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New for You! Books that have Shaped your Life
Description: What books have shaped your life? How? Would you recommend them to others?
Categories: Dating, Pen Pals, Friends: Member Surveys
This Post has been viewed 5942 times.
Submitted by: Nannette | View Member Profile | View Other Posts
Created: 7/27/2003
Members were asked:
Books that have Shaped your Life
What books have shaped your life? How? Would you recommend them to others?
Female - Age Range: 21-30
Hi,
there are five books which really changed me.
The first one is 'the bible'. I try to read it as often as I can. I feel like God is talking to me. I just can give the advice to read it and to apply it to your life.
The second is called 'the search for significance'. It changed my few about myself and people around me. I had a low self esteem, but this book is awesome. It showes us to respect our selfs better and to understand that God loves us which is more important than the oppinion of others. I recoment to read that book.
The third is 'Gods leading Lady' where I learned to take action and take my part in Gods plan. I don't care anymore if people tell me something is impossible for with God nothing is impossible.
The fourth book is called 'When bad christians happen to good people'. It is not a book telling anyone that this person is a bad christian. It just showes us to be more sensitive to those who don't want God in there live. Because we as christians represent God and for that we have a great responsibility.
The fith book I started reading lately to prepare myself for a relationship. It is called 'His needs, Her needs'. I think it is a great book because it showes how quick an affair starts and how to prefent it. It also helps to build a closer relationship to your partner or spouce. I have a few friends you read it too and they all liked it.
I hope there is a book which helps anyone here who has or had the same struggles I had. I really liked those books. God bless you all
Tija
Female - Age Range: 31-40
Many books have changed my life or at least my outlook on life. They have led me to discover myself and the various roles that I (as well as the people I come in contact with) play in life, They've helped me to understand and accept change, loss, growth, release, relationships, and love. In addition to the Bible, a few of them include:
'How to Know God's Will in Your Life' by Morris Venden
'The Five Love Languages' by Gary Chapman
'Who Moved My Cheese?' by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
'The Great Controversy' by Ellen G. White
'Perfect Trust' by Charles Swindoll
'At Jesus' Feet: The Gospel According to Mary Magdalene' by Doug Batchelor
'Woman, Thou Art Loosed!' by TD Jakes
'Beyond the Veil of Darkness' by Esmie G. Branner
'Why Does He DO That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men' by Lundy Bancroft
'Quest for Love: True Stories of Passion and Purity' by Elisabeth Elliot
'Smart Love: A Field Guide for Single Adults' by Nancy L. Van Pelt
There are SCORES more that have given me valuable insight (I'm an avid reader), but this is all I have at my fingertips for now. I recommend each of them very highly.
Female - Age Range: 31-40
One of the many books that have shaped my life is ‘The Screwtape Letters’ by C. S. Lewis. This is a story in the form of a series of letters from a chief demon called Screwtape to a junior demon called Wormwood, advising Wormwood how to destroy the spiritual lives of humans.
That book made me more aware of the mind games that Satan plays on us, and the constant struggle between good and evil, both in the life of a human and between God and Satan.
There is another book, ‘To My Dear Slimeball’ by Rich Miller that is very similar and targeted at teenagers (and written by Spitwad :) ). I would also recommend this second book.
Everyone, Christian and non-Christian alike, should read these books that take you behind the scenes of your spiritual life. Then you can become more aware of your need for salvation or a closer walk with the Lord. You will see how to detect the devil's crafty schemes in your own life, and best of all you will be prepared to fight back.
Shortly after the end of a crusade at my church, I put on an AY program involving a skit showing how the Holy Spirit and angels (no guardian angels exist) play a part in our spiritual experience. I got the inspiration after reading these two books.
Female - Age Range: 41-50
Charles Stanley has always been one of my Favorite Authors. His best two books that I have read are: How to listen to God and the Blessings of Brokeness. Also, Jesus Loves Me by H.L. Roush, Sr. All of these books are excellent for sharing with a new Christian who wants to know and understand the Depth of Christs Love for us.
oilofgladness:
Female - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias
It goes without saying that the book that has had the most influence on my life is God's Word. However, other books by believers have also shaped my life. I'd be glad to discuss them with anyone who is curious but not quarrelsome ;-)
The first ten are classics and are highly recommended by people wiser than me. The last five will likely stand the test of time to become classics.
All of Grace, by Charles Spurgeon. After reading this I lost all the intellectual arguments about why I wasn't good enough to be a Christian. I didn’t really understand that none of us is good enough, having come from what I experienced as “works” teaching as a youngster. I never really understood what “God’s grace” was all about until I read this book, and it freed me to become a born-again believer. Twenty short (1-4 page) chapters will change your life and your walk.
