Spiritual Disciplines

1. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney

“We aren’t meant to wait for holiness―we’re meant to pursue it. God commands Christians to actively “be holy,” but what does that look like in daily life? Rather than overwhelming legalism or loose boundaries, Don Whitney encourages us to find a practical middle ground through biblical habits.”

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Devotionals

2. Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon

“With a passion for knowing and loving God, Charles Spurgeon also encouraged others to grow in their relationship with the Lord. Countless Christians have been inspired by Spurgeon's straightforward and insightful writings. And these meditations continue to be just as relevant today as they were more than one hundred years ago.”

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3. The Business of Heaven by C.S. Lewis

“C. S. Lewis, renowned author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics, considers humankind’s spiritual journey in this collection of 365 wise, meditative excerpts and writings. In these daily reflections, the great British writer and scholar explores a wide range of connected themes, including ‘Nearness to God,’ ‘The Serious Business of Heaven,’ ‘Two Kinds of Good and Bad,’ and ‘Heaven and Sexuality.’”

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Personal Holiness

4. The Mortification of Sin by John Owen

“John Owen shows the need for Christians to engage in a life-long battle against the sinful tendencies that remain in them, despite their having been brought to faith and new life in Christ. Fighting sin with human strength will produce only self-righteousness, superstition and anxiety of conscience. But with faith in Christ, and with the power of the Spirit, victory is certain.”

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5. Precious Remedies against Satan's Devices by Thomas Brooks

“This classic Puritan work offers profound insights into spiritual warfare. Brooks exposes the subtle tactics and schemes of Satan and provides believers with practical, scriptural remedies to resist temptation and maintain spiritual health.”

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6. Good and Angry: Redeeming Anger, Irritation, Complaining, and Bitterness by David Powlison

“Anger is more than a problem to solve. Anger is our complex human response to things we perceive as wrong in a complex world, thus we must learn how to fruitfully and honestly deal with it. Powlison undertakes an in-depth exploration of the roots of anger, moral judgment, and righteous response by looking in a surprising place: God’s own anger. ”

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7. Battling Unbelief by John Piper

“No one sins out of duty. We sin because it offers some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us, until we believe that God is more desirable than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Only the power of God’s superior promises in the gospel can emancipate our hearts from servitude to the shallow promises and fleeting pleasures of sin.”

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Christian Leadership

8. The Cross and Christian Ministry by D.A. Carson

“Through his exposition of 1 Corinthians, D. A. Carson presents a comprehensive view of what the death of Christ means in preaching and ministering to God's people. He confronts the issues of factionalism, servant-leadership, shaping "world" Christians, and the source of knowledge in order to help Christian leaders learn principles for dynamic, cross-centered worship.”

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9. Basic Christian Leadership by John Stott

“Leadership today is no easy task. Christian leaders face pitfalls on every side, whether tensions from within the community or pressures from without. Those called to shepherd others get caught in power struggles and are tempted to abuse their pastoral authority. Too often our models of leadership are shaped more by culture than by Christ, as we employ methods of ministry incompatible with true servanthood.”

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10. Leadership as an Identity: Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence by Crawford W. Loritts Jr.

“What type of character qualifies the people God chooses to use? The question itself assumes an atypical answer, simply because it leaves out so much. To ask only about one's character seems inadequate when defining a leader. We surely need to ask about character, but also about personality, communication skills, IQ, education, previous experience, and more... don't we? Crawford Loritts disagrees. He answers the question with four simple words: Brokenness, communion, servanthood, and obedience.”

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Michael Krahn is a pastor, the husband of Anne Marie, and the father of Madeleine, Olivia, and Sophia. Make a connection on Facebook, X, or Instagram.