The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel (Zondervan, 1998) Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, cross-examines a dozen experts, challenging them in a quest for the truth about history’s most compelling figure.

The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity by Lee Strobel (Zondervan, 2000) Legally trained investigative reporter Lee Strobel examines the claims of Jesus Christ through intensive interviews with experts.

Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson (Zondervan, 2012) God honors bold prayer and bold prayer honors God. Batterson takes us through forty short, but powerful chapters written around this theme.

The Joyful Christian: 127 Readings by C. S. Lewis (Macmillan, 1977) This book includes many of Lewis’s best essays, including two personal favorites, “What Are We to Make of Jesus Christ?” and “The Efficacy of Prayer.”

Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, And How They Can Change Your Life by Eric Metaxas (Dutton, 2014) Inspiring, scholarly, and personal. Metaxas explores and explains the biblical thinking on miracles as well his own personal experience and that of others today.

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren (Zondervan, 2002) Clear, powerful guide that challenges you to really live as a Christian.

Time with God: The New Testament for Busy People (Word Publishing, 1991) Parcels the New Testament into 365 readings, each matched with a related Old Testament scripture and short commentary by a variety of notable Christian writers, including Tony Evans, Andrew Murrary, Max Lucado, and others.

The Urban Alternative A daily radio broadcast featuring Christian evangelist and pastor Dr. Tony Evans. The first show to turn me on to Christian radio programming. Dr. Evans’s ministry, as well as The Urban Alternative radio show, can be accessed at www.tonyevans.org.

When God Doesn’t Make Sense by Dr. James Dobson (Tyndale House, 1993) A practical book for those struggling with trials, heartaches, and tragedy. Many inspiring personal stories and a helpful question-and-answer format.

The Word in Life Study Bible (New King James Version) (Thomas Nelson, 1996) Clear, easy to read, and informative. Includes many articles dealing with the questions and issues raised in the scriptures and surrounding the biblical narrative, both historical and modern.