My Favourite Christian Living Resources of 2017

I haven’t been doing monthly or quarterly recaps, so I wanted to share a few things that were a great blessing to me in my spiritual journey throughout 2017. I hope they can be an encouragement to you too! :)

The Bible

It seems obvious, but seriously? It beats every thing else on this list. If we have nothing else but the Bible, we’ll still have enough. It’s the very word of God to us, and I realized even more last year how inexhaustible it is. I have so much more to learn!

Outreach

This might sound irrelevant, but last year proved so clearly to me that outreach is an essential part of the Christian life. Toward the end of the year, I wasn't doing any active outreach, and my spiritual walk felt it. There’s nothing as powerful as working with God for the salvation of others.

The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken

This book opened my eyes to another perspective on persecution, and God’s purpose for it. It was also convicting and inspiring to read about the dedication of God’s people in other countries. I appreciated the author’s honesty; he had doubts, and the book was refreshingly real.

Grace for the Afflicted by Matthew Stanford

I read this book for my counselling studies, but I’m glad to own it. It offers a clinical and Biblical perspective on mental health, and a lot of different mental disorders. It looks at what the Bible says about mental disorders, possible causes and treatments of the disorders, what life is like for people with the disorder, and how the church can best support people with mental disorders. I found it informative and useful, and appreciated the Biblical and how-to-help perspectives.

The Great Controversy by Ellen White

This book offers a perspective on the controversy between Christ and Satan, good and evil. It has history of the early church, which was convicting and inspiring again. It offers counsel for today, and a hope of what we have to look forward to after this earth. I found it to be Bible-based and very encouraging. It’s helpful to realize the battle zone we’re living in, but have it reinforced that the victory is already won.

Christy by Catherine Marshall

This is a story, as opposed to the books above, but it hit me where I needed it a couple of months ago. I related to Christy’s struggles, and it was refreshing and encouraging to see real questions and doubts about God treated in a solid and non-cliché way. I learned a lot, I enjoyed it, and I plan to reread this book many times. 

Far Away Distance

I already mentioned this channel, but it has been a great blessing to me this year. I really appreciate Bekah’s heart for Jesus, and the practical Christian living topics she covers in her videos.

Coffee and Bible Time

This is another encouraging youtube channel I recently discovered, and the videos I’ve been able to watch have been a blessing as well! I appreciate their honest sharing, and practical Christian living videos too.

Jordan Lee Dooley

Her videos are a huge blessing – again very practical and relevant for the Christian life. I also follow Jordan's blog which is similarly good.

Tiny Notes from Home/Sounds Like Reign

These are a different style of channel – Tiny Notes from Home is vlogs of the Kirkland family's life and meaningful thoughts and discussion, and Sounds Like Reign are music focused videos from the same family. They have been an inspiration to me to live a simple and God-filled life.

I wish I could list posts here as well, because there have been some amazing posts throughout the year, and I am so grateful to know awesome bloggers. You all are a blessing to me – far more than a resource.

There you go! I hope that could be some help to you, and I haven't forgotten anything. What were some of your favourite resources from 2017? Are there things you’re planning to dig into this year? I’m all eager for any recommendations - we're on this journey together. :)