Post by Cindy on Apr 23, 2015 13:41:49 GMT -5
Here's some essential Non Fiction Christian Books I recommend to everyone:
First, my favorite devotionals:
Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith by John MacArthur
"Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." 1 Peter 2:2
It's a fact of life: our health declines if we don't nourish our bodies every day with food and water. That's true physically. It's true spiritually as well.
If we neglect to regularly feed our souls on the Holy Scriptures, our faith becomes weak and we start to lose touch with our Savior. Growth is stifled... if it happens at all.
Drawing Near, used daily in combination with God's Holy Word, can not only help bring you closer to God but also keep you from spiritual stagnation. This book will guide you in a growing relationship with Him.
As Pastor MacArthur says in his Introduction: "Our entertainment-conscious, quick-fix, fast-food society does everything it can to divert us from setting aside time to study God's Word. As you well know from your own efforts, Bible study is not often entertaining—it's hard work. It takes discipline to set aside time each day to reap the benefits such study has to offer. If you reach an impasse when it's time to sit down, open your Bible, and try to decide what to do, you're not alone. Without some plan to follow, it's easy to become frustrated and eventually give up after only one or two days. That's where this book comes in."
If you desire greater understanding of the precious Word of God, if you want a daily guide to draw you closer to the Lord, this outstanding collections of 365 devotional readings by one of America's most respected and trusted Bible teachers is for you!
Strength for Today: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith by John MacArthur
"How blessed is the man whose strength is in You. . . ."
—Psalm 84:5, NASB
What a wonderful opportunity you have as a Christian in this modern age to open up the Bible and, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, glean its rich truths for yourself. Your vitality as a Christian depends on doing just that. For only through consistent Bible study and prayer do you gain the spiritual strength to navigate each day with wisdom, grace, and integrity.
Offering significantly more than the typical thematic or topical anecdotes of some other devotionals, the in-depth Bible exposition of this daily study gives you a firmer grasp on many of the great passages of Scripture—passages that speak at length of Christian character, the meaning behind Christ's death and resurrection, and how we benefit from life's trials.
After a year in God's Word with this book as your companion, you will find that both your walk with Christ and your faith have grown stronger—all because you committed yourself to a daily, in-depth study of the Scriptures, and to learning more about the God who is your Strength.
Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives by The Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation
Start a Year of Deep-Down Change Today!
Change that goes deeper than the surface of our lives happens as we daily remember the truths of the gospel. Every day we need to be reminded that Jesus, God’s own Son, came to this world to save us from sin, sorrow, and death. We need to remember every day how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return change the way we view ourselves and others. This devotional will be a daily reminder of these life-changing truths.
The 366 selections, anchored in Scripture and saturated with the gospel, will help the reader to:
Learn how God in his Word addresses a host of life situations
Focus on how the gospel intersects with life
Look beyond circumstances to God’s purposes
See how God values relationship and to learn to value it too by persisting, by speaking truth in love, and by not shying away from conflict
Grow in wisdom when confronted by life’s changes.
Learn that God works change that is effective and visible.
Topics covered in the devotional include: love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger.
CCEF, The Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) has been at the forefront of the biblical counseling movement for more than forty years with the mission to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the local church. CCEF teaches people how to explore the wisdom and depth of the Bible and apply God's grace-centered message to the problems of daily living. CCEF does this through counseling, training, writing, and partnering with churches.
Next some non fiction books that are so interesting you don't want to put them down!
Why Christians Can't Trust Psychology by Ed Rulkley, PhD
Where should Christians go to heal the deep hurts in their hearts?
Today's search for inner fulfillment has exploded into the Recovery movement, complete with twelve-step seminars, counseling programs, and self-help books. Thousands are looking to Christian psychology to help them attain victory over modern dysfunctions.
Does that mean the Bible alone is no longer adequate for the problems faced by Christians today?
Some say we need the Bible plus psychology. Others say the Bible alone is sufficient.
With deep insight and candor, pastoral counselor Ed Bulkley presents the opposing sides of this issue--and offers trustworthy, biblical answers for those who long to break away from pain and guilt and know true freedom...genuine inner peace...and a fresh beginning.
The pressures to find the solutions to human hurt and suffering have never been greater. Clear answers are urgently needed for the hurting--today.
From forgiven to forgiving by J. E.Adams
What do the following statements about forgiveness have in common? Forgiveness is obtained through apologizing. The best thing you can do is "forgive and forget". You aren't forgiven until you feel forgiven. In this book, Dr. Jay Adams carefully explores all dimensions of the process of forgiveness.A He can help you understand biblical forgiveness from beginning to end and apply that understanding to everyday situations ranging from forgiving your straying spouse or prodigal child - and being forgiven by them as well.
Dr. Jay Adams is perhaps the most well-known Biblical Counselor in the world today and has trained thousands of others from a Biblical perspective.
God is There in the Tough Times by E. E. Hindson
No matter what you may be facing, God is there to help you. This message resonates throughout this encouraging, powerful resource designed to help readers struggling with rejection, guilt, fear, depression, temptation, disappointment, personal crises, and more. As readers realize God is always near, they will begin to...
face crises with confidence
turn problems into an opportunities
conquer anxiety, stress, and feelings of failure
set realistic goals for change
rest in God’s strength in every situation
A strongly biblical resource that offers a new outlook on life’s disappointments and hurts. Includes a special reference guide that looks at key difficulties people face and the Bible’s answers to those problems. Formerly Overcoming Life’s Toughest Problems.
I Kissed Dating Goodbye By Joshua Harris
Joshua Harris's first book, written when he was only 21, turned the Christian singles scene upside down...and people are still talking. More than 800,000 copies later, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, with its inspiring call to sincere love, real purity, and purposeful singleness, remains the benchmark for books on Christian dating. Now, for the first time since its release, the national #1 bestseller has been expanded with new content and updated for new readers. Honest and practical, it challenges cultural assumptions about relationships and provides solid, biblical alternatives to society's norm.
Tired of the game? Kiss dating goodbye.
Going out? Been dumped? Waiting for a call that doesn’t come? Have you tasted pain in dating, drifted through one romance or, possibly, several of them?
Ever wondered, Isn’t there a better way?
I Kissed Dating Goodbye shows what it means to entrust your love life to God. Joshua Harris shares his story of giving up dating and discovering that God has something even better—a life of sincere love, true purity, and purposeful singleness.
This book is fantastic even if you're already married. To me, it's a must read for everyone!
Our sufficiency in Christ by J. F. MacArthur, Jr.
Christ's divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. —2 Peter 1:3
Pure Christianity needs no embellishment whatsoever. We find complete sufficiency in Christ and His provision for our needs. But too many Christians have bought in to the notion that all the spiritual resources we gain at the moment of salvation are not adequate to meet the real needs in today's complex world. So they look for something more—an emotionally exciting and self-edifying experience not found in God's Word. This failure to understand the sufficiency of Christ has opened the door to all kinds of worldy influences, causing many modern believers to mix biblical truths with seemingly helpful man-made methods such as mysticism and psychology. As a result, they wallow in a watered-down, pseudo-Christanity that has been drained of its vitality, effectiveness, and security. In this book John MacArthur exposes the main ways Christians have displaced their spiritual resources and explains how to avoid making the same error. It will make you newly aware of how completely God provides—and give you a renewed understanding of what it means to be "complete in Christ."
The power of integrity: Building a life without compromise by J. F. MacArthur, Jr.
We live in a society that has largely abandoned moral standards and Christian principles. Unkept campaign promises, false advertising, exaggerated tax exemptions, employee theft--compromise has become a way of life. Such moral concession has even invaded the church. Faced with an opportunity to proclaim Christ to unbelievers, we feel intimidated and keep silent. Or we water down God's Word on ethical issues at work or in our community to avoid rejection. Too often we prefer hypocrisy to integrity. But God longs for His people to be different--to maintain a commitment to His standards, no matter what the cost. Is consistent obedience to God--integrity--attainable in this world of sin and self? By the grace and power of God, yes!
One of the nation's most respected pastors points the way to persevering character in Christ. Drawing from scriptural examples of godly men who modeled integrity during severe testing, MacArthur makes a compelling case for the impact a man or woman of integrity can have in our world. A helpful study guide for individuals or groups is included.
