Wholly for God; The Power of the Spirit; A Serious Call to a Devout Life
Gerhard Tersteegan (1697-1769) - The Quiet Way; A Christian's Path to Inner Peace; The Spiritual Flower Garden
Jonathon Edwards (1703-1758) - Distinguishing Marks of the Work of the Spirit of God; A Faithful Narrrative of the Surprising Work o God; Freedom of the Will; A Treatise Concerning Religious Affection; (and others)
George Whitefield (1714-1770) - Accounts of God's Dealings with George Whitefield; Sermons on Important Subjects; Works
David Brainerd (1718-1747) - The Diary and Journal of David Brainerd; The Life and Diary of David Brainerd (edited by Jonathon Edwards)
John Woolman (1720-1772) - The Journal of John Woolman; Essays
William Wilberforce (1759-1833) - A Practical View of Real Christianity
Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) - Select Works; Sabbath Scripture Readings
Charles Finney (1792-1875) - Principles of Prayer; Experiencing the Presence of God; Holy Spirit Revivals; Principles of Christian Obedience; The Complete Works of CF; Autobiography
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1800's
George Mueller (1805-1898) - Release the Power of Prayer; Autobiography
Phoebe Palmer (1807-1874) - The Way of Holiness; Entire Devotion to God; Faith and Its Effects; The Promise of the Father
Andrew Bonar (1810-1892) - Diary and Life; Heavenly Springs; Gospel Basics; The Person of Christ; (and others)
Robert Murray McCheyne (1813-1843) - The Memoirs and Remains of Rev. Robert Murray McCheyne (by Andrew Bonar)
F. W. Faber (1814-1863) - All for Jesus; Growth in Holiness; The Foot of the Cross; The Precious Blood; Faber's Hymns; (and others)
J. B. Stoney (1814-1895) - Ministry and Letters; Encouraging Words
John Charles Ryle (1816-1900) - Thoughts for Young Men; A Call to Prayer; Practical Religion; Old Paths; Holiness
Elizabeth Prentiss (1818-1878) - Stepping Heavenward; Golden Hours: Hymns and Songs of the Christian Life; Life and Letters (published after her death by her husband, George Lewis Prentiss)
Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) - Autobiography; This is my Story; This is my Song; Memories of Eighty Years; Treasures from Fanny Crosby
George MacDonald (1824-1905) - An Expression of Character (Letters); the Michael Phillips series: The Fisherman's Lady; The Musician's Quest; The Marquis' Secret; The Tutor's First Love; The Curate's Awakening; The Baronet's Song; A Daughter's Devotion; The Highlander's Last Song; Shepherd's Castle; The Maiden's Bequest; (and others)
Andrew Murray (1828-1917) - Absolute Surrender; With Christ in the School of Prayer; God's Will, Our Dwelling Place; Humility; The Secret of God's Presence; Be Perfect; The Secret of Spiritual Strength; Living to Please God; The Ministry of Intercession; (and others)
Hannah Whitall Smith (1832-1911) The God of All Comfort; The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life; God is Enough (devotional)
Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) - Morning and Evening (devotional); The Fullness of Joy; All of Grace; The Holy Spirit; God Loves You; Spiritual Warfare in a Believer's Life; Finding Peace in Life's Storms; Joy in Christ's Presence; Prayer; Power over Satan; The Soul Winner; Autobiography; 12 Sermons series (and many others)
Francis Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) - Kept for the Master's Use; Royal Bounty; Ministry of Song; Take My Life and Let it Be; Life Chords; Coming to the King; (and others)
J. R. Miller (1840-1912) - The Master's Blesseds; Making the Most of Life; Things to Live For; A Gentle Heart; Homemaking; The Family; The Hidden Life; (and others)
George Matheson (1842-1906) - Autobiography: Ecclesia; Portraits of Bible Men; Portraits of Bible Women; The Distinctive Messages of the Old Religion; Moments on the Mount; Searchings in the Silence; (and others)
