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Best Spiritual Meditations

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional
Offering more than a rush of caffeine, best-selling author Paul David Tripp wants to energize you with the most potent encouragement imaginable: the gospel. “We have always resonated with Robert Robinson’s hymn ‘Come Thou Fount,’ especially the line, ‘Prone to wander—Lord, I feel it—prone to leave the God I love.’ We feel the pull daily away from God’s goodness and toward a pursuit of our own, away from God’s gracious acceptance and toward the exhausting, impossible weight of trying to tip the scales in our favor. If you’re prone to wander, this book is for you.”. — Matt and Lauren Chandler. , Lead Pastor, The Village Church, Dallas, Texas; President, Acts 29 Church Planting Network; and his wife Lauren, writer; speaker; singer.
Reviews
"The wisdom, depth (yet retaining humility and simplicity) and biblical truth of this book make it trustworthy and applicable to life."
"Every day speaks such truth to me and, along with the recommended Scripture for each day, allows me to recognize areas that are holding me back in life or lies I've fallen into believing."
"This devotional is appropriate for all moods and it challenges me to change my perspective for the better everyday."
"But at the beginning of this year, I decided to give it one last try and bought "New Morning Mercies" by Paul David Tripp."
"He offers such practical & powerful teachings that I've given this devotional to 4 of my friends who've recently started walking with Christ so I'm not concerned it will be too difficult for them to understand."
"It really is so full of wisdom and the way it is worded is easy to understand and just solid teaching!"
"This is a daily devotional that has depth, and is challenging yet encouraging."
"Wonderful!"
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Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
After many years of writing her own words in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to be more attentive to the Savior's voice and begin listening for what He was saying. Here is a year’s worth of daily readings from Young’s journals to bring you closer to Christ and move your time with Him from monologue to a dialogue. “I’ve given this beautiful book to so many people I love, and I’ve come back to it myself again and again. “Jesus Calling has been such an inspirational tool in my daily walk with Jesus.
Reviews
"The scripture at the bottom of the page is already written out for you, you don't have to go searching unless you want to read it in a different version, which is good too."
"This is much nicer than the original version and has the scriptures quoted instead of just the references."
"I gave my last one away and ordered this one but it doesn't have the scripture references typed out like my last one."
"Several years ago I was diagnosed with lupus, kidney failure, high blood pressure and many more complications. Including giving birth to my baby girl 4 1/2 months early (she weighed 15 oz when she was born at 23 weeks...She is our miracle child....She is my little joy bug!)."
"As a 64 year old legally blind man who was forced into early retirement I have become a pro at discovering new ways to give my life structure."
"I believe God touched Sarah Young in an incredible way, to allow her to share with me what she feels He would have to say each day."
"I look forward to each new day to read that new passage and the walk that God is taking me on with the words he inspired this author to write."
"This is not a Christian book, but is popularly disguised as one."
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A Year with C. S. Lewis: Daily Readings from His Classic Works
The daily meditations have been culled from Lewis’ celebrated signature classics: Mere Christianity , The Screwtape Letters , The Great Divorce , The Problem of Pain, Miracles, and A Grief Observed, as well as from the distinguished works The Weight of Glory and The Abolition of Man . Interestingly, she includes a bit of Lewis trivia for each day of the year, and often pairs the reading with the biographical information: for example, we learn that on March 21, 1957, Lewis married Joy Davidman Gresham, and the entry for that day is about their marriage.
Reviews
"Lewis taught at Oxford and Cambridge and can write fluently at that Oxford high level of scholarship, but he amazes me how he can also take that vast vocabulary, pare it down and write empathetic children's books like the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, too--I love the range of his works. I hope tasting Lewis's writings in these short daily selections encourages you to read more of his full works: there is Lewis to fit many a taste, scholarly, science fiction, fantasy, and reflections on his own journey."
"A wonderful accompaniment to daily scripture reading."
"Maybe it's that this book quotes previous writings of Lewis's that I haven't read."
"The book is a great product: flashy and durable cover, soundly bound, beautifully laid out and with multiple appendixes."
"I have read all of the works by CS Lewis and taught classes on the same; I find this book a great daily resource and those unfamiliar with a lot of the works beyond The Witch, The Lion and The Wardrobe will find this an open door or cupboard into wonderful worlds of spirtual awareness."
"WOW."
"I love C.S."
"This was a nice hardback book at a great price."
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Best Christian Devotionals