The pillars of Christian character: The basic essentials of a living faith by J. MacArthur,
"To love [God] with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." –Jesus' words in Mark 12:33. Without question the crucial issue in living the Christian life is the condition of your heart. Actions may be temporarily deceiving, but ultimately our outward behavior will reflect what's inside, because our internal attitudes form who we really are. Those inner attitudes are also what God deems most important. In this book one of Christianity's most respected Bible teachers and pastors examines the foundational attitudes, or "pillars," of Christian character as outlined in God's Word. Pillars such as genuine faith, obedience, humility, selfless love, forgiveness, self-discipline, gratitude, and worship. To some degree each trait, on its own, marks a person as one of God's own and reveals an active, living faith. Each is an essential element of mature Christianity. But there is transforming power when you combine them in your everyday living as God commands. Your character will be grounded in godliness; you will see things from an eternal perspective; and your faith, your actions, your witness to others will be revitalized from the inside out.
Totally sufficient by E. E. Hindson, & H. Eyrich,
Contributors: Gary L. Almy, W. Wilson Benton Jr, Edward G. Dobson, Howard Eyrich, Ronald E. Hawkins, Ed Hindson, Arnold Hyndman, Wayne A. Mack, Paul Madtes Jr, David Powlison, C. Dwayne Shafer, Chris Thurman, Edward T. Welch.
Christian counselors agree that the Bible's message of salvation can radically change lives. Scripture can lead even the most unlikely people to faith but when it comes to everyday problems – is the Bible really enough? Here we have more than a dozen highly trained counselors, medical experts and pastors who are highly respected in their fields. Every one has at least one doctorate relevant to the area they examine in this book. Their answers to the question stated above are enlightening, thought provoking and surprising.
All really fantastic books! Not one of them is "dry" or "boring". You'll be caught up in each one in not time and not want to put them down.
I also enjoy Christian Fiction, and there are a few that can be life changing because they're so very, very good. These are the books I've found to be just that good - I highly recommend the books.
Fantastic Christian Fiction Books:
A Voice in The Wind -Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.
An Echo in the Darkness-Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.
As Sure As the Dawn - Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.
Here's a bit about all 3:
Francine Rivers has once again captured the Roman empire of the 1st century AD. Rome, Ephesus, and Israel come alive with compelling people and small historic details. The theme of God's love and the power of forgiveness are beautifully shown through the lives of these characters. The ending was so powerful, I'm sure it will stay with me for quite some time.
....The MARK trilogy is set in the Roman Empire, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. Using a Hebrew slave girl (Hadassah) and a German gladiator (Atretes; think the film GLADIATOR) as the main characters, three books are crafted around themes of faith, redemption, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Rivers is one of the best at writing characters and those that she creates here are absolutely convincing -- flawed and heroic on multiple layers, with developmental conflicts that relate to and parallel modern times almost seamlessly.
As with most Rivers books, this one if life-changing. This series is what the Lord used to bring me back to Him after 3 years of trying things my own way--what a gentle Lord He is. I highly recommend this series. The characters are believable, you feel for them, and you get a better sense of how God works in life (even though it is fiction). It will challenge your walk with the Lord, in a good way.
Each night I've wound up sobbing my heart out to the Lord when I'm reading it because it touches me so very deeply. These are fiction books but they're so very powerful! I've read most of her other books too and they're all good, but to me this is more like it was actually inspired by God Himself and when I read it, the Lord speaks directly to me from it. It's really amazing and very much appropriate for us who know we are in the end times.
Next are some Christian fiction books by Bill Myers that can also be life changing. If you let it, it can really open your eyes into an even deeper relationship with the Lord. These books will really make you think!
Blood of Heaven (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 1) by Bill Myers
Mysterious blood has been discovered on the remains of an ancient religious artifact. Some believe it is the blood of Christ. And experiments with specific genes from the blood have brought surprising findings. Now it's time to introduce those genes into a human. Enter Michael Coleman: multiple killer, death-row resident . . . and, if he is willing, human guinea pig. There are no promises. The effects may kill Coleman or completely destroy his sanity. He agrees to the experiment, with results so astonishing that the research must continue--but not in prison. Given a new identity and new employer, Katherine Lyon, Coleman reenters society. And that's when a plot far darker than science alone could construct begins to emerge. A carefully researched science and psychological thriller, Blood of Heaven is a nonstop page turner that looks deep into the heart of man, examining the nature of good and evil, flesh versus spirit, and the ever-growing controversy over genetically determined behavior.
Threshold (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 2) by Bill Myers
From the realms of science, the paranormal, and Bible prophecy emerges a novel for our times: fast-paced, carefully researched . . . with a warning none can ignore. Some say Brandon Martus has a mysterious ability to see into the future, to experience what scientists refer to as a “higher dimension.” Others insist he is simply a troubled Generation-X member plagued by the accidental death of his little sister. It isn’t until he teams up with Sarah Weintraub, the ambitious but haunted neurobiologist, that a far deeper secret unfolds. Utilizing the latest discoveries in brain research and quantum physics, the two carefully wind their way through a treacherous maze of human greed and supernatural encounters that are both legitimate and counterfeit--until they finally discover the astonishing truth about Brandon Martus.
Fire of Heaven (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 3) by Bill Myers
'My words will become a fire in your mouth that you cannot contain. They will burn until you have warned my Bride. Warn her before it is too late!' So begins a dramatic journey into holiness, as newlyweds Brandon and Sarah Martus accept the call to become Revelation's two prophets. This is not another end-times thriller, but one of the most intense and thought-provoking pieces of Christian fiction to come along in years. As the couple prepare for the final showdown against Satan himself, they must live and proclaim the truths Christ has given his end-times church. From America, to archaeological ruins dating back to Bible times, to the Himalayas, and finally to Jerusalem, Brandon and Sarah battle the forces of man and hell while learning the true cost of following Christ . . . and experiencing a Love far deeper than either could have imagined. Author Bill Myers says, 'Writing this book has changed my life.' Reading it could very well change yours.
Eli by Bill Myers
What If Jesus Had Not Come Until Today? Who Would Follow Him? Who Would Kill Him? A fiery car crash hurls TV journalist Conrad Davis into another world exactly like ours except for one detail---Jesus Christ did not come 2,000 years ago, but today. Starting with angels heralding a birth in the back of a motel laundry room, the skeptical Davis watches the gospel unfold in today's society as a Messiah in T-shirt and blue jeans heals, raises people from the dead, and speaks such startling truths that he captures the heart of a nation. But the young man's actions and his criticism of the religious establishment earn him enemies as ruthless as they are powerful. An intense and thought-provoking novel, Eli strips away religious tradition to present Jesus fresh and unvarnished. With gripping immediacy, Bill Myers weaves a story whose truth will refresh your faith.
Thunder in Paradise- Satan's Last Storm by Jonathan R. Cash.
Thunder in Paradise is absolutely fantastic!!!! It's got to be one of the very best I've read! It's about life during the millennium and it's so much better then the Left Behind book about this subject that it leaves it in the dust! I read this in two days because I simply couldn't put it down!
Age Of The Antichrist by Jonathan Cash
"At last, a well written, captivating novel about the 'end times'.The Age of the Antichrist is an exciting fictional presentation of the last day from a Premillennialist perspective. There have been many books in this area but Mr. Cash's book stands out for the poetic quality of the writing. The story line involves a television station manager who has a faith in Christ, a news anchor who loses his way and becomes the mouthpiece for the Antichrist, and a very exciting portait of the battles between God's army of angels and Satan's legions of demons. The story probes the subject of spiritual warfare in a vivid way that's not been seen since "This Present Darkness". This book has been crafted so convincingly that a major secular book chain decided to feature it for the month of December - a rare honor indeed."
Fallen From Babel By T L Higley.
Fallen From Babel's about a university professor who teaches comparative religion who winds up accidentally being sent back in time to Babylon. He winds up in the body of the chief Magician and finds out first hand where "all religions" really lead!
Petra: City in Stone By T L Higley.
Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.
Shadow of Colossus (Seven Wonders Series #1) By T L Higley.
The place is the island of Rhodes; the time, 227 BC. In the ten years that Tessa of Delos has been in bondage as a hetaeira, a high-priced Greek courtesan to a wealthy politician, she has learned to abandon all desire for freedom and love. But when her owner meets a violent death, Tessa is given the chance to be free—if she can hide the truth of his death and maintain a masquerade until escape is possible. Now Tessa must battle for her own freedom and for those she is beginning to love, as forces collide that will shatter the island’s peace and bring even its mighty Colossus to its knees.
Here is a powerful story showing how the love of God can transform even the most hardened person and bring back to life a soul jaded by sin and grief.
City of the Dead (Seven Wonders Series #2) By T L Higley.
Up from the sands of Egypt rises the Great Pyramid, where Hemiunu, Pharaoh’s Grand Vizier, commands the historic building project as he orders his life—with justice, truth, and precision. But when a series of murders at the site threatens chaos, Hemi must abandon his legacy to hunt down the killer who may be closer than he would like to think. Can he restore justice to the city before his careful life and work are destroyed, or will a mysterious people and their strange God uncover the secret past that Hemi has tried to forget?
