Do you want to go deeper, in your relationship with God, in your marriage, do you want to turn your finances around, find freedom in a clutter-free house, and raise your children to love God in 2024? Are you hungry for more? More of God’s presence, more of His wisdom, more of His love?
Antoine de Saint-Exupery said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish”. As much as we laugh at New Year’s resolutions, the basic idea of setting goals is powerful.
I have compiled a list of twelve books to help give you actionable steps to achieve your dreams in 2024.
Readers are Leaders. No matter what job you hold you are serving as a leader in some capacity. It is imperative that you continue to learn and grow as you mature.
“You are the books you read, the movies you watch, the music you listen to, the people you spend time with, the conversations you engage in. Choose wisely what you feed your mind.” -Unknown
I have compiled a list of some of the best books ranging from topics on organization, finance, parenting, leadership, biographies, marriage, discernment, and how to experience a deeper love relationship with Jesus. There are twelve books- one for every month of the year. Some of these books are quick reads, and some you will need to savor as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart.
I would encourage you to look over the list and start with the books that you are most drawn to, you will be hungry to learn as opposed to just wanting to cross another book off the list (which is only mildly inspiring).
Let us know what your favorite book is from this list and why you love it.
Here is to our best year yet!
Here are my Top Twelve Book Recommendations for 2024:
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nt, and d
1. Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living Tsh Oxenreider Organization
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) Organized Simplicity’s aim is to convince its readers that simple living is the absolute best way to live. Be it with house cleaning, family schedule management, personal finances, and managing the “stuff” you allow within your four walls, the only way to live well is to do so intentionally and simply.
Why I Love it:
Tsh is not only an amazing writer, but she helps you answer the “why” behind why we do what we do. Full of practical tips; from schedules, to cluttered closets, to finances, this book is the answer to addressing the clutter and chaos of life. Get It Here!
2. Surrender to Love: Discovering the Heart of Christian Spirituality David G. Benner Faith
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) Through careful examination of Scripture and reflection on the Christian tradition, Benner shows how God bids us to trust fully in his perfect love. God is love, and he intends for you to live in his love. Surrender to Love will lead you to an unexpected place, where yieldedness to God frees you to become who he created you to be.
Why I Love it:
Are you tired of living a life of performance before God? Do you long for an intimate relationship with Jesus? This book is an amazing tool for uncovering the lavish love of God poured out on us. After you read and engage with this book, your spiritual life will never be the same. Get it Here!
- The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness Dave Ramsey Financial Transformation
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) You CAN take control of your money. Do you want to transform your sad and skinny little bank account into a bulked-up cash machine? There’s one sure way to whip your finances into shape, and that’s with The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition. Design a sure-fire plan for paying off all debt—meaning cars, houses, everything. Recognize the 10 most dangerous money myths (these will kill you). Secure a big, fat nest egg for emergencies and retirement!
Why I Love it:
Unless you live under a rock, almost everyone has heard of Dave Ramsey. I had to add this book to the list because it transformed my finances, helped me become debt-free, and live in financial freedom. This book is an easy and entertaining read (on finances no less) but it packs a punch. Financial Freedom is right around the corner for YOU! Get it Here!
4. Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life
Tish Harrison Warren Faith
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) Christianity Today’s 2018 Book of the Year-In the overlooked moments and routines of our day, we can become aware of God’s presence in surprising ways. How do we embrace the sacred in the ordinary and the ordinary in the sacred? Framed around one ordinary day, this book explores daily life through the lens of liturgy, small practices, and habits that form us. Each activity is related to a spiritual practice as well as an aspect of our Sunday worship.
Why I Love it:
Do you ever wonder if you can truly be present to God while changing a dirty diaper, folding laundry, and running kids to activities? Tish brings to light God at work in the mundane tasks of our everyday lives. This is a very practical and encouraging book that women (and men) won’t want to put down. Get it Here!
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7 Women and the Secret of their Greatness Eric Metaxas Biography
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas gives us seven captivating portraits of some of history’s greatest women, each of whom changed the course of history by following God’s call upon their lives. Each of the world-changing figures who stride across these pages—Joan of Arc, Susanna Wesley, Hannah More, Sister Maria of Paris, Corrie ten Boom, Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa—is an exemplary model of true womanhood.
Why I Love it:
Eric Metaxas is not only a superb writer but what an inspiring book! He dedicates a chapter to seven women who exemplified Christ is such similar and vastly different ways. You will be encouraged, captivated and inspired to wholeheartedly dive after God’s plans for your own life after reading this book. Get it Here!
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Death By Suburb-How to Keep the Suburbs from Killing Your Soul Dave L. Goetz Faith
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) Suburbanites need to understand how the environment affects them and what spiritual disciplines are needed for their faith to survive and thrive. Goetz identifies eight toxins in the suburban life, such as hyper–competition and the “transactional” friendship, and suggests eight corresponding disciplines to keep the spiritual life authentic.
