My Top Ten Must Read Books for Every Christian Woman

For me, reading a good book is like walking in a rain forest, inhaling the crisp air and clearing the cobwebs in my mind. I love books, especially those special few, that inspire and create a shift in my world-even if in a small way- from reading them.

When I look over my life, I can pinpoint a few significant books that have acted as road markers in my journey as a Christian woman, mother, and wife. They have calmed my anxious soul, inspired specific actions steps, healed a hurting heart, and imparted a life purpose.

I have picked out 10 Must Read Books from my road markers collection – all of them are to be devoured and then re-read every year:

“My One Word: Change Your Life with Just One Word” Mike Ashcraft & Rachel Olsen.

Have you ever made New Year’s Resolutions and then break them before the day is out? Have you tried to be a better and healthier person but come up short? What about your relationship with God – have you tried to deepen it but it still ends up being a Sunday thing?

I’ve been there. For years, I have kept lists of changes that I wanted to see in my life. I became burdened by the many things that I saw needed changing in my life. Five years ago, I discovered how to make changes that last. It was a total break through. It was so simple. Work on ONE area each year. God confirmed my new way of looking at life with this book – “My One Word”. This book describes the process of focusing on one area to change in our life with God’s help. It suggests that we actively pray then choose One Word that we would focus on for the year to create lasting change in our lives. It was an exciting process to purposely reinvent my life – spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental life – by focusing on One Word for the year. Click here to read more about My One Word process

“Problems, God’s Presence, and Prayer: Experience the Joy of a Successful Christian Life” by Michael Wells.

This book lifted me out of post-natal depression while I was mothering my three young sons in 2001 – 2002.  My relationship with God deepened with the new understanding and viewpoint I gained on my problems. What jumped off the page was the truth that “there is nothing easier for us to obtain than the moment-by-moment presence and joy of Jesus Christ”.

 

 

Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers

This is the one fiction book that I absolutely love. Every time I read it, tears flow. Francine does a wonderful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea. It shouts out love to my soul – no matter what you have done or no matter what has happened to you – God’s love is bigger.

 

 

Becoming the Woman I Want to Be: A 90 Day Journey to Renewing Spirit, Soul & Body” by Donna Partow

Donna has written a very practical 90-day devotional that affects not only our spiritual lives but also has some useful advice for our physical and emotional health. If you want to reboot your whole life, then take her 90 day journey

 

 

 

“Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer

This is one of those books that you just must write in. It’s an extremely practical manual on reprogramming your thoughts to come in line with what God says. I needed all 12 power thoughts to transform my negative depressed thinking.

 

 

 

“The Power of Praying: 3 in 1 Collection” by Stormie Omartian

My mother gave this book to all her daughters once we started our families. It is three books in one – The Power of a Praying Wife, The Power of a Praying Parent, and The Power of a Praying Woman. It gives practical ideas from Scripture on how and what to pray as a mother, wife, and woman. It’s a go-to reference library on prayer.

 

 

 

“Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God” by Henry & Richard Blackaby

This is one of those life changing books that you will want to reread each year. I learned how to experience God in my everyday life. I understand more fully now on how God speaks to me. It opened my eyes to see God working in my everyday life.

 

 

 

“When the Heart Waits” by Sue Monk Kidd

This was a favourite of mine in 2016 when my One Word was PAUSE. It speaks about the need for us to stop and wait on God. What that looks like and how we are to wait. Here is a quote that resonated with me which I noted in my journal.

“Letting go is like releasing a tight spring at the core of yourself, one you’ve spent your whole life winding and maintaining. When you let go, you grow still and silent. You learn to sit among cornstalks and wait with God.”

 

“Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations” by Alex Harris & Brett Harris

I read this before passing it onto my three teenage sons a couple of years ago, as a home-schooling project. But I probably received more from it than they did! It challenged me to stop limiting my potential, to woman up and take courage to go after the plans that God had placed on my heart. Read it first, be inspired then pass it onto your teenagers.

 

 

 

The Bible

This collection of 66 books written by 40 authors is to be devoured. Charles Spurgeon (1834-1891) – the Prince of Preachers says it best in his quote – “Visit many good books, but live in the Bible…All human books grow stale after a time–but with the Word of God the desire to study it increases, while the more you know of it the less you think you know. The Book grows upon you: as you dive into its depths you have a fuller perception of the infinity which remains to be explored. You are still sighing to enjoy more of that which it is your bliss to taste.”

A good book is a tremendous gift that keeps on giving if it transforms a life into something more glorious.

These 10 books have become intertwined in my past – transforming me more into the likeness of Christ.

 I would love to hear from you – what books have made an impact on your life? Share in the comments below.