Guardian of the Flame: A Seven Wonders Novel By T L Higley.
Guardian of the Flame is book three in the Seven Wonders series of novels transporting readers back to the Ancient World. Characters struggle to find meaning in a pagan society and are confronted by the one true God and His message of redemption.
The year is 48 BC. Sophia, a woman hurt by past loss, guards the famous lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt, in order to hide herself away from a world she deems cruel and unloving. But there is no escape. Political turmoil swells as Roman general Julius Caesar and his legion storm the city, and Cleopatra, Greek queen of Egypt , fights to retain her country against both Caesar and bloodthirsty rivals within her own household. Sophia is caught in the middle between a loyalty to Cleopatra and her maddening interest in Bellus, the Roman soldier whom Caesar has instructed to overtake the lighthouse.
The Silence: The End Is Near by Jim Kraus
Global catastrophes throw the world into mass panic...and virtual silence. A solar storm burns communication satellites and computers. Earthquakes shake North America. Is it the end of the world? Out of the chaos, Reverend Jerry Moses grows a tiny Illinois farm church into the "Garden of Eden," a cult-like community touting food as the new currency for a world gone silent. Tom Lyton, Megan Smith, and Peter Wilson embark on individual journeys that lead them to confront Moses' heretical teaching. This tantalizing, futuristic novel takes readers on a roller-coaster ride toward the truth as seen through the eyes of engaging characters. When global catastrophe sends the world into chaos and a small-town pastor unexpectedly rises to power, three believers journey to Illinois to challenge his claims.
Very interesting and thought provoking book of what could quite easily happen any time, here and now.
Some more great fiction that I'd recommend to give your faith a boost:
Timeflyer by Jeff Cargill.
TimeFlyer is an action-packed Christian science fiction action book. Steve Harrison, the main character, is a fighter pilot in the Air Force who is diligently seeking to honor God with his life. He feels directed to take the job of a test pilot for a top-secret military project in the Nevada desert. Jill, Steve's wife, is brilliant, but suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism characterized by intense concentration. She wants to be 'normal', and doesn't appreciate the gift of intelligence that God has given her. Dr. Choi Daesang escaped North Korea more than 15 years before. He is implementation director of the top-secret project. He is horrified to find that the North Koreans know where he is, and are determined to get him and his knowledge back to North Korea at any cost. The above-top-secret project, in which they are all involved, has built an aircraft that can fly back and forth in time. The first few missions go smoothly. However, the mission back 4,000 years reports physical features on Earth and in space that are totally unexpected. Steve and Jill realize they are seeing results from the global flood of Noah's time. The next mission is to fly back in time 8,000 years. Steve realizes that might be before the time of creation. He has to make a choice - fly the mission and risk the life of aircraft and crew, or refuse and risk a court-martial for disobeying orders.
Last Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
Night Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
True Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
Dawn's Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
Birmingham, Alabama, has lost all power. Its streets are jammed with cars that won't start, its airport engulfed in flames from burning planes. All communications---cell phones, computers, even radios---are silent. Every home and business is dark. Is it a natural disaster . . . a terrorist attack . . . or something far worse? In the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to a time before electricity, the Branning family faces a choice. Will they hoard their possessions in order to survive---or trust God to provide as they share their resources with those around them? Yesterday's world is gone. Family and community are all that remain. And the outage is revealing the worst in some. Desperation can be dangerous when a killer lives among them.
Solar Flare by Larry Burkett
In his latest thriller, Larry Burkett describes the potentially awesome power of a major solar flare and dramatic life-changing effects it could have on our electronic-dependent society--changes that not only affect our lives but our faith as well.
I've fallen in love with The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock. There are 4 that are in this series, although she's also written others that are really awesome too.
The Light Of Eidon (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #1) by Karen Hancock
The Shadow Within, (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #2) by Karen Hancock
Shadow Over Kiriath (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #3) by Karen Hancock
Return of the Guardian-King (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #4) by Karen Hancock
Book 1 of Legends of the Guardian King which follows the life of Abramm Kalladorne in his turbulent search for truth and self--a search that will transform him from a sickly, head-in-the-clouds youth to a legendary hero of strength and courage. Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient, mist-bound cities, his journey illustrates how God pursues and how He uses suffering to mold His children into something greater than was ever thought possible.
The first time I read this book, I was pretty well into it and still shaking my head wondering what in the world was "Christian" about it! I'd tried to figure it out, but the light bulb just wasn't going off for me. Then finally, somewhere around the beginning of part 2, I finally got it! It just never occurred to me at first that "Eidon" was the Father and that the two opposing ways of worshiping Him represented the Jews and the Christians or could also represent religions like the Catholic Church and those really born again.
And then there's also:
Arena By Karen Hancock
Callie Hayes is living a life of fear and disillusionment when she volunteers for a psychology experiment that promises to turn her life around. As her orientation proceeds, Callie becomes frightened by the secrecy and evasion she encounters. When she demands to be released from the program, she is suddenly dropped into a terrifying alien world and into a perilous battle between good and evil. With limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie embarks on a life-changing journey. Will she decipher the plans the Benefactor has established for her escape, or will she succumb to the deception of the Arena?
And there's also the following books, they just don't get any better then these!
Prophet (Books of the Infinite Book #1) by R.J. Larson
Close your eyes, Ela of Parne. Close your eyes and you will see.
Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified, bad tempered, and only seventeen--not to mention that no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as the elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.
Istgard has turned their back on me. See the evil they do.
Yet after experiencing His presence, she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to follow the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. Here she meets Kien, a young Traceland ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela must surrender to her destiny...and determine how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.
Will you accept the branch and speak my will? Will you be my prophet?
". . . this tale captured me and held me hostage to the very last page. Breathlessly waiting for the next book."
Donita K. Paul, bestselling author of THE DRAGON KEEPER CHRONICLES
"The Istgard have renounced the Infinite, so he has called on Ela Roeh to become his prophet. She's not the most likely choice for the job, being 17 and unrefined. On top of that, she's female--a first time for a prophet. Still, she accepts the role and tries to bring His message to her war-torn nation. In her new role, she meets an ambassador named Kien, and they form an alliance. Soon, Ela must decide how to keep true to her promise while following her heart. Character-driven and suspenseful, this outstanding young adult speculative fiction launch does a great job of world building." --Library Journal (starred review)
Judge (Books of the Infinite Book #2)by R.J. Larson
"Character-driven and suspenseful, this outstanding YA speculative fiction launch does a great job of world building."--Library Journal (starred review)
"I loved this book. It is highly engaging, moves at a nice pace, imaginative, and spiritually beautiful."--Melissa Willis, The Christian Manifesto
King (Books of the Infinite Book #3) by R.J. Larson
"Larson makes the fantasy genre thrilling even for readers who wouldn't normally venture into mystical realms. Though the battles waged resemble tales from the Old Testament, there is no preaching here, merely a compelling story of good versus evil in which good is sure to triumph." --Booklist
"[R.J. Larson] mastered this series and has a definite gift of storytelling. This author and series come highly recommended." --The Christian Manifesto
Exiles: Realms of the Infinite, Book One by R.J. Larson
Return to the realms of the Infinite!
"Larson makes the fantasy genre thrilling even for readers who wouldn't normally venture into mystical realms." –Booklist
For daring to trust their Creator, Araine and Nikaros are swept from their homes into a foreign land…slaves to their enemies
Araine Khalome of ToronSea follows the goddess Atea. But Araine secretly questions Atea’s power as a goddess. Wrestling with her spiritual doubts, Araine finds old scrolls containing verses that come alive, beckoning her soul. Within those words, Araine senses the presence of the Infinite, the despised Most Ancient God, enemy to all Ateans, and she’s captivated—secretly risking her life to read the Books of the Infinite.
You are forever in My sight…
Betrayed and condemned, Araine is swept away to the kingdom of Belaal, where she is swiftly apprehended and marked as a slave. Caught up in the lethal political and religious struggles within Balaal, Araine joins forces with another slave, Nikaros, a hostage and exiled son of an Eosyth Lord. As they fight to survive the antagonistic royal court, Nik and Araine soon realize that they must also protect the despotic god-king who has enslaved them.
But the god-king, Bel-Tygeon, has plans of his own.
Then there's:.