The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life, by Hannah Whithall Smith. No-nonsense exhortation from a 19th century writer on the biblical foundations for the Christian life, the difficulties we all encounter, and the choice between bondage and liberty, toward a life of growth and service. Clear, meaningful prose that doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out. Excellent!
The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer. If you know anyone or if you yourself are feeling hindered in knowing Jesus more intimately, this book is for you. Notice I said 'know Jesus' and not 'know about Jesus.' It's a small book, but powerful, one that takes you from head knowledge (gnosis) to knowledge by experience (epignosis). Follow it with Mike Bickle’s A Passion for Jesus and you’ll never again complain of not experiencing how much (vs. “understanding how much”) Jesus loves you or not knowing how to feel close to Him.
Humility, by Andrew Murray. Oh my goodness, what a gem of a little book. Want to really see how to live like Jesus? Think you're up to it? I know I wasn't, and was convicted over and over again of spiritual pride. I picked it up after a missions trip to China last year, and while I can't say I know how to be humble, I am at least learning. Masterful in its simplicity, it’s a clear presentation of the choices we all must make to carry forth a credible witness of Christ.
A Grief Observed, by C.S. Lewis. If you ever get to a place where you feel overwhelmed by grief and loss, and you feel like no one understands you, look no further than this book. Lewis writes of rediscovering his faith after losing his wife of four years to cancer. The acute and profound descriptions of his emotional and spiritual life bring recognition, affirmation, and hope.
The Way of the Heart, by Henri J.M. Nouwen. This book centers on the disciplines of solitude, silence, and prayer as a means for entering into the Father’s heart. If the noise of the world has made you dull and insensitive, this book, if applied, will break your heart and bring you into a place of deeper compassion, a boldness in speaking the word of God, and how that all gets grounded in the unceasing prayer of the heart.
And saving the best for last are three books by Elisabeth Elliot that convicted me over and over until I finally learned obedience and submission to God. The Liberty of Obedience caused me to look at my own (dis)obedience toward God in terms of how much or little I experienced His freedom, grace, and love. A Slow and Certain Light gave me great insights to being lead by the Holy Spirit toward the promises (and conditions) of God and the natural and supernatural means He uses to teach us His will. Finally, Passion and Purity taught me the true basis for biblical marriage, the balancing of passion and purity that keeps us holy until God brings us a spouse, if that's His intention. Highly recommended, especially for all those folks here who are either noncommittal on premarital sex or believe that it’s alright with God if you’re engaged. It’s not, and Elliot uses her relationship with Jim Elliot to illustrate the point, with clarity and from a wise, godly woman’s pen.
Jack Deere’s Surprised by the Power of the Spirit and Surprised by the Voice of God. This former associate professor of Old Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary speaks simply and knowledgeably about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. If you’re a cessationist and believe the miraculous gifts have ceased, you’ll be in for a big surprise! Each book takes you to the Bible to discover, from a seeker’s rather than a skeptic’s heart, the Spirit’s prophetic and healing ministries of today. Over and over, Deere encourages a deeper relationship with Jesus and how to know His voice in that relationship.
A Handbook on Holy Spirit Baptism, by Don Basham. A question-and-answer format concerning the charismatic movement and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and on receiving the baptism. The questions are honest and clear, and the answers come from the scriptures. Recommended for anyone who still questions the Holy Spirit’s giving of the sign gifts. I read it after I got the baptism to understand what had happened to me!
Growing in the Prophetic, by Mike Bickle. If you’ve never been to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO, you would be doing yourself a great favor to go and hear Mike Bickle preach. He is an awesome teacher and, in this book, transparent about the ups and downs of his experience with the prophetic ministry. Central to this text is the fact that God offends the mind to reveal the heart. A must-read for anyone wanting to know about the prophetic ministry that God is calling into the church today.
And finally, Power Healing by John Wimber. Recommended for those who want to know why Jesus heals, what He heals, and why He includes us in His healing ministry. Provides practical models of healing that are firmly grounded in scripture. Vital for anyone who is open to and wants to be involved with the Holy Spirit’s gift of healing.
raffi:
Female - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias.
Here are my very favourite books. Ones that I just keep going back to! Hope you all enjoy too. Raffi.
1. 'Chicken Soup For The Soul' - by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. (There are now quite a number of books in this series. The original one I still like the best, tho my kids have their own 'Chicken Soup for the Kid's Soul'.) Each book is a compilation of short stories 'to open the heart and rekindle the spirit'. I love this series.
2. 'The Handbook of Alternatives to Chemical Medicine' - by Mildred Jackson and Terri Teague. A handy reference book that offers simple and helpful advice, regarding natural home remedies and practical nutrititional assistance.