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
Penned by one who loves Jesus and reveres His Word, these writings will help your love for Jesus grow as you spend time with Him each day. “I’ve given this beautiful book to so many people I love, and I’ve come back to it myself again and again. “Jesus Calling has been such an inspirational tool in my daily walk with Jesus.
Reviews
"The scripture at the bottom of the page is already written out for you, you don't have to go searching unless you want to read it in a different version, which is good too."
"I gave my last one away and ordered this one but it doesn't have the scripture references typed out like my last one."
"This is much nicer than the original version and has the scriptures quoted instead of just the references."
"BUY THIS BOOK! It orders my thoughts and action each day."
"I pray that all who read this devotional will be greatly blessed and will find a more personal relationship with the Lord."
"I love this little book and look forward to using it everyday. for my Bible study."
"I highly recommend this book for those who are seeking guidance and answers."
"Each day is like reading a loving message/call from Jesus."
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Best Christian Worship & Devotion

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
Penned by one who loves Jesus and reveres His Word, these writings will help your love for Jesus grow as you spend time with Him each day. “I’ve given this beautiful book to so many people I love, and I’ve come back to it myself again and again. “Jesus Calling has been such an inspirational tool in my daily walk with Jesus.
Reviews
"The scripture at the bottom of the page is already written out for you, you don't have to go searching unless you want to read it in a different version, which is good too."
"This is much nicer than the original version and has the scriptures quoted instead of just the references."
"I gave my last one away and ordered this one but it doesn't have the scripture references typed out like my last one."
"This is an exceptional daily devotional."
"I will admit, there are times when I get behind and don't read the day's devotion, but I always make sure to catch up. There are days that I read the devotion multiple times and it just makes me smile."
"This small devotional book takes you through an entire year with short thoughts, written as though from Jesus to you."
"Avoid this book and read respected opinions of it (such as Tim Challies) to fully understand the new age mysticism peddled by this author. If you own this book read Jesus' words in the Bible and contrast them to the words in Jesus Calling."
"This is not a Christian book, but is popularly disguised as one."
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Best Sufism

The Essential Rumi
The Essential Rumi continues to be the bestselling of all Rumi books, and the definitive selection of his beautiful, mystical poetry. Text: English. Original Language: Persian.
Reviews
"One of best book of great Rumi."
"In September of 2012, I created a photographic gallery of Rumi quotations and used a few of the quotes from Coleman Bark's book with direct permission from the author - I thought it was so cool that he emailed me back and was gracious about it. The translation is great but the content is very hard to put into context.... it's like reading about another person's dreams.... they make very little sense except a few moments in time when something clarifying and brilliant happens."
"Great poetry that inspires and is easily relate able to modern times."
"One of my all-time favorite books which I can and will read over and over."
"I read this book daily."
"I have had this in book form and I need something I can just carry with me anywhere I go."
"Coleman Barks is one of the best for bringing Rumi to the 21st century!..not literal translations from Persian, I've heard, but renderings that do capture the taste of Rumi's message."
"Wanted it to go to when I wanted/needed his wonderful words to center and quiet me."
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Best Inspiration & Spirituality

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year. “I’ve given this beautiful book to so many people I love, and I’ve come back to it myself again and again. “Jesus Calling has been such an inspirational tool in my daily walk with Jesus.
Reviews
"The scripture at the bottom of the page is already written out for you, you don't have to go searching unless you want to read it in a different version, which is good too."
"This is much nicer than the original version and has the scriptures quoted instead of just the references."
"I gave my last one away and ordered this one but it doesn't have the scripture references typed out like my last one."
"This Jesus Calling book is for anyone who needs that special reminder of God’s peace and grace in any situation that pops up or tries to linger in our lives."
"The only thing I hadn't noticed before I purchased it was that the scripture references aren't written out."
"Hi, I have purchased 5 copies for friends who love to read positive scriptures from the bible written in a personal way!"
"The words received by the author after she would pray and then wait and listen for the Lord's words."
"If you are looking for the perfect devotional this one is it."
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Best Ritual Religious Practices