Mark Guy Pearse (1842-1930) - The Christianity of Jesus Christ - Is It Ours?; God's Cure for Worry; Thoughts on Holiness; Elijah:the Man of God; The Gentleness of Jesus, and Other Sermons
A. B. Simpson (1843-1919) - The Life of Prayer; Wholly Sanctified; A Larger Christian Life; The Fourfold Gospel; The Self Life and The Christ Life; The Best of A. B. Simpson; When God Steps In; The Land of Promise; (and others)
F. B. Meyer (1847-1929) - The Secret of Guidance; The Best of A. B. Simpson; Our Daily Homily; Moses, the Servant of God; Christ in Isaiah; The Life of Joseph; The Life of Peter; The Life of Paul; Peace, Perfect Peace; The Best of F. B. Meyer (devotional); (and others)
Lilias Trotter (1853-1928) - Parables of the Cross; Parables of the Christ Life; A Passion for the Impossible (biography by M. H. Rockness)
J. Gregory Mantle (1858-1925) Beyond Humiliation: The Way of the Cross
Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947) - Complete Collection; On Healing; On the Holy Spirit; On the Power of Scripture; On the Anointing; On Spiritual Gifts; Greater Works; Ever Increasing Faith; Prophecy and the Greatest Revival of All; (and others)
Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932) - The Way to Pentecost; The Path of Prayer; The Call to Christian Perfection; The Church Without the Spirit; God Listens; Humanity and God
Samuel Logan Brengle (1860-1936) - Helps to Holiness; Heart Talks on Holiness; The Soul-winner's Secret; Take Time to Be Holy (devotional)
John Henry Jowett (1864-1923) - My Daily Meditation (devotional); The School of Calvary; Things That Matter Most; The Silver Lining; The Whole Armour of God; Brooks by the Traveler's Way; The Passion for the Soul; Come Ye Apart
John Hyde (1865-1912) - Biographies: Praying Hyde, Apostle of Prayer, by E. G. Carre; Profiles in Prayer: Praying John Hyde, by Richard Klein
Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) - Gold Cord; Candles in the Dark; If; Things as They Are; Edges of His Ways; Rose from Brier; Mimosa; Gold by Moonlight; (and others); Amy Carmichael of Dohnavur (biography), by Frank Houghton
Frank Bartleman (1871-1936) - Azuza Street; The Deity of Christ; From Plow to Pulpit
Frank Boreham (1871-1959) - Frank Boreham Treasury; Mountains in the Mist; Life Verses: The Bible's Impact on Famous Lives; The Luggage of Life
Oswald Chambers (1874--1917) - My Utmost for His Highest (devotional); Christian Disciplines; If You Will Ask: Reflections on the Power of Prayer; Conformed to His Image; Abandoned to God (biography by David McCasland)
Martha Wing Robinson (1874-1936) - Radiant Glory (biography), by Gordon P. Gardiner
Rees Howells (1879-1950) - Rees Howells:Intercessor (biography) by Norman P. Grubbs
John Wright Follette (1883-1966) _ Broken Bread ; The Wonderful Venture Called Christian Living; Fruit of the Land; Pressed Juice from Living Fruit; Paul's Sevenfold Vision
T. Austin-Sparks (1888-1971) - The School of Christ: The Centrality and Supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ; We Beheld His Glory
Aimee Semple McPherson (1890-1976) - This is That; In the Service of the King; Give Me My Own God
A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) - The Knowledge of the Holy; The Pursuit of God; The Pursuit of Man; Experiencing the Presence of God; Man, the Dwelling Place of God; The Divine Conquest; The Incredible Christian; Keys to the Deeper Life; The Crucified Life; I Call it Heresy; Reclaiming Christianity; Whatever Happened to Worship?; God Tells the Man Who Cares; Jesus, Our Man in Glory; (and others)
C. S. Lewis (1898-1963) - Mere Christianity; The Problem of Pain; The Great Divorce; The Screwtape Letters; The Abolition of Man; The Weight of Glory; Surprised by Joy (autobiography)
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1900's to Present
To be continued...