On The Edge of Time (Part 1 and Part 2) by Russell Scalzo, Steve Mamchak
On the Edge of Time involves the human heart’s earnest search for heaven in the midst of Hell come to Earth. It is two weeks after millions of people have mysteriously disappeared from the face of the earth, and, like millions of others, Jerry Westfield, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is upset and perplexed at that loss, particularly since it took his best friends, Jeremy and Kathy Palmer. His personal concerns must be set aside, however, when the international situation frantically signals the immanent destruction of the state of Israel. It is there that Jerry is sent to cover the story of his journalistic career and is reunited with Jacob Klausman, a ‘retired’ member of the ‘Mossad,’ Israel’s secret service. It is also there that he will meet with a cataclysmic series of monsters and miracles, including Ruth, the woman who will change his mind about marriage, and the charismatic Demetrius Strapollos, who soon is hailed as the ‘Messiah’ who will rescue Israel and restore her former glory. This quick-moving tale of suspense and power on a cosmic scale is intricately detailed and researched, providing the reader with insights into international politics, Biblical prophecy, the darkness of the human heart, and the challenge of faith in the face of disillusionment and pain. As current as this morning’s newspaper, this book will challenge the reader’s belief system, introduce him or her to the intricate world of international intrigue, and insure that the reader will never look at the Mid-East situation in quite the same light ever again.
On The Edge of Time Part 2: The world of the supernatural is exposed and darkness has gripped the earth. All of creation is crying out for its Creator as Demetrius Strapollos tightens his reign of terror. In the stone city of Petra, Jerry, Jacob and their families seek protection, along with hundreds of thousands of their fellow Jews. The two prophets continue to proclaim the coming of the Lord Jesus as Strapollos and his prophet Eissen seek ways to kill them. Meanwhile, a young boy appears on the scene with some very large and powerful new friends and a battle looms in the distance as a mighty army from the East gathers to challenge the kingdom of Strapollos. Through it all, Jerry and Jacob continue their fight against the forces of evil as they patiently await the coming of the true Messiah.
Codex by Daniel Patterson
Biblical artifact recovery specialist, Zack Cole prefers to work alone. Always has, always will.
When a bizarre weather phenomenon causes the Greenland ice sheet to melt, Zack is determined to join the race of archaeologists, professional and amateur alike, to find uncovered history and treasure. He's got the knowledge. He's got the money. He's even got the equipment. Now about those permits...Zack turns to his old friend, Father Salvatore Giovanni, curator of the Chicago Museum of Biblical Antiquities to back his expedition. He says yes, with one condition... Researcher Sydney Langtry is coming with him to protect the museum's interests. Plunged together into an icy world of death and darkness, Zack and Sydney make a discovery that will rock the archaeological community. But will they make it out alive to share their discovery? Find out in The Codex!
Gods and Kings: Chronicles of the Kings #1 By Lynn Austin
Gods and Kings is the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of King David. When his evil father plots to sacrifice him, Hezekiah's mother, Abijah, searches frantically for a way to save him. But only two men can help her, and neither of them seems trustworthy. In a time and place engulfed by violence, treachery, and infidelity to Yahweh, Abijah and her son must discover the one true Source of strength if they are to save themselves and their country. Book 1 of Chronicles of the Kings.
Song of Redemption (Chronicles of the Kings Book #2)
When King Hezekiah discovers that God's Law forbids him to take multiple wives, he must choose one woman to love. He must also choose to trust God's promises when he decides to rebel against his powerful Assyrian overlords. Hezekiah seeks to strengthen his nation's fortifications by building a tunnel in Jerusalem to hide his water supply. The tension mounts as the Assyrians march closer--and Hezekiah's tunnel remains incomplete.With his officials advising him to submit to the Assyrians, Hezekiah's faith is once more severely tested. Chronicles of the King Book 2.
Transgression: A Time-Travel Suspense Novel (City of God Book 1) by R.S. Ingermanson
Premonition: A Time-Travel Suspense Novel (City of God Book 2)
Retribution: A Time-Travel Suspense Novel (City of God Book 3)
What if you were studying for your Ph.D. in archaeology and decided to take a break from your crummy life by working on an archaeological dig in Israel? What if you met a great guy in Jerusalem who happened to be a world-famous theoretical physicist working on a crazy idea to build a wormhole that might make time-travel possible … someday? What if he had a nutball colleague who turned the theory into reality — and then decided to use YOU as a guinea pig to make sure it was safe? What if the nutball had a gun and went on a crazy, impossible mission to hunt down and kill the apostle Paul? It’s A.D. 57 when Rivka Meyers walks out of the wormhole into a world she’s only studied in books. Ancient Jerusalem is awesome! Rivka can’t believe her friend Ari Kazan’s theory actually worked. But when she runs into Ari’s whacko colleague, Damien West, in the Temple, Rivka starts to smell a rat. When Ari discovers that Damien and Rivka have gone through a wormhole that’s on the edge of collapse, he has to make a horrible choice: Follow them and risk never coming back — or lose the woman of his dreams forever.
Book 1: Transgression (A.D. 57)
Book 2: Premonition (A.D. 57-62)
Book 3: Retribution (A.D. 62-66)
Lion of Babylon (A Marc Royce Thriller Book #1) By Davis Bunn
Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq--kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight--a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation. Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?
Rare Earth (A Marc Royce Thriller Book #2) By Davis Bunn
Strait of Hormuz (A Marc Royce Thriller Book #3) By Davis Bunn
Angels Watching Over Me (Shenandoah Sisters Book #1) By Michael Phillips
Book 1 of SHENANDOAH SISTERS. Two young Southern girls, one the daughter of a plantation owner and one the daughter of a slave, barely survive the onset of the Civil War and the loss of both their families. When these tragic circumstances bring them together, they join forces to discover if they can make a life for themselves. As their preconceptions give way to experience, they gradually learn to value their contrasting and complementing strengths and skills as they face the formidable task of keeping body and soul together in the aftermath of this devastating war. But is it possible the Lord they have come to know has something bigger in mind for the plantation than either of them can imagine?
A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton (Shenandoah Sisters Book #2) By Michael Phillips
and a bunch more after this, then he starts another series about it and the first two in the new series are:
A Perilous Proposal (Carolina Cousins Book #1) By Michael Phillips
The Soldier's Lady (Carolina Cousins Book #2): A Novel By Michael Phillips
And of course there's The Left Behind Series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, but I'm sure you're all more then familiar with them!
I wanted to mention the Left Behind The Kids books to everyone because even though they're written for kids, probably ages 12 and up, they're very good! They go right along with the adult series and have the adults in them too, so you get a peak at stuff that's not in the adult books, which is really neat. They don't talk down to the kids at all, but are simply easier for them to read and follow. For adults, they're fast and easy to read. I can easily read one in a couple of hours. Since there's so many of them, (40 in all) you'll probably want to get them from your local library though, unless you're like me and just have to own them so you can re-read them every so often. I'd hate for someone to not read them just because they're written "for kids". Even we adults can learn a lot from them! My older grandkids have read them too and loved them!
Many of these authors have a lot of other books that are every bit as good as the ones I've mentioned here. I simply couldn't list them all. Once you find a really good author though, you know you can count on the rest of their books being fantastic too. So please check Amazon or where ever you shop for other books by these authors!
Well, that's it. Those are my "most favorite" from over the years. I hope if anyone else reads them that they get as much out of them as I have. You can also check out my pinterest site:
My favorite Books
First, my favorite devotionals:
Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith by John MacArthur
"Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation." 1 Peter 2:2
It's a fact of life: our health declines if we don't nourish our bodies every day with food and water. That's true physically. It's true spiritually as well.
If we neglect to regularly feed our souls on the Holy Scriptures, our faith becomes weak and we start to lose touch with our Savior. Growth is stifled... if it happens at all.
Drawing Near, used daily in combination with God's Holy Word, can not only help bring you closer to God but also keep you from spiritual stagnation. This book will guide you in a growing relationship with Him.
As Pastor MacArthur says in his Introduction: "Our entertainment-conscious, quick-fix, fast-food society does everything it can to divert us from setting aside time to study God's Word. As you well know from your own efforts, Bible study is not often entertaining—it's hard work. It takes discipline to set aside time each day to reap the benefits such study has to offer. If you reach an impasse when it's time to sit down, open your Bible, and try to decide what to do, you're not alone. Without some plan to follow, it's easy to become frustrated and eventually give up after only one or two days. That's where this book comes in."
If you desire greater understanding of the precious Word of God, if you want a daily guide to draw you closer to the Lord, this outstanding collections of 365 devotional readings by one of America's most respected and trusted Bible teachers is for you!
Strength for Today: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith by John MacArthur
"How blessed is the man whose strength is in You. . . ."