Catechism of the Catholic Church: Second Edition
Using the tradition of explaining what the Church believes (the Creed), what she celebrates (the Sacraments), what she lives (the Commandments), and what she prays (the Lord's Prayer), the Catechism of the Catholic Church offers challenges for believers and answers for all those interested in learning about the mystery of the Catholic faith. Catechism of the Catholic Church is the first new edition of the catechism in 400 years.
Reviews
"it will help me increase my knowledge and faith."
"excellent service/product."
"Awesome resource for life."
"Excellent gift for confirmation."
"I learned things I did not know."
"Very pleased with my purchase."
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Best Devotionals

Trusting God Day by Day: 365 Daily Devotions
Each day's devotion is filled with practical advice and help from Joyce along with life-changing promises from God's Word that you can quickly and easily apply in your own life. Joyce Meyer is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers, with her TV and radio broadcast, Enjoying Everyday Life , airing on nearly 450 television networks and 400 radio stations worldwide, including ABC Family Channel, Trinity Broadcast Network, Daystar, and the Word Network.
Reviews
""Trusting God Day by Day" offers a verse, a short summary, and a challenge for you to reflect on."
"About a year ago, I purchased my first devotional because I wanted to build my relationship with God and I thought devotionals were a good way to start. There are 365 devotions and it would be nice if there was a devotion for February 29th but you could remedy that by rereading a previous devotion or skipping ahead to a random one. Then the bulk of the devotion is Joyce's thoughts and evidence taken from the Bible about how we could change our attitude about casting our cares (October 9th), being a blessing to others (October 6th), and handling whatever life hands us (August 24th), just to name a few. I purchased the hardcover edition since I like the idea of holding my devotionals. It isn't gender-specific like some devotionals so I feel both men and women could enjoy this devotional."
"Short entries which is what i wanted, great to start the day off on a positive note."
"Love the size of the devotional."
"I did some looking around at different possible devotionals that might help me strengthen my relationship with God and landed on this one."
"The entries are dated but I just use a bookmark and read as I go so it doesn’t matter if I skip a day."
"Beautiful and Realistically Encouraging."
"Joyce's real life experiences were relatable and gave me the courage to face each day."
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Best Religious Sermons

Smith Wigglesworth: Complete Collection
The essence of his dynamic ministry is relived through the complete volume of his life teachings.Sermons have been gathered from archives around the world to create this unequaled treasure. Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947), known as the Apostle of Faith, had an international evangelistic and healing ministry.
Reviews
"Really impactful of knowing God's presence and His glory in the Holy Spirit!"
"Just as described and came well within the time limit."
"Awesome book."
"Any minister or Christian , who desire to work in faith and power should read this book."
"It's a wonderful book full of insight and inspiration to a closer walk with our Lord!"
"Excellent book great inspiration for all."
"I am in the beginning of reading this book and am inspired to draw closer to the Lord at every reading."
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Best Religious Faith