I haven't quite finished the below named book yet, but it is for us parents of teen guys. I looked for ages to find what I was after in this type of book .... and so far it hasn't disappointed. It is written by the father of two teenage sons and one teenage daughter. I've found it to be extremely practical and with a touch of humour. The Christian perspective and back-up it provides is just awesome!
'Teenage Boys', Shaping the Man Inside. Surviving and Enjoying These Extraordinary Years. - by Bill Beausay.
*If anyone is interested in more details of the above, you are welcome to contact me.
OneHeart4God:
Female - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias.
I recently read 'The Marriage Builder' by Dr. Larry Crabb as assigned reading for a class I was taking. It was truly something that helped me to continue to believe that God has a mate for me, as well as being a tool for pre-marital counseling, and group reading and discussion for married couples.
In this book, Dr. Crabb shows very clearly that our significance and security are in Christ, thus releasing us to be able to love and serve our spouse freely.
I also came to believe, by reading this book, that my desire for marriage and family is truly a GOD-GIVEN desire. I already know that God keeps His promises and so I can now wait contentedly until the day comes that the man I will marry finds me. :-)
Easy reading. Discussion questions after each chapter. A must read for singles who are waiting, engaged couples and those married for any length of time.
Nannette:
Female - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias.
Over a year ago, I saw 'The Prayer of Jabez' book advertised everywhere! I read the verse the book was based on, and thought, 'Wow! by praying about this Bible verse, maybe I can get rich!' So I purchased the book and began to read.
While reading it, I realized it wasn't about expanding your borders in wealth, necessarily, but rather expanding your outreach to others. As a result, I volunteered to do some things I normally would not have done. I volunteered to be in charge of the Bible story telling skits during our Vacation Bible School. This wasn't just a few hours each night. As the planning and preparation was an all-day affair during the entire week, with a few weeks planning in advance to rewrite the skits for my three teen-age volunteers, practicing, decorating, etc. (Larry helped too!)
I also volunteered to be Director for our church Pathfinder scout troop with 24 members. And this was the year we needed to earn our camping honors! I ended up, (with Larry as my assistant), going on many campouts, and two of them being Winter Campouts! We earned nearly 20 honors this year and it was a LOT of work. We met a lot more often than once a week and had a load of fun! (I had some great adult helpers too!)
As well, I was the Bible Bowl leader and had to write thousands and thousands of questions and drill our two 6 member teams. Our kids begged me to have practices twice a week! (Our A Team did take home first place trophies at all levels.)
I also took on the role as our church Communication's Secretary, and continued to be assistant teacher in the Juniors/Earliteen Sabbath School class.
As a result of reading this book, I didn't do anything special to get 'rich.' But I did expand my territories in working with others and I believe, as a result, God did bless this website, even though I spent many more hours in volunteer work, than I did 'working.' He took care of the finances, so that we could reach out where needed. I had two customers give me a lot of programming to do this Spring, which helped a lot as well.
This is a great book, and God WILL bless when we reach out to others as volunteers.
Nannette
KitKat2:
Female - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias.
I read 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey when my children were babies. It helped me more with my parenting (and other interpersonal relationships) than anything else I have read. He also has out 'The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families' that is on my to-read list. Of the seven habits he discusses, the one that has been the most beneficial to me is 'Begin with the end in mind.' One application of this is that since you will be relating to your children as adults for most of your life start treating them as you would another adult more often than a parent as they get older. In other words let them grow up. You will end up friends with them with a healthy relationship of mutual respect instead of one of overprotection, co-dependency, or resentment. I highly recommend it to anyone, parents or not.
shofardancer:
Female - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias
Outside of the Bible, probably the one book that has made the greatest impact upon my life is....In His Steps...where a pastor challenged his church to make a commitment to not make any decisions without first asking themselves the question....What Would Jesus Do?...some took the challenge.....others did not. But those that did...it radically changed not only their lives....and affected the lives of others....but made such a dramatic impact on the lives of their whole community. And consequently, all of those who have since read or heard of it....
HappyLady1953:
Female - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias. Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is an absolutely wonderful book! An affluent man at our church was so changed by it he donated 300 copies to be passed out to our congregation. What a guide line it is for leading a Christian life. I highly recommend it and recommend going through it with a friend and keeping the Purpose Driven Life journal. It only takes 40 days - a chapter a day and the chapters are not all that long.