Why I Love it:
Tired of superficial faith? Want to go deeper with Jesus but not sure how? This author stands out with his brutally honest look at the pitfalls of suburban life. Not a suburbanite? No problem, the truths in this book can apply to any follower of Jesus. I appreciate how he practically applies each chapter to a spiritual discipline. The only downside, I could find is that he (the author) can tend to wax eloquent in a few chapters. Get it Here!
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Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High Kerry Patterson Communication
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) The New York Times and Washington Post bestseller that changed the way millions communicate. Crucial Conversations exploded onto the scene and revolutionized the way millions of people communicate when stakes are high. This new edition gives you the tools to: Prepare for high-stakes situations Transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue Make it safe to talk about almost anything Be persuasive, not abrasive
Why I Love it:
This is one of the best books that I have read on communication. It helps you think clearly, open lines of communication, and converse in a way that your audience can understand. It gives great tools for how to handle conflicts with confidence. Get it Here!
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Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey: Nurturing A Life of Faith Catherine Stonehouse Parenting
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) Understanding how a child’s faith forms is crucial to knowing how adults can most significantly enhance the child’s spiritual development.By carefully “setting the stage” through liturgy, sacred stories, and parables, adults can help children meet with God. Quiet times of “godly play,” carefully adapted to the age level of the child, enable adults to join with children on the journey toward deeper intimacy with God.
Why I Love it:
Do you want to know how to introduce your child to spiritual practices beyond memorization and Bible reading? Do you want to give them spiritual tools that will change the course of the rest of their lives? This book is not only super practical but has put years of research behind the best ways of communicating with your child. Dive into this book and set your child up for success, a deep relationship with God. Get it Here!
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The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery Ian Morgan Cron Personal Development
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) What you don’t know about yourself can hurt you and your relationships―and maybe even how you make your way in the world. It can also keep you in the shallows with God. Do you want help figuring out who you are and why you’re stuck in the same ruts? The Enneagram is an ancient personality type system with an uncanny accuracy in describing how human beings are wired, both positively and negatively.
Why I Love it:
This book is more than a personality tool, it is a way of looking at your life holistically. It helps you become self-aware, understanding why you do what you do, and giving you permission to be yourself. It also shows you warning signs to look out for when you are operating out of an unhealthy place. LOVE IT! Get it Here!
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For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men Shaunti Feldhahn Marriage
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) The man in your life carries important feelings so deep inside he barely knows they’re there, much less how to talk about them. Yet your man genuinely wants you to “get” him—to understand his inner life, to know his fears and needs, to hear what he wishes he could tell you. Based on rigorous research with thousands of men, Shaunti delivers one eye-opening revelation after another, including:
Why your respect means more to him than your love. How he feels deep inside about his role as provider. What it means for a man to be so visually “wired.” Why sex for him is primarily emotional, not physical. What he most wishes he could say to you.
Why I Love it:
This book answers real-life questions about men, is very honest (sometimes brutally so), and super practical (are you picking up on our theme). An easy but poignant read, it gives you tools to help you love and understand your spouse at a deeper level. Get it Here!
- The Season Nativity:Confessions and Practices of an Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Extremist Sybil Macbeth Advent
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) The Season of the Nativity – Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany – deserves more attention and better publicity. As the opening three acts for the liturgical year, it sets the stage for our yearlong journey through Scripture and salvation history. This book combines memoir, front-porch theology, and pages of spiritual practices and activities to invite individuals and families into a deeper relationship with a time of year you may have never discovered before. It gives simple tools and exercises for word-weary, distracted, and busy people – perhaps to experience a serious and playful nativity season for the first time.
Why I Love it:
WOW! I love this book for its clear explanations of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany and hands-on activities. The book is full of easy, and practical suggestions to create a meaningful season for your family that is focused on Jesus. You could not possibly do every activity presented so pick a couple to add each year. Get it Here!
12. Discernment, God’s Will and Living Jesus: Christian Discernment as a Way of Life
Larry Warner Discernment
What is It About:
(Amazon Description) Want help in hearing and recognizing the voice of God? Do you desire to discern and live into God’s Will for your life? Far from the usual notion of trying to “discover God’s will” when faced with a critical decision in life, this book underscores the fact that discernment is foremost a lifestyle we need to cultivate. Written with warmth and wisdom, biblical, practical, gritty, and not always comfortable this book speaks to the mind and heart of every Christian who longs for a closer, more intimate walk with Jesus.
Why I Love it:
Do you ever struggle with knowing the answer to a difficult decision? The saying, “What would Jesus do?” just really doesn’t cut in crucial situations. This book is all about developing a discerning lifestyle with practical suggestins for everyday life. Larry takes the “mystery” out of Christian discernment. A challenging read that offers practical tools for hearing God’s voice. Get it Here!
What about you? What books would you add to this list?
Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!e a comment, and d
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hey, i love dave ramsey and highly recommend #3 too. #6 is such a funny title and i am looking into the liturgy of ordinary and the holiday advent book. they both look very beautiful. thank you for this! xx
Hi Clare, Glad you enjoyed the article! I thought that Death By Suburb had a funny title too.:) I LOVE Liturgy of the Ordinary and have reread it many times. The Season Nativity book is my go-to resource for the holidays. Great choices!