Barking to the Choir: The Power of Radical Kinship
In a moving example of unconditional love in dif­ficult times, the Jesuit priest and bestselling author of Tattoos on the Heart , Gregory Boyle, shares what three decades of working with gang members in Los Angeles has taught him about faith, compassion, and the enduring power of kinship. In his first book, Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion , Gregory Boyle introduced us to Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention program in the world . Now, after the suc­cessful expansion of Homeboy Industries, Boyle returns with Barking to the Choir to reveal how com­passion is transforming the lives of gang members. It's written by Gregory Boyle, a Jesuit priest in Los Angeles who has worked with (and loved) gang-members for decades. “If you’re in the market for genuine inspiration, I urge you to read Barking to the Choir by Gregory Boyle, a book that shows what the platitudes of faith look like when they’re put into action.” —Ann Patchett. It is lovely and tough and tender beyond my ability to describe and left me in tears of both sorrow and laughter." "One of the bravest, most humane, heartbreaking, brilliant, and hopeful stories I’ve read in ages. Father Greg, the Gandhi of the Gangs, fills Tattoos with unquenchable soul force and down-to-earth love." Boyle somehow maintains an exuberant voice that celebrates the strength, compassion and humanity of people often demonized. Boyle intersperses his narratives about gang members and his work with them with theological and spiritual reflections from a variety of theologians, poets and other writers. By introducing book-buying, highly educated readers to people we may never otherwise encounter, Boyle aspires to "broaden the parameters of our kinship.'". Boyle approaches each person as a child of God and fully deserving of love and compassion.
Reviews
"It establishes the benchmark for whether we are living in the type of community which God intends. What is most inspiring is that the stories from the book are living accounts of a day at Homeboy Industries and the parish community of Delores Mission."
"Boyle would often paraphrase Teilhard de Chardin who spoke of things happening in “God’s slow time.” For me, the book was an engaging read with many spiritual nuggets for reflection. Boyle uses the stories of many of the people he has encountered and situations that have happened to him at Homeboy Industries, as a priest at Dolores Mission, and in his prison ministry to respond to the challenges of our time and the negative rhetoric that is so prevalent. In a time where the dialogue in our country has been bitter, people are polarized, and snap judgments are common, Fr. While it may seem as if he is responding to the current political climate, most of the stories in this book would have been timely if we had not had situations such as Charlottesville in the summer of 2017 and the President referring to African countries in a derogatory way. Boyle wants you to see the person of Jesus Christ I the stories he shares and hopes that what is easy to do when reading from a page can be applied in real life."
"Extraordinary story about the life-changing work Father Greg Boyle is leading is East Los Angeles."
"I just started "Tatoos of the Heart" and am now following Homeboy Industries on Facebook."
"You laugh and cry and grow in your understanding of our worth and call...."
"God is good and Boyle's stories of the homies and community remind us of this."
"One of the three most formative books I've read."
"I love the author's writing style!"
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Best Prayerbooks

Valley of Vision (Leather): A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. 'When used slowly, for meditation and prayer, these pages have often been used by God's Spirit to kindle my dry heart.'. ' The Valley of Vision is a wonderful collection of Puritan prayers which both help to shape and inform our own private devotions and, perhaps more importantly, aid pastors as they seek to lead their congregations in prayer and into the presence of God.'. 'I cannot commend enough The Valley of Vision , which is a compilation of over two-hundred pages of Puritan prayers (each of which are one page in length). Indeed, these prayers will also teach one how to pray, and, at the same time, they teach theological truth.
Reviews
"I thought about Enoch walking with God when reading Valley of Vision, I read and see many who walked with God though likely not as Enoch, yet this masterful work by these servants of the Lord have allowed me to have a better understanding and desire to truly WALK WITH GOD."
"Beautiful bonded leather, one bookmark, gold gilded pages, very clear printing, and prayers/devotions that will make you learn and/or cry."
"I love the deep prayers of our forefathers."
"Frequently, I will choose a prayer on the basis of a specific need or feeling and then, after reviewing the lists of articulated reasons for praise, thanksgiving, and petition, come away both encouraged and educated."
"The book was delivered in mint condition, shrink wrapped and perfect in every way."
"Right up there with Pilgrim's Progress."
"I owned this book and remembered keeping it next to me even during my rest at night."
"With virtually every one of the prayers recorded in the book my heart cries out in agreement and with longing to know God as these men did."
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Best Prayer

The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
In this practice the spirit of prayer was regarded as of first importance and the best form of prayer, for living prayer is the characteristic of genuine spirituality. 'When used slowly, for meditation and prayer, these pages have often been used by God's Spirit to kindle my dry heart.'. ' The Valley of Vision is a wonderful collection of Puritan prayers which both help to shape and inform our own private devotions and, perhaps more importantly, aid pastors as they seek to lead their congregations in prayer and into the presence of God.'. 'I cannot commend enough The Valley of Vision , which is a compilation of over two-hundred pages of Puritan prayers (each of which are one page in length). Indeed, these prayers will also teach one how to pray, and, at the same time, they teach theological truth.
Reviews
"I thought about Enoch walking with God when reading Valley of Vision, I read and see many who walked with God though likely not as Enoch, yet this masterful work by these servants of the Lord have allowed me to have a better understanding and desire to truly WALK WITH GOD."
"Beautiful bonded leather, one bookmark, gold gilded pages, very clear printing, and prayers/devotions that will make you learn and/or cry."
"I love the deep prayers of our forefathers."
"Frequently, I will choose a prayer on the basis of a specific need or feeling and then, after reviewing the lists of articulated reasons for praise, thanksgiving, and petition, come away both encouraged and educated."
"The book was delivered in mint condition, shrink wrapped and perfect in every way."
"Right up there with Pilgrim's Progress."
"I owned this book and remembered keeping it next to me even during my rest at night."
"With virtually every one of the prayers recorded in the book my heart cries out in agreement and with longing to know God as these men did."
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Best Monasticism & Asceticism

