Books that changed my life

Here is a list of books that changed my life. From my personal experience, I can see how God uses books to teach me many things that He wanted me to learn.

I praise Him for this often forgotten blessing that He had given us. This tool - that is so readily available buy yet often neglected because it's so inconvenient and time consuming to read and digest. especially in this fast-track, ever changing and "picture-book" world.

Anyway, i do pray that these books can be a blessing for you too

1. The Bible of course

The Bible is the most precious book that i have in the house. I have to admit that i am often tempted to not put my whole effort in reading it, contemplating and reflecting upon it, especially during busy days. but continually God the Holy Spirit - kept on reminding me of how important it is to read the Bible. The Bible is my source of hope, life and faith. It has been faithful in teaching me to trust God - even when everything else says otherwise. The Bible truly is the Word of God. I had experience many "miracles" when God directly speak to me through this wonderful book. So - never take this book for granted. Many man died so that we can have access to this freely and readily, don't waste their effort.

2. Institutes of the Christian Religion

I have to admit that i haven't finished reading this book yet. But i am convinced - especially from studying in a theological seminary. that this book can bring so many blessings to those who reads it. I've read sections of it - but page upon page i can taste God's goodness and grace as i read it. And have you ever have questions about what Christianity is all about. I suggest that you read this book!! One of the most wonderful things about this book is that it never ceased to refer to the Holy Scripture. When you are reading CAlvin, he rarely gives us what his point of view - but rather God's point of view. And to me - that is what being a Christian is all about - to be an optimist for God's view and a pessimist for our own. Our logic is many too often deceiving and cannot be trusted - only His word stays true and consistent regardless of time or anything else.

3. Mere Christianity

From this point forward - i would list chronological books that helped me since i was young. This is the first helpful book (after the Bible of course) that helped me greatly in shaping my Christian view. What i've learned from this book is how to be a Mere Christian. I have to admit that being a new Christian- i was pious. I tried to do the "right-thing" and impose what i think is right to other people. being such person, really gave me a lot of problems. I found it really hard to make sense of my Christianity. My efforts, my beliefs and everything in me were greatly challenged during my first years as a Christian. There were many questions, I kept on asking myself this question "What does it really mean for me to be a Christian? Good works? (I can't do this) Good knowledge of the Bible? (I have none) Efforts? (I have no motivation to give my full efforts)" Piousness? (I have no such knowledge of what laws i should or should not do) . All these things kept on coming to my mind and i found it really hard to answer any of it - because i can do none of it - but does it exclude me from being a Christian then? God graciously gave me this book. And i encourage you to read it for yourself.

4. When People are Big, God is small

If you are undergoing depression in any way, can I strongly encourage you to read this book. This is the one book that helped me make sense of my depression. You know, from all these books - i can see so clearly that God's loving hand and mercy is in it all! I really do encourage you to read good Christian books if you can. There are tremendous hidden blessings in all these works that faithful brothers and sisters before us had done and took the chance to share it in writing. This book particularly, gave me hope and taught me things that I hadn't known before about my wonderful God. The writing is gracious and merciful and mighty helpful for those who are undergoing pressure either from peers or parents that resulted in depression. This book gave me a ray of hope during the darkest hour of my life.

5. Promoting the Gospel

How many of you struggled with evangelism? You want to do it - you are pressured to do it by the church/yourself, but it seems that it is getting harder and harder every time you do it? You hate yourself because everytime you do it - not only that you become worse in doing it, and ppl hostility towards you increases? How many of you are discouraged by the lack or response and unrespectful response you get from these ppl that you're "trying to save"? Well.. Those questions reflect what i were during my early years as a Christian. After my depression, I found a deep sense of conviction to share this faith that has saved me, but everytime i did it, all i can see are failures upon failures and disappointment upon disappointment. One time, a friend of mine gave me this book - in the mist of my stress - and this books gave me a very helpful and strong foundation for why i should promote the Gospel and about what the Gospel really means. So if your calling is to share the Gospel - this books is worth a read.

6. Changes that Heal

This is the most recent book that i am reading. This is a helpful book for those thinking to do a ministry in the line of counselling or pastoral care. I haven't finish reading this book yet - regardless of that- i know that this is one very helpful book (judging from the first 5 chapters that i had already read).