—Psalm 84:5, NASB
What a wonderful opportunity you have as a Christian in this modern age to open up the Bible and, with the leading of the Holy Spirit, glean its rich truths for yourself. Your vitality as a Christian depends on doing just that. For only through consistent Bible study and prayer do you gain the spiritual strength to navigate each day with wisdom, grace, and integrity.
Offering significantly more than the typical thematic or topical anecdotes of some other devotionals, the in-depth Bible exposition of this daily study gives you a firmer grasp on many of the great passages of Scripture—passages that speak at length of Christian character, the meaning behind Christ's death and resurrection, and how we benefit from life's trials.
After a year in God's Word with this book as your companion, you will find that both your walk with Christ and your faith have grown stronger—all because you committed yourself to a daily, in-depth study of the Scriptures, and to learning more about the God who is your Strength.
Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives by The Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation
Start a Year of Deep-Down Change Today!
Change that goes deeper than the surface of our lives happens as we daily remember the truths of the gospel. Every day we need to be reminded that Jesus, God’s own Son, came to this world to save us from sin, sorrow, and death. We need to remember every day how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return change the way we view ourselves and others. This devotional will be a daily reminder of these life-changing truths.
The 366 selections, anchored in Scripture and saturated with the gospel, will help the reader to:
Learn how God in his Word addresses a host of life situations
Focus on how the gospel intersects with life
Look beyond circumstances to God’s purposes
See how God values relationship and to learn to value it too by persisting, by speaking truth in love, and by not shying away from conflict
Grow in wisdom when confronted by life’s changes.
Learn that God works change that is effective and visible.
Topics covered in the devotional include: love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger.
CCEF, The Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) has been at the forefront of the biblical counseling movement for more than forty years with the mission to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the local church. CCEF teaches people how to explore the wisdom and depth of the Bible and apply God's grace-centered message to the problems of daily living. CCEF does this through counseling, training, writing, and partnering with churches.
Next some non fiction books that are so interesting you don't want to put them down!
Why Christians Can't Trust Psychology by Ed Rulkley, PhD
Where should Christians go to heal the deep hurts in their hearts?
Today's search for inner fulfillment has exploded into the Recovery movement, complete with twelve-step seminars, counseling programs, and self-help books. Thousands are looking to Christian psychology to help them attain victory over modern dysfunctions.
Does that mean the Bible alone is no longer adequate for the problems faced by Christians today?
Some say we need the Bible plus psychology. Others say the Bible alone is sufficient.
With deep insight and candor, pastoral counselor Ed Bulkley presents the opposing sides of this issue--and offers trustworthy, biblical answers for those who long to break away from pain and guilt and know true freedom...genuine inner peace...and a fresh beginning.
The pressures to find the solutions to human hurt and suffering have never been greater. Clear answers are urgently needed for the hurting--today.
From forgiven to forgiving by J. E.Adams
What do the following statements about forgiveness have in common? Forgiveness is obtained through apologizing. The best thing you can do is "forgive and forget". You aren't forgiven until you feel forgiven. In this book, Dr. Jay Adams carefully explores all dimensions of the process of forgiveness.A He can help you understand biblical forgiveness from beginning to end and apply that understanding to everyday situations ranging from forgiving your straying spouse or prodigal child - and being forgiven by them as well.
Dr. Jay Adams is perhaps the most well-known Biblical Counselor in the world today and has trained thousands of others from a Biblical perspective.
God is There in the Tough Times by E. E. Hindson
No matter what you may be facing, God is there to help you. This message resonates throughout this encouraging, powerful resource designed to help readers struggling with rejection, guilt, fear, depression, temptation, disappointment, personal crises, and more. As readers realize God is always near, they will begin to...
face crises with confidence
turn problems into an opportunities
conquer anxiety, stress, and feelings of failure
set realistic goals for change
rest in God’s strength in every situation
A strongly biblical resource that offers a new outlook on life’s disappointments and hurts. Includes a special reference guide that looks at key difficulties people face and the Bible’s answers to those problems. Formerly Overcoming Life’s Toughest Problems.
I Kissed Dating Goodbye By Joshua Harris
Joshua Harris's first book, written when he was only 21, turned the Christian singles scene upside down...and people are still talking. More than 800,000 copies later, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, with its inspiring call to sincere love, real purity, and purposeful singleness, remains the benchmark for books on Christian dating. Now, for the first time since its release, the national #1 bestseller has been expanded with new content and updated for new readers. Honest and practical, it challenges cultural assumptions about relationships and provides solid, biblical alternatives to society's norm.
Tired of the game? Kiss dating goodbye.
Going out? Been dumped? Waiting for a call that doesn’t come? Have you tasted pain in dating, drifted through one romance or, possibly, several of them?
Ever wondered, Isn’t there a better way?
I Kissed Dating Goodbye shows what it means to entrust your love life to God. Joshua Harris shares his story of giving up dating and discovering that God has something even better—a life of sincere love, true purity, and purposeful singleness.
This book is fantastic even if you're already married. To me, it's a must read for everyone!
Our sufficiency in Christ by J. F. MacArthur, Jr.
Christ's divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. —2 Peter 1:3
Pure Christianity needs no embellishment whatsoever. We find complete sufficiency in Christ and His provision for our needs. But too many Christians have bought in to the notion that all the spiritual resources we gain at the moment of salvation are not adequate to meet the real needs in today's complex world. So they look for something more—an emotionally exciting and self-edifying experience not found in God's Word. This failure to understand the sufficiency of Christ has opened the door to all kinds of worldy influences, causing many modern believers to mix biblical truths with seemingly helpful man-made methods such as mysticism and psychology. As a result, they wallow in a watered-down, pseudo-Christanity that has been drained of its vitality, effectiveness, and security. In this book John MacArthur exposes the main ways Christians have displaced their spiritual resources and explains how to avoid making the same error. It will make you newly aware of how completely God provides—and give you a renewed understanding of what it means to be "complete in Christ."
The power of integrity: Building a life without compromise by J. F. MacArthur, Jr.
We live in a society that has largely abandoned moral standards and Christian principles. Unkept campaign promises, false advertising, exaggerated tax exemptions, employee theft--compromise has become a way of life. Such moral concession has even invaded the church. Faced with an opportunity to proclaim Christ to unbelievers, we feel intimidated and keep silent. Or we water down God's Word on ethical issues at work or in our community to avoid rejection. Too often we prefer hypocrisy to integrity. But God longs for His people to be different--to maintain a commitment to His standards, no matter what the cost. Is consistent obedience to God--integrity--attainable in this world of sin and self? By the grace and power of God, yes!
One of the nation's most respected pastors points the way to persevering character in Christ. Drawing from scriptural examples of godly men who modeled integrity during severe testing, MacArthur makes a compelling case for the impact a man or woman of integrity can have in our world. A helpful study guide for individuals or groups is included.
The pillars of Christian character: The basic essentials of a living faith by J. MacArthur,
"To love [God] with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." –Jesus' words in Mark 12:33. Without question the crucial issue in living the Christian life is the condition of your heart. Actions may be temporarily deceiving, but ultimately our outward behavior will reflect what's inside, because our internal attitudes form who we really are. Those inner attitudes are also what God deems most important. In this book one of Christianity's most respected Bible teachers and pastors examines the foundational attitudes, or "pillars," of Christian character as outlined in God's Word. Pillars such as genuine faith, obedience, humility, selfless love, forgiveness, self-discipline, gratitude, and worship. To some degree each trait, on its own, marks a person as one of God's own and reveals an active, living faith. Each is an essential element of mature Christianity. But there is transforming power when you combine them in your everyday living as God commands. Your character will be grounded in godliness; you will see things from an eternal perspective; and your faith, your actions, your witness to others will be revitalized from the inside out.
Totally sufficient by E. E. Hindson, & H. Eyrich,
Contributors: Gary L. Almy, W. Wilson Benton Jr, Edward G. Dobson, Howard Eyrich, Ronald E. Hawkins, Ed Hindson, Arnold Hyndman, Wayne A. Mack, Paul Madtes Jr, David Powlison, C. Dwayne Shafer, Chris Thurman, Edward T. Welch.
Christian counselors agree that the Bible's message of salvation can radically change lives. Scripture can lead even the most unlikely people to faith but when it comes to everyday problems – is the Bible really enough? Here we have more than a dozen highly trained counselors, medical experts and pastors who are highly respected in their fields. Every one has at least one doctorate relevant to the area they examine in this book. Their answers to the question stated above are enlightening, thought provoking and surprising.
All really fantastic books! Not one of them is "dry" or "boring". You'll be caught up in each one in not time and not want to put them down.
I also enjoy Christian Fiction, and there are a few that can be life changing because they're so very, very good. These are the books I've found to be just that good - I highly recommend the books.