Female - Age Range: 41-50
THE BOOK THAT HAS MOST RECENTLY BEEN INSPIRING IN MY LIFE(BESIDES MY DEAR BIBLE) IS WROTE BY RICK WARREN- IT IS CALLED'THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE'- WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR? I RECOMMEND IT TO ALL - AND ALLOW IT TO MINISTER TO YOU IT IS GREAT!! GOD BLESS - HisGoodness
Female - Age Range: 51-60
If you want to know God, you need to know who God is first, what his attributes are, His character and why He deals with us. A fantastic book on this is 'Knowing God' by J.I. Packer it is recommended by many wonderful Christian authors. This book has helped me understand the bible in a very personal way, I would recommend this to everyon who wants to know God.
Emmalouise:
Female - Age Range: 51-60
You may use my alias.
Catherine Marshall has long been one of my favourite authors. Her book 'Meeting God at Every Turn' goes right through her life, describing how God was always there and in charge, through the good times and bad. This book has frequently reminded me of this same thing, that God is there and is leading if only we will let Him.
Female - Age Range: 51-60
After the Bible, (because I became a believer by reading it) - Hinds Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard. I've read it at least 5 times...and love the relationship between Much-Afraid and the Chief Shepherd! Having been Much-Afraid most of my life, it helped me so much to realize Jesus, our Chief Shepherd still loves me and will see me thru' all the heartaches and disappointments of life and bring me to the High Places with Him. It's a beautiful love story that I think we all can relate to at some time in our lives.
Another book that has really benefitted me is 'Breaking Free' by Beth Moore, along with the video series which was shown in a Bible class. After years of dealing with rejection and the depression it caused, that book finally enabled me to 'break free' from it. I remember reading it and studying the Bible on one of my many sleepless nights - crying my heart out at the Lord's feet, as I realized His love for me. Like many others, I know, life has been difficult, divorce and separation from family members nearly destroyed me, and those two books have helped me so much to be able to break through a lot of the heartache to find the love of God for me, through Jesus Christ, my Savior, Redeemer, Chief Shepherd.
Female - Age Range: 61-70
The Bible and Desire of the Ages, plus all of the controversey series. I also, loved the book Gifted Hands and The Richest Caveman. They are all awesome and so inspiring. I really like Morris Venden's 'The Last Trolley Out.' We sure have some wonderful writers and I pray that the Lord will continue to inspire my writing and teach me to be completely committed to His leading in writing what He leads me to write for Him.
mountaineer:
Male - Age Range: 21-30
You may use my alias
There are so many books out there that have impacted my life . The most obvious one is the Bible but there are a few that hae really made me think.
Touching the void by Joe simpson is a book about superhuman strength in times of incredible adversity.
The Little Prince by a French author taught me to look at the world and the way we relate to people in a new light.
But the book that has influenced me the most has to be 'The Lion, The Witch and the wardrobe' by CS Lewis. I love the image of God as a powerful, loving Lion
Male - Age Range: 41-50
'You Money or Your Life' has influenced my more that any other secular book. It really helps get your priorities straight so you don't waste your life working for stuff that you really didn't want anyway. I'm only half joking when I tell people that reading this book is a requirement for anyone wanting to date me seriously.
Male - Age Range: 41-50
I think this is a GOOD question that will hopefully show me some good books that can't help but be a plus along the way of developing the kind of character and strength of character that God requires.
Books that have definitely shaped my life are 'Mystery of the Ages' of By Herbert W. Armstrong, deceased pastor of the Worldwide Church of God. Also 'A Case for Jesus' which analyzes whether the testimony of the gospels would stand-up to modern day scrutiny (i.e forensic, civil trial, expert illusionist and magicians, coutroom reporters etc.)
Although a secular book, 'Think and Grow Rich', by Napolean Hill coincides with almost all the Biblical beliefs I have regarding faith and the idea of thoughts manifesting themselves as a physical reality.
Wayne929:
Male - Age Range: 41-50
You may use my alias.
The book that influences my life the most is the Word of God. With the help of my handy calculator I found I could go through the Old Testament once and the New testament twice in a year's time by reading a mere 4 chapters a day (3.9 actually.)I begin on January 1 with Genesis and go through Esther. I read the New Testament, and then read Job through Malachi, and conclude the calender year with the New Testament again. God has added His blessing on my life.
Another author whose books have helped me tremendously is John Maxwell. His book 'The Winning Attitude' helped me to develop a positive outlook on life and toward people. Another book of his is called, 'Failing Forward' which offers nothing but encouragement to people who have experienced failure in their lives. It is wonderful. I also recommend his books, Be All You Can Be, Think On These Things and Be A People Person. Maxwell uses uplifting Godly biblical wisdom in his writing.
Another book I am currently reading is called The System. It teaches men all about the stupid mistakes they make with women. (God knows I've committed my fair share of errors.) The System can be used by men to understand how women think and what makes them stay with a man for life. Any man who is interested in forging a successful long term relationship with a woman needs this book! Learn The System. You and Miss Right will be glad you did.
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