As a pastor, I often get asked what my must-have Christian books are. Reading is one of my favorite things to do in life. All readers are leaders, and all leaders are readers. Spending time in a book is one of my life’s joys. Not only does it help me grow in my relationship with God, but I also broaden and deepen my knowledge, reduce stress and create time for contemplation.
Below are my top five most cherished books in Christian literature. They offer insight to anyone—whether in recovery from drugs and alcohol or not. However, when I consider the best Christian books for alcohol and drug addiction, my list remains the same. The wisdom contained in these books will provide guidance and comfort to anyone pursuing recovery in the context of their Christian faith.
Outside of the Bible and the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, these books have had the greatest impact on me:
1) More Than a Carpenter
by Josh McDowell
The book that started it all. After I accepted Jesus in my life, I turned myself in to the authorities to start a yearlong prison sentence. I was never raised in a church and was in my early stages of being a Christian and had many questions that I wanted answered. One day I was in the prison library and saw this book sitting on the ledge. It was in rough shape and resembled me in its appearance. Its contents changed my life forever. Is Jesus who He says he is? This book helps find the answer.
2) Mere Christianity
by CS Lewis
A timeless classic. Lewis is one of the greatest Christian authors of all time. Every work by Lewis is a masterpiece. Mere Christianity deals with the fundamentals and doctrines of the Christian belief. Writing as a former atheist, Lewis writes in a way that anyone can grasp its powerful truth. This should be a staple on any Christian’s bookshelf.
3) My Utmost for His Highest
by Oswald Chambers
My daily devotional that I read every day and cycle through every year. Coupled with my daily Bible reading, Utmost is a classic devotional that gets me ready for my day and enables me to meditate on God throughout the 24 hours ahead.
4) The Pursuit of God
by A.W. Tozer
“Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us.” Tozer is another author who has changed the course of my life and relationship with God. One of the most gifted and poetic writers of all time, Pursuit draws the reader into an even more intimate relationship with God than ever before. Tozer has many classics that every Christian should pick up on a daily basis.
5) He Chose the Nails
by Max Lucado
Another short read that has long-term gain. Lucado masterfully examines the cross of Christ and wonderfully draws out just how significant the crucifixion is. This book will leave the reader in tears overwhelmed by the grace of God showing the reader just how much God loves them.
Christian Addiction Recovery Program
If you are interested in finding freedom from your addiction to drugs and alcohol, Recovery Centers of America has a Christian Addiction Recovery Program, Freedom, which will allow you to fortify your faith as you liberate yourself from the chains of addiction. With its combination of proven general treatment techniques together with the best in faith-based Christian addiction counseling, the Freedom program provides ideal Christian help for addiction.
If you’d like to call me directly to discuss your recovery and/or our Freedom program, call 877-730-0438. I wholeheartedly welcome and look forward to your calls every day of the week. Do not hesitate to reach out.