Fantastic Christian Fiction Books:
A Voice in The Wind -Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.
An Echo in the Darkness-Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.
As Sure As the Dawn - Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers.
Here's a bit about all 3:
Francine Rivers has once again captured the Roman empire of the 1st century AD. Rome, Ephesus, and Israel come alive with compelling people and small historic details. The theme of God's love and the power of forgiveness are beautifully shown through the lives of these characters. The ending was so powerful, I'm sure it will stay with me for quite some time.
....The MARK trilogy is set in the Roman Empire, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem. Using a Hebrew slave girl (Hadassah) and a German gladiator (Atretes; think the film GLADIATOR) as the main characters, three books are crafted around themes of faith, redemption, forgiveness, and sacrifice. Rivers is one of the best at writing characters and those that she creates here are absolutely convincing -- flawed and heroic on multiple layers, with developmental conflicts that relate to and parallel modern times almost seamlessly.
As with most Rivers books, this one if life-changing. This series is what the Lord used to bring me back to Him after 3 years of trying things my own way--what a gentle Lord He is. I highly recommend this series. The characters are believable, you feel for them, and you get a better sense of how God works in life (even though it is fiction). It will challenge your walk with the Lord, in a good way.
Each night I've wound up sobbing my heart out to the Lord when I'm reading it because it touches me so very deeply. These are fiction books but they're so very powerful! I've read most of her other books too and they're all good, but to me this is more like it was actually inspired by God Himself and when I read it, the Lord speaks directly to me from it. It's really amazing and very much appropriate for us who know we are in the end times.
Next are some Christian fiction books by Bill Myers that can also be life changing. If you let it, it can really open your eyes into an even deeper relationship with the Lord. These books will really make you think!
Blood of Heaven (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 1) by Bill Myers
Mysterious blood has been discovered on the remains of an ancient religious artifact. Some believe it is the blood of Christ. And experiments with specific genes from the blood have brought surprising findings. Now it's time to introduce those genes into a human. Enter Michael Coleman: multiple killer, death-row resident . . . and, if he is willing, human guinea pig. There are no promises. The effects may kill Coleman or completely destroy his sanity. He agrees to the experiment, with results so astonishing that the research must continue--but not in prison. Given a new identity and new employer, Katherine Lyon, Coleman reenters society. And that's when a plot far darker than science alone could construct begins to emerge. A carefully researched science and psychological thriller, Blood of Heaven is a nonstop page turner that looks deep into the heart of man, examining the nature of good and evil, flesh versus spirit, and the ever-growing controversy over genetically determined behavior.
Threshold (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 2) by Bill Myers
From the realms of science, the paranormal, and Bible prophecy emerges a novel for our times: fast-paced, carefully researched . . . with a warning none can ignore. Some say Brandon Martus has a mysterious ability to see into the future, to experience what scientists refer to as a “higher dimension.” Others insist he is simply a troubled Generation-X member plagued by the accidental death of his little sister. It isn’t until he teams up with Sarah Weintraub, the ambitious but haunted neurobiologist, that a far deeper secret unfolds. Utilizing the latest discoveries in brain research and quantum physics, the two carefully wind their way through a treacherous maze of human greed and supernatural encounters that are both legitimate and counterfeit--until they finally discover the astonishing truth about Brandon Martus.
Fire of Heaven (Fire of Heaven Trilogy, Book 3) by Bill Myers
'My words will become a fire in your mouth that you cannot contain. They will burn until you have warned my Bride. Warn her before it is too late!' So begins a dramatic journey into holiness, as newlyweds Brandon and Sarah Martus accept the call to become Revelation's two prophets. This is not another end-times thriller, but one of the most intense and thought-provoking pieces of Christian fiction to come along in years. As the couple prepare for the final showdown against Satan himself, they must live and proclaim the truths Christ has given his end-times church. From America, to archaeological ruins dating back to Bible times, to the Himalayas, and finally to Jerusalem, Brandon and Sarah battle the forces of man and hell while learning the true cost of following Christ . . . and experiencing a Love far deeper than either could have imagined. Author Bill Myers says, 'Writing this book has changed my life.' Reading it could very well change yours.
Eli by Bill Myers
What If Jesus Had Not Come Until Today? Who Would Follow Him? Who Would Kill Him? A fiery car crash hurls TV journalist Conrad Davis into another world exactly like ours except for one detail---Jesus Christ did not come 2,000 years ago, but today. Starting with angels heralding a birth in the back of a motel laundry room, the skeptical Davis watches the gospel unfold in today's society as a Messiah in T-shirt and blue jeans heals, raises people from the dead, and speaks such startling truths that he captures the heart of a nation. But the young man's actions and his criticism of the religious establishment earn him enemies as ruthless as they are powerful. An intense and thought-provoking novel, Eli strips away religious tradition to present Jesus fresh and unvarnished. With gripping immediacy, Bill Myers weaves a story whose truth will refresh your faith.
Thunder in Paradise- Satan's Last Storm by Jonathan R. Cash.
Thunder in Paradise is absolutely fantastic!!!! It's got to be one of the very best I've read! It's about life during the millennium and it's so much better then the Left Behind book about this subject that it leaves it in the dust! I read this in two days because I simply couldn't put it down!
Age Of The Antichrist by Jonathan Cash
"At last, a well written, captivating novel about the 'end times'.The Age of the Antichrist is an exciting fictional presentation of the last day from a Premillennialist perspective. There have been many books in this area but Mr. Cash's book stands out for the poetic quality of the writing. The story line involves a television station manager who has a faith in Christ, a news anchor who loses his way and becomes the mouthpiece for the Antichrist, and a very exciting portait of the battles between God's army of angels and Satan's legions of demons. The story probes the subject of spiritual warfare in a vivid way that's not been seen since "This Present Darkness". This book has been crafted so convincingly that a major secular book chain decided to feature it for the month of December - a rare honor indeed."
Fallen From Babel By T L Higley.
Fallen From Babel's about a university professor who teaches comparative religion who winds up accidentally being sent back in time to Babylon. He winds up in the body of the chief Magician and finds out first hand where "all religions" really lead!
Petra: City in Stone By T L Higley.
Petra, the wondrous ancient city carved from the mountains of modern Jordan, is at the height of its glory in this gripping historical novel by T. L. Higley. A young widow, Cassia, and her son, Alexander, have arrived there seeking protection with her late husband's estranged family. But when Cassia discovers the man she married was heir to the throne, the power-hungry Queen Hagiru plots to murder Alexander so that her own child will someday rule. The queen, priestess of the sun-god, Dushrat, calls on demonic powers in her quest, but Cassia is prepared for the fierce spiritual battle to save her son, joining a Roman named Julian and his community of believers in the Jewish Messiah. Together they seek a mighty movement of God far stronger than any dark heart or city made of stone.
Shadow of Colossus (Seven Wonders Series #1) By T L Higley.
The place is the island of Rhodes; the time, 227 BC. In the ten years that Tessa of Delos has been in bondage as a hetaeira, a high-priced Greek courtesan to a wealthy politician, she has learned to abandon all desire for freedom and love. But when her owner meets a violent death, Tessa is given the chance to be free—if she can hide the truth of his death and maintain a masquerade until escape is possible. Now Tessa must battle for her own freedom and for those she is beginning to love, as forces collide that will shatter the island’s peace and bring even its mighty Colossus to its knees.
Here is a powerful story showing how the love of God can transform even the most hardened person and bring back to life a soul jaded by sin and grief.
City of the Dead (Seven Wonders Series #2) By T L Higley.
Up from the sands of Egypt rises the Great Pyramid, where Hemiunu, Pharaoh’s Grand Vizier, commands the historic building project as he orders his life—with justice, truth, and precision. But when a series of murders at the site threatens chaos, Hemi must abandon his legacy to hunt down the killer who may be closer than he would like to think. Can he restore justice to the city before his careful life and work are destroyed, or will a mysterious people and their strange God uncover the secret past that Hemi has tried to forget?
Guardian of the Flame: A Seven Wonders Novel By T L Higley.
Guardian of the Flame is book three in the Seven Wonders series of novels transporting readers back to the Ancient World. Characters struggle to find meaning in a pagan society and are confronted by the one true God and His message of redemption.
The year is 48 BC. Sophia, a woman hurt by past loss, guards the famous lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt, in order to hide herself away from a world she deems cruel and unloving. But there is no escape. Political turmoil swells as Roman general Julius Caesar and his legion storm the city, and Cleopatra, Greek queen of Egypt , fights to retain her country against both Caesar and bloodthirsty rivals within her own household. Sophia is caught in the middle between a loyalty to Cleopatra and her maddening interest in Bellus, the Roman soldier whom Caesar has instructed to overtake the lighthouse.
