My 10-year-old granddaughter loves to read.
When I discovered that she'd read one book 12 times, I did some research and was troubled by the message the book conveyed.
So I ordered two books about the missionaries George Mueller and Gladys Aylward. It took her one day to read each book, and she decided she wanted to be a missionary.
As you might imagine, I ordered other books about faithful Christians. And I started reading them so I could discuss them with her.
Like my little munchkin, I've been strongly influenced by Christian biographies and autobiographies. Before I was a believer, I read Corrie Ten Boom's The Hiding Place, and it prepared my heart to receive Jesus. And since that time, I've read scores of biographies that have continued to shape my faith.
I consider it a form of mentoring—one that's available even if I'm traveling or have recently moved and don't have Christian friends to encourage me.
These biographies serve as what Hebrews 12:1-2 calls "a great cloud of witnesses."
I'd love to have you leave a comment below and tell me about a Christian biography that especially influenced you.
Did you know that Bible Love Notes has a collection of 1-minute devotions about Christians Who Inspire Us? Why not check it out for a glimpse into the lives of Christians whose biographies you might want to read.
Bible Love Notes
thank you for sharing this. will get for my kids.
ReplyDeleteThe Hiding Place was my first too!! I love the series you showed, just read the Eric Liddell title myself :)
ReplyDeleteHaving good books is priceless. We love those biographies.
ReplyDeleteAnother good reason for a Christian library, where materials were restricted for many years!
ReplyDeleteI read slow and so haven't read as many books as I would have liked. I love Isabella Kuhn books, she was a missionary to China. You might not have read 'Beyond the Ranges' as it is out of print. In order to buy it you have to pay extra for a vintage copy (or whatever it is called). It is well worth it as there is so much on prayer as he worked with the people in China. I also love to read Rosalind Gorforth's books about their missionary experiences in China. My favorite book of hers is 'Climbing' which is her side of the story instead of her husbands in which she shares her personal struggles and victories.
ReplyDeleteNot every book I read is about China but I guess you see a trend here. Having grown up in Hong Kong, China was near (literally) and dear to my heart.
I like the Hiding Place too...Oh and the biography about Joni Erickson Tada....should I go on?! LOL!!
Thanks Gail for a wonderful inspiring post.
We love, "Christian Heroes, Then and Now"! Never knew there were so many of them! Oh the faith of those that have gone before us...there is nothing like it! Thanks for UNITING once again! ~ Jen
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid I loved being autobiographies. I read a kid's series but couldn't tell you what they were. I remember specifically reading about Clara Barton and Betsy Ross, for example.
ReplyDeleteI read some of Corrie's books when I was an adult. I haven't read an autobiography for quite awhile actually. I will have to look into this series, never heard of them. I assume I look under ""Christian Heroes, Then and Now".
Someday I will be a grandma and I'd love to have some things on hand for the grand kids too read or to read to them.
Thanks so much for linking up to the "Making Your Home Sing Monday" linky party today! ;)
I love "The Hiding Place" too. Thanks for introducing these books to me. I was unfamiliar with them but am adding them to my pinterest board for my girls.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
I was never much on biographies when I was young, but my parents had the wisdom to stock me up with books like the Chronicles of Narnia and the Mandie series that they knew would capture my attention, make sure I was getting positive Christian messages. I am very thankful for that!
ReplyDeleteI remember these books from when I was growing up! We read many of them - but Gladys Alyward and George Muller stood out to me the most. (Mostly Gladys Alyward - whom from that day I have looked to as my hero) What wonderful books. I need to get a set for my kids while we're in the States, because they are easy reading and wonderful tools for building a true sense of who "heroes" really are!
ReplyDeleteNot only books but stories of testimonies of salvation always build my faith. Or even vids nowadays. But books, of course, are convenient when traveling.
ReplyDeleteHi, I don't usually comment on many things but I really wanted to share my thoughts on the influence of testimonials/ books!! I am not a new believer of God. I was raised w/ God being God but not really being taught of truly living a Christian life. So, to me, I am newer to actually learning & living in action with my believe (I hope that makes sense!)
ReplyDeleteI have read some things but not alot, yet! However, I would like to say that You have been a huge influence & inspiration to and for me! I have been enjoying your articles/post for several months now and I really learn & gain alot. You not only seem to share biblical truth with reference but you also share personal experiences, thoughts, and more. To me these small 1 minute bible love notes & the 5 min ones are a daily page by page I am slowly & steadily reading in your growing book. When I read your post it makes me want to be able to share God's word & ways as clearly, strongly and personally as You are/do. I love how you always make sure to attach scripture reference for us read & break it down to make it easier to understand/learn as well as share your thoughts and experiences and you do not hold your tongue to truth! You are not afraid to tell it as it is, biblically. You share what God's word says, your views, and you back it up with God's word.. every time!! Thank you very much, I pray I can one day know God's word with a closeness with Him in such intense love & passion and be able to share even partly as much as you have & are..I am very glad I found your 1 min bible love notes, they have been a huge blessing. Thank you very much, you are definitely sharing God's word in your journey!!
Dear Unknown,
DeleteWhat a sweet blessing to hear this!
Not only because you enjoy Bible Love Notes, but also because they are helping you grow in the Lord.
Thanks for taking the time to encourage me!!
God bless you.
Gail
I haven’t read the book but I watched the movie “The End of the Spear” it touched my heart opened it to missionary work and what they go through
ReplyDelete" Tortured for Christ " is my first book after coming to Christ. It influenced me so much that I consider myself sold out for Christ and abandon myself for His desires and glory. "I dared to call Him father" by Bilquis Sheik, "Torn veil" by Gulshan Esther, Hudson Taylor biography, Gladys biography and like this many more have inspired me and helped me to be a passionate child of Christ, most of all great cloud mentioned in the Bible goes without saying ♥️
ReplyDeleteRev Billy Graham, Nick Vujavic, my pastor, my Husband and you Gail
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm so blessed to be part of those influences.
DeleteGod bless you!
I absolutely love the book "When God Winks at You...." by Squire Rushnell.It reads like Paul Harvey stories.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, try the book by Mike Lindell "What are the Odds".
When I was 11 (I am now 39) my teacher read aloud to us in class.. Run Baby Run... The story of Nikki Cruz... A gang leader whose life was transformed by Christ. It has been one of the most powerful reminders to me of how God can change people's lives completely and there is always hope... There is no one that his grace can reach.
ReplyDeleteI've read all of Charles Swindoll's Great Lives of the Bible series. They are very good! Talk about inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI read The Hiding Place too + was inspired by it.
ReplyDelete