People often ask me what books I recommend. Today, I am pleased to give you my list of 55 current favorites. These books span a wide variety of categories, from history, to biography, to Christian living, to family, and much more.
Joshua’s Library is designed to help you sharpen your mind, grow in wisdom, and become a more effective ambassador for Christ. You can visit the Library today by clicking here.
Before you begin browsing, let me first share with you why I passionately love good books and why I believe you should as well.
This sacred corner features roughly 2/3 of the books in our home library.
A Love for Reading
Ever since I began reading at age seven, I have loved books. Soon after I emerged victorious in the conflict of phonics, I read the Bible cover to cover in a year.
From that time forward, I continued to read and memorize God’s Word, while also reading any book I could lay my hands on.
By age eleven I had read 40-50 Henty titles, as well as numerous biographies and encyclopedia selections.
While not farming, singing, writing, or enjoying Cassidy or Wallace, you can likely find me reading. In 2017, I read 53 books, more than I ever have in one year.
While the Bible must always be a Christian’s first priority, reading good books must not be neglected. Following are ten reasons why you should read.
I. To follow the Apostle Paul’s example
In II Timothy 4:13, Paul charged Timothy, “The cloak that I left at Troas, with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.”
Commenting on Paul’s desire, Charles Spurgeon noted,
He is inspired, and yet he wants books!
He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books!
He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books!
He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books!
He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a men to utter, yet he wants books!
He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!
The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, “Give thyself unto reading.” The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men’s brains, proves that he has no brains of his own…
At age 16 with a few books.
II. To see God’s character displayed in history
History has always been one of my favorite topics to study. I do not find history to be a dry, crusty subject, full of dates, names, and facts to be choked down; I have discovered that history is actually “God’s Story,” filled with poignant reminders of his goodness, justice, and providence.
The Israelites spiraled into apostasy when they forgot God’s works, “and His wonders that He had shown them” (Psalm 78:11). We too will forget God if we fail to properly learn from history.
III. To learn from heroes of the faith
Growing up, I read dozens of Christian biographies. Hudson Taylor, Eric Liddell, George Mueller, D.L. Moody, and countless others inspired me to live life for eternity.
I discovered that none of these men and women were perfect. I learned both their fatal flaws and the keys to their successes.
Hebrews 11 is still being written today in the lives of brave men and women who have chosen and still choose to step out by faith. We would be foolish to not study their lives.
IV. To walk with wise men
Proverbs 13:20 says, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
At age 12, Christ left a model for all youth by conversing with the wise doctors of the of law (Luke 2).
Through their books, authors have left us a wealth wisdom on the Christian life, business, law, politics, science, agriculture, mechanics, health, and a plethora of other topics.
V. To understand the times
The children of Issachar “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (I Chronicles 12:32).
We ought to understand the battles of today, whether they be Marxism, feminism, or new spirituality.
My dear wife Cassidy has always enjoyed reading. This picture (taken a few years ago) highlights her love for good books.
VI. To sharpen your mind
Joseph Addison said it best, “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”
VII. To become a better communicator
“The lips of the righteous feed many” (Proverbs 10:21). “Wise men lay up knowledge” (Proverbs 10:14).
VIII. To develop Biblical discernment
Every book is an opportunity to apply to Acts 17:11 test. As you read, you will learn to take every idea back to scripture, as did the Bereans in Paul’s day.
IX. To gain skills and knowledge that help you better represent Christ.
As ambassadors, we are called to represent Christ wherever he has placed us, be it politics, business, law, family, or church.
We can better glorify Christ by learning vital skills that help us do His work with excellence.
X. To understand our Father’s world
The study of biology and science should leave a Christian amazed at the infinite wisdom, creativity, and omnipotence of our Creator. That same Creator is at work today in our lives to work “all things together for good” (Romans 8:28).
Visit the Library!
I hope that my love for reading can become yours as well. Visit the Library today to skim through my favorite titles.
Enjoy the experience!
Question: For what other reasons should a Christian read? Which books in the Library would you like to add to your collection?
7 Comments
Ann · August 6, 2018 at 5:12 pm
My mum taught me to read; first, she taught me to read for pleasure, then to take pleasure in learning from books. I have thanked her many times for that gift.
A Christian must learn how to not only learn from their own mistakes but to learn from the missteps of others, the inherently descriptive nature of books make them an excellent medium for learning to recognise behaviours and learn from them. I also find it invaluable to be able to clear my mind and refocus, books are a productive and enjoyable way to ‘clear the slate’ and return to what needs to be done re-energized and in a good frame of mind.
Pilgrims Progress has been a permanent fixture where ever I’ve lived since I was gifted a copy 25 years ago – it is an excellent book.
Stacey K · July 31, 2018 at 6:24 pm
I love this post! My mom taught us to love reading and the pricelessness of classics so I agree with you on books being our companions and guiding us in this world.
Do you, by any chance, have any books on health and medicine?
Joshua Bontrager · August 1, 2018 at 3:03 pm
Stacey,
I’ve not read very many books on health and nutrition. My parents always fed us healthy food and taught us the value of wisely stewarding our bodies.
Here are a few of my Mother’s favorites:
“Be Your Own Doctor,” “Be Your Own Doctor II,” “Backyard Pharmacy,” and “Be Your Child’s Pediatrician” by Rachel Weaver
“Your Bodies Many Cries for Water” by Dr. Batmanghelidj
“The Healing Power of Essential Oils” by Eric Zielinski, D.C.
Stacey Kao · August 1, 2018 at 4:51 pm
Thanks so much Joshua! I’m very interested in natural medicine and those books fit right into my field of interest.
Joshua Bontrager · August 1, 2018 at 8:13 pm
I hope you enjoy them!
Anonymous · July 31, 2018 at 1:10 pm
Lol! When I first watched Wallace’s video, one of the things I said to myself was, “I wonder what books he has on his shelf”.
P.S. Noticed I said first watched. He is too cute to just watch once.
Joshua Bontrager · August 1, 2018 at 6:52 am
Wallace is so cute that we get to watch him every day!