The Silence: The End Is Near by Jim Kraus
Global catastrophes throw the world into mass panic...and virtual silence. A solar storm burns communication satellites and computers. Earthquakes shake North America. Is it the end of the world? Out of the chaos, Reverend Jerry Moses grows a tiny Illinois farm church into the "Garden of Eden," a cult-like community touting food as the new currency for a world gone silent. Tom Lyton, Megan Smith, and Peter Wilson embark on individual journeys that lead them to confront Moses' heretical teaching. This tantalizing, futuristic novel takes readers on a roller-coaster ride toward the truth as seen through the eyes of engaging characters. When global catastrophe sends the world into chaos and a small-town pastor unexpectedly rises to power, three believers journey to Illinois to challenge his claims.
Very interesting and thought provoking book of what could quite easily happen any time, here and now.
Some more great fiction that I'd recommend to give your faith a boost:
Timeflyer by Jeff Cargill.
TimeFlyer is an action-packed Christian science fiction action book. Steve Harrison, the main character, is a fighter pilot in the Air Force who is diligently seeking to honor God with his life. He feels directed to take the job of a test pilot for a top-secret military project in the Nevada desert. Jill, Steve's wife, is brilliant, but suffers from Asperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism characterized by intense concentration. She wants to be 'normal', and doesn't appreciate the gift of intelligence that God has given her. Dr. Choi Daesang escaped North Korea more than 15 years before. He is implementation director of the top-secret project. He is horrified to find that the North Koreans know where he is, and are determined to get him and his knowledge back to North Korea at any cost. The above-top-secret project, in which they are all involved, has built an aircraft that can fly back and forth in time. The first few missions go smoothly. However, the mission back 4,000 years reports physical features on Earth and in space that are totally unexpected. Steve and Jill realize they are seeing results from the global flood of Noah's time. The next mission is to fly back in time 8,000 years. Steve realizes that might be before the time of creation. He has to make a choice - fly the mission and risk the life of aircraft and crew, or refuse and risk a court-martial for disobeying orders.
Last Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
Night Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
True Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
Dawn's Light A Restoration Novel by Terri Blackstock
Birmingham, Alabama, has lost all power. Its streets are jammed with cars that won't start, its airport engulfed in flames from burning planes. All communications---cell phones, computers, even radios---are silent. Every home and business is dark. Is it a natural disaster . . . a terrorist attack . . . or something far worse? In the face of a crisis that sweeps an entire high-tech planet back to a time before electricity, the Branning family faces a choice. Will they hoard their possessions in order to survive---or trust God to provide as they share their resources with those around them? Yesterday's world is gone. Family and community are all that remain. And the outage is revealing the worst in some. Desperation can be dangerous when a killer lives among them.
Solar Flare by Larry Burkett
In his latest thriller, Larry Burkett describes the potentially awesome power of a major solar flare and dramatic life-changing effects it could have on our electronic-dependent society--changes that not only affect our lives but our faith as well.
I've fallen in love with The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock. There are 4 that are in this series, although she's also written others that are really awesome too.
The Light Of Eidon (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #1) by Karen Hancock
The Shadow Within, (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #2) by Karen Hancock
Shadow Over Kiriath (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #3) by Karen Hancock
Return of the Guardian-King (Legends of the Guardian-King Book #4) by Karen Hancock
Book 1 of Legends of the Guardian King which follows the life of Abramm Kalladorne in his turbulent search for truth and self--a search that will transform him from a sickly, head-in-the-clouds youth to a legendary hero of strength and courage. Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient, mist-bound cities, his journey illustrates how God pursues and how He uses suffering to mold His children into something greater than was ever thought possible.
The first time I read this book, I was pretty well into it and still shaking my head wondering what in the world was "Christian" about it! I'd tried to figure it out, but the light bulb just wasn't going off for me. Then finally, somewhere around the beginning of part 2, I finally got it! It just never occurred to me at first that "Eidon" was the Father and that the two opposing ways of worshiping Him represented the Jews and the Christians or could also represent religions like the Catholic Church and those really born again.
And then there's also:
Arena By Karen Hancock
Callie Hayes is living a life of fear and disillusionment when she volunteers for a psychology experiment that promises to turn her life around. As her orientation proceeds, Callie becomes frightened by the secrecy and evasion she encounters. When she demands to be released from the program, she is suddenly dropped into a terrifying alien world and into a perilous battle between good and evil. With limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie embarks on a life-changing journey. Will she decipher the plans the Benefactor has established for her escape, or will she succumb to the deception of the Arena?
And there's also the following books, they just don't get any better then these!
Prophet (Books of the Infinite Book #1) by R.J. Larson
Close your eyes, Ela of Parne. Close your eyes and you will see.
Ela Roeh of Parne doesn't understand why her beloved Creator, the Infinite, wants her to become His prophet. She's undignified, bad tempered, and only seventeen--not to mention that no prophet of Parne has ever been a girl. Worst of all, as the elders often warn, if she agrees to become the Infinite's prophet, Ela knows she will die young.
Istgard has turned their back on me. See the evil they do.
Yet after experiencing His presence, she can't imagine living without Him. Determined to follow the Infinite's voice, Ela accepts the sacred vinewood branch and is sent to bring the Infinite's word to a nation torn apart by war. Here she meets Kien, a young Traceland ambassador determined to bring his own justice for his oppressed people. As they form an unlikely partnership, Ela must surrender to her destiny...and determine how to balance the leading of her heart with the leading of the Infinite.
Will you accept the branch and speak my will? Will you be my prophet?
". . . this tale captured me and held me hostage to the very last page. Breathlessly waiting for the next book."
Donita K. Paul, bestselling author of THE DRAGON KEEPER CHRONICLES
"The Istgard have renounced the Infinite, so he has called on Ela Roeh to become his prophet. She's not the most likely choice for the job, being 17 and unrefined. On top of that, she's female--a first time for a prophet. Still, she accepts the role and tries to bring His message to her war-torn nation. In her new role, she meets an ambassador named Kien, and they form an alliance. Soon, Ela must decide how to keep true to her promise while following her heart. Character-driven and suspenseful, this outstanding young adult speculative fiction launch does a great job of world building." --Library Journal (starred review)
Judge (Books of the Infinite Book #2)by R.J. Larson
"Character-driven and suspenseful, this outstanding YA speculative fiction launch does a great job of world building."--Library Journal (starred review)
"I loved this book. It is highly engaging, moves at a nice pace, imaginative, and spiritually beautiful."--Melissa Willis, The Christian Manifesto
King (Books of the Infinite Book #3) by R.J. Larson
"Larson makes the fantasy genre thrilling even for readers who wouldn't normally venture into mystical realms. Though the battles waged resemble tales from the Old Testament, there is no preaching here, merely a compelling story of good versus evil in which good is sure to triumph." --Booklist
"[R.J. Larson] mastered this series and has a definite gift of storytelling. This author and series come highly recommended." --The Christian Manifesto
Exiles: Realms of the Infinite, Book One by R.J. Larson
Return to the realms of the Infinite!
"Larson makes the fantasy genre thrilling even for readers who wouldn't normally venture into mystical realms." –Booklist
For daring to trust their Creator, Araine and Nikaros are swept from their homes into a foreign land…slaves to their enemies
Araine Khalome of ToronSea follows the goddess Atea. But Araine secretly questions Atea’s power as a goddess. Wrestling with her spiritual doubts, Araine finds old scrolls containing verses that come alive, beckoning her soul. Within those words, Araine senses the presence of the Infinite, the despised Most Ancient God, enemy to all Ateans, and she’s captivated—secretly risking her life to read the Books of the Infinite.
You are forever in My sight…
Betrayed and condemned, Araine is swept away to the kingdom of Belaal, where she is swiftly apprehended and marked as a slave. Caught up in the lethal political and religious struggles within Balaal, Araine joins forces with another slave, Nikaros, a hostage and exiled son of an Eosyth Lord. As they fight to survive the antagonistic royal court, Nik and Araine soon realize that they must also protect the despotic god-king who has enslaved them.
But the god-king, Bel-Tygeon, has plans of his own.
Then there's:.