The Seven Storey Mountain
It tells of the growing restlessness of a brilliant and passionate young man whose search for peace and faith leads him, at the age of twenty-six, to take vows in one of the most demanding Catholic orders--the Trappist monks. Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was born in France and came to live in the United States at the age of 24.
Reviews
"fantastic copy of the 1st edition, excellent condition -- and the book/story is riveting."
"This is one of the very best books out of many hundreds that I have read."
"The 50th edition of The Seven Storey Mountain has added information pertinent to understanding Merton from the publisher Giroux and Shannon."
"Truly inspirational for me at a time of deepening spiritual faith."
"Fascinating read!"
"I found the early narration rather tedious trekking from home to home, in and out of schools with mixed anecdotal commentary on Merton's early life and adolescence."
"This famous autobiography chronicles the author's life from childhood up to the point as a young man he makes the bold decision to enter the Trappist order. Eventually his love for God becomes a passion of awesome proportions, enabling him to bring his life into a wonderous balance, inspiring him to write some of the most influential religious reflections of our age or perhaps any age."
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Best Clergy

Heroism and Genius: How Catholic Priests Helped Build—and Can Help Rebuild—Western Civilization
Heroism and Genius presents some of these formidable men: Fathers of Western Culture, of free-enterprise economics, and of the institution of chivalry; leaders of nations, statesmen, and defiers of tyrants; music composers, pioneers of universal education, and architects of some of the world’s loveliest buildings; and, enigmatically, the clandestine revolutionaries behind the explosion of the culture of romantic love bonded to Christian marriage whose aura still enchants the air of the West. Historians Have Spoken: The Verdict. Priests: Channels. of. Lifeblood. Milestones of the Catholic Struggle to Build a New Civilization, circa a.d. 200-1300. Chapter 7: Fathers of Chivalry: A New Type. of. Warrior. Chapter 8: Clandestine Revolutionaries. of. Romanticism. Chapter 9: Men with Music, Artistry, and Drama in. Their. Souls Chapter 10: Founders of. Free-Market. Economics. Conclusion: Standing on the Capitoline: Gazing toward Past and. Future. Horizons Afterword:May the Long Line Never. Be. Broken!
Reviews
"As night fell over Rome, and the west devolved into the chaos brought on by successive waves of barbarian tribes, the church alone kept learning and justice alive. As the historian Toynbee wrote, "It is no exaggeration to say that the whole of the...economic development...of the west...can be traced..to St. Benedict" (p 61), and his hard working monks. The monks did not spend their time only in prayer, but they strove to clear lands, drain wetlands, and made great strides in agriculture, including many new inventions. Yet only in the comparatively primitive Catholic Middle Ages did science begin and flourish, not to mention universities and the concept of human rights. All of which developed because the Catholic church taught that God was reason, and brought the world "into existence sealed with a causal structure" (p 61) which man could study and learn from. The knight went through a solemn rite of initiation, rich in symbolism and Christian vows, and went out to fight, not just for a lord, but only for holy, just causes."
"The stories of their lives could fill an endless amount of volumes, and each would be a remarkable read, no doubt. Part One explains what modern historians have concluded with the Church's role in the shaping of Western Civilization, why the book asserts that priests were the constructors of this civilization, and the milestones from from 200 A.D. to 1300 A.D. Part Two "describes the gradual shaping from A.D. 300 to A.D. 1000 of the embryo of medieval Christendom." Part Three shows the "decisive role of priests" in the building of different social, artistic, and economic institutions. Chapter Five focuses heavily on Charlemagne, his model of Europe, and the man who mentored him, Alcuin. This book explains the vital role that priests have played in Western Christendom and culture since Christ founded the Church, and it does so with history to prove it."
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