On The Edge of Time (Part 1 and Part 2) by Russell Scalzo, Steve Mamchak
On the Edge of Time involves the human heart’s earnest search for heaven in the midst of Hell come to Earth. It is two weeks after millions of people have mysteriously disappeared from the face of the earth, and, like millions of others, Jerry Westfield, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is upset and perplexed at that loss, particularly since it took his best friends, Jeremy and Kathy Palmer. His personal concerns must be set aside, however, when the international situation frantically signals the immanent destruction of the state of Israel. It is there that Jerry is sent to cover the story of his journalistic career and is reunited with Jacob Klausman, a ‘retired’ member of the ‘Mossad,’ Israel’s secret service. It is also there that he will meet with a cataclysmic series of monsters and miracles, including Ruth, the woman who will change his mind about marriage, and the charismatic Demetrius Strapollos, who soon is hailed as the ‘Messiah’ who will rescue Israel and restore her former glory. This quick-moving tale of suspense and power on a cosmic scale is intricately detailed and researched, providing the reader with insights into international politics, Biblical prophecy, the darkness of the human heart, and the challenge of faith in the face of disillusionment and pain. As current as this morning’s newspaper, this book will challenge the reader’s belief system, introduce him or her to the intricate world of international intrigue, and insure that the reader will never look at the Mid-East situation in quite the same light ever again.
On The Edge of Time Part 2: The world of the supernatural is exposed and darkness has gripped the earth. All of creation is crying out for its Creator as Demetrius Strapollos tightens his reign of terror. In the stone city of Petra, Jerry, Jacob and their families seek protection, along with hundreds of thousands of their fellow Jews. The two prophets continue to proclaim the coming of the Lord Jesus as Strapollos and his prophet Eissen seek ways to kill them. Meanwhile, a young boy appears on the scene with some very large and powerful new friends and a battle looms in the distance as a mighty army from the East gathers to challenge the kingdom of Strapollos. Through it all, Jerry and Jacob continue their fight against the forces of evil as they patiently await the coming of the true Messiah.
Codex by Daniel Patterson
Biblical artifact recovery specialist, Zack Cole prefers to work alone. Always has, always will.
When a bizarre weather phenomenon causes the Greenland ice sheet to melt, Zack is determined to join the race of archaeologists, professional and amateur alike, to find uncovered history and treasure. He's got the knowledge. He's got the money. He's even got the equipment. Now about those permits...Zack turns to his old friend, Father Salvatore Giovanni, curator of the Chicago Museum of Biblical Antiquities to back his expedition. He says yes, with one condition... Researcher Sydney Langtry is coming with him to protect the museum's interests. Plunged together into an icy world of death and darkness, Zack and Sydney make a discovery that will rock the archaeological community. But will they make it out alive to share their discovery? Find out in The Codex!
Gods and Kings: Chronicles of the Kings #1 By Lynn Austin
Gods and Kings is the story of King Hezekiah, heir to the throne of King David. When his evil father plots to sacrifice him, Hezekiah's mother, Abijah, searches frantically for a way to save him. But only two men can help her, and neither of them seems trustworthy. In a time and place engulfed by violence, treachery, and infidelity to Yahweh, Abijah and her son must discover the one true Source of strength if they are to save themselves and their country. Book 1 of Chronicles of the Kings.
Song of Redemption (Chronicles of the Kings Book #2)
When King Hezekiah discovers that God's Law forbids him to take multiple wives, he must choose one woman to love. He must also choose to trust God's promises when he decides to rebel against his powerful Assyrian overlords. Hezekiah seeks to strengthen his nation's fortifications by building a tunnel in Jerusalem to hide his water supply. The tension mounts as the Assyrians march closer--and Hezekiah's tunnel remains incomplete.With his officials advising him to submit to the Assyrians, Hezekiah's faith is once more severely tested. Chronicles of the King Book 2.
Transgression: A Time-Travel Suspense Novel (City of God Book 1) by R.S. Ingermanson
Premonition: A Time-Travel Suspense Novel (City of God Book 2)
Retribution: A Time-Travel Suspense Novel (City of God Book 3)
What if you were studying for your Ph.D. in archaeology and decided to take a break from your crummy life by working on an archaeological dig in Israel? What if you met a great guy in Jerusalem who happened to be a world-famous theoretical physicist working on a crazy idea to build a wormhole that might make time-travel possible … someday? What if he had a nutball colleague who turned the theory into reality — and then decided to use YOU as a guinea pig to make sure it was safe? What if the nutball had a gun and went on a crazy, impossible mission to hunt down and kill the apostle Paul? It’s A.D. 57 when Rivka Meyers walks out of the wormhole into a world she’s only studied in books. Ancient Jerusalem is awesome! Rivka can’t believe her friend Ari Kazan’s theory actually worked. But when she runs into Ari’s whacko colleague, Damien West, in the Temple, Rivka starts to smell a rat. When Ari discovers that Damien and Rivka have gone through a wormhole that’s on the edge of collapse, he has to make a horrible choice: Follow them and risk never coming back — or lose the woman of his dreams forever.
Book 1: Transgression (A.D. 57)
Book 2: Premonition (A.D. 57-62)
Book 3: Retribution (A.D. 62-66)
Lion of Babylon (A Marc Royce Thriller Book #1) By Davis Bunn
Marc Royce works for the State Department on special assignments, most of them rather routine, until two CIA operatives go missing in Iraq--kidnapped by Taliban forces bent on generating chaos in the region. Two others also drop out of sight--a high-placed Iraqi civilian and an American woman providing humanitarian aid. Are the disappearances linked? Rumors circulate in a whirl of misinformation. Marc must unravel the truth in a covert operation requiring utmost secrecy--from both the Americans and the insurgents. But even more secret than the undercover operation is the underground dialogue taking place between sworn enemies. Will the ultimate Reconciler between ancient enemies, current foes, and fanatical religious factions be heard?
Rare Earth (A Marc Royce Thriller Book #2) By Davis Bunn
Strait of Hormuz (A Marc Royce Thriller Book #3) By Davis Bunn
Angels Watching Over Me (Shenandoah Sisters Book #1) By Michael Phillips
Book 1 of SHENANDOAH SISTERS. Two young Southern girls, one the daughter of a plantation owner and one the daughter of a slave, barely survive the onset of the Civil War and the loss of both their families. When these tragic circumstances bring them together, they join forces to discover if they can make a life for themselves. As their preconceptions give way to experience, they gradually learn to value their contrasting and complementing strengths and skills as they face the formidable task of keeping body and soul together in the aftermath of this devastating war. But is it possible the Lord they have come to know has something bigger in mind for the plantation than either of them can imagine?
A Day to Pick Your Own Cotton (Shenandoah Sisters Book #2) By Michael Phillips
and a bunch more after this, then he starts another series about it and the first two in the new series are:
A Perilous Proposal (Carolina Cousins Book #1) By Michael Phillips
The Soldier's Lady (Carolina Cousins Book #2): A Novel By Michael Phillips
And of course there's The Left Behind Series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, but I'm sure you're all more then familiar with them!
I wanted to mention the Left Behind The Kids books to everyone because even though they're written for kids, probably ages 12 and up, they're very good! They go right along with the adult series and have the adults in them too, so you get a peak at stuff that's not in the adult books, which is really neat. They don't talk down to the kids at all, but are simply easier for them to read and follow. For adults, they're fast and easy to read. I can easily read one in a couple of hours. Since there's so many of them, (40 in all) you'll probably want to get them from your local library though, unless you're like me and just have to own them so you can re-read them every so often. I'd hate for someone to not read them just because they're written "for kids". Even we adults can learn a lot from them! My older grandkids have read them too and loved them!
Many of these authors have a lot of other books that are every bit as good as the ones I've mentioned here. I simply couldn't list them all. Once you find a really good author though, you know you can count on the rest of their books being fantastic too. So please check Amazon or where ever you shop for other books by these authors!
Well, that's it. Those are my "most favorite" from over the years. I hope if anyone else reads them that they get as much out of them as I have. You can also check out my pinterest site:
My favorite Books
Some good news about that, is that one of the series I recently re-read, the author said he was going to continue it! I'm thrilled about that! Ingermanson who wrote the City of God series, plans on continuing Rivka's story. I told him I'd love to hear more about their daughter growing up and what her life would be like too, and he said he was planning on doing it! 
I have to admit that I was shocked that he took the time to write back to me twice! Not because he's famous or anything, but simply because I'm sure he must be very busy. I've got a couple more books I can recommend now too that were fantastic. You can get many of the books I've mentioned for free for a kindle or read them for free on your laptop or computer too. 
So let me add those to my list too as they're really very good books as well:
. I tried it and it's really neat for when you want to read but are too busy and need your hands to do your work, but when you don't have to concentrate on what you're doing. Not to mention that there are literally thousands of free Christian books you can get for it, and thousands more for less then $1! And I can have my entire Logos Bible Library on it as well and I currently have over 2500 books in my bible library alone. 
and she's got another one coming out soon! I don't want to miss that one either! I've also discovered another whole new series that's really good! I just finished the first book in it:
!!
