These are some of the books that have really had an impact on me and my understanding of God and my relation to Him. I hope you enjoy them.

The Word by God
Read this book first! Start with the book of John, then Romans, then the rest...
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
Compiled from a series of radio addresses, Mere Christianity is a clear and compelling look at the arguments for the existence of God and Christianity as the truth about Him and about ourselves. The book takes a very logical and methodical approach at defending the Christian faith from one of the greatest authors and minds of the 20th century. C.S. Lewis provides a unique view coming from a background of atheism that allows the reader to see how his own mind was convinced of the truths of Christianity.
Birthright by David Needham
This is the best and most theologically sound book I have read on the indentity of Christians in Jesus Christ. David Needham starts with no assumptions and starts with fundamental examinations of what it means to be a human being and the issues of sin and righteousness. This book presents an inspiring and unbiased exposition of the truth about what it means to be a new creation in Christ that is deeply rooted in God's Word. Then, the book continues by examining the practical side of how to live out of that true identity.
Desiring God by John Piper
If you are like me, the phrase "Christian Hedonism" sounds very strange, if not sacreligious. Christian Hedonism it what this book is about and it will change your life. Somewhere along the way, Christians have lost the understand that God wants us to be happy, to have joy unspeakable and love unmeasurable. Jesus didn't come to make us dutiful servant, but passionate, joyful, zealous seekers of God. God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. This book will change your life, and show you that God wants you to pursue happiness. The greatest joy and happiness that there is to be found. The joy and happiness found in a restored and living relationship with Him.
The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
In this book, C.S. Lewis addresses the problem of how such a wonderful God can allow pain and suffering. Both Christians and non-Christians struggle with this question in their own lives as well as looking at the world around them. C.S. Lewis reminds us of the hope that we have as Christians that God has a purpose for all things in our lives and that the pain of our lives is there because of the great love God has for us to continue to perfect us.
The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
If you haven't heard of this book, you probably haven't been in a bookstore for a few years. Pastor Rick Warren takes a stab at the most important question of life, "What are we here for? What is my purpose?" The book encourages the reader to take a 40-day journey through these questions. Rick Warren's simple, straight forward style makes you remember how simple God's way really is. My favorite thing about the book? Over 1000 verses of scripture used. This book is deeply rooted in the Word of God and the simple and transforming wisdom waiting for us there so clearly communicated by Rick Warren.
Decision Making and the Will of God by Dr. Garry Friesen
How to find God's Will? It is a question that is asked and struggled over in the life of every Christian. This book takes an exhaustive look at the Biblical truths that answer this question and challenges a lot of the common teachings on this subject in the Christian church. Dr. Friesen does a fabulous job explaining the truth of God's will and God's soveriegnty and reminds the reader of the importance of Christian freedom and an approach of wisdom. Dr. Friesen's conclusions are doctrinely sound and valuable in the Christian life at developing great habits in decision making. His approach could be seen by some as overly logical though, especially those who are very emotionally driven.
How to Develop a Powerful Prayer Life by Dr. Gregory Frizzell
Prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with God. Yet so many of us struggle with a consistent and effective prayer life. This book takes a comprehensive look at the roles and types of prayer including Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, Petition, Intercession and Meditation. Whether you are a new believer or have been a Christian for decades, this book can help you find power in your prayer life by helping you know how to pray and what to pray. My favorite book on prayer because of its strengths in application and practicality.
The Power of Crying Out by Bill Gothard
Another great book on prayer. The great Bible teacher, Bill Gothard, reminds us of the power of a passionate and VOCAL prayer life. This book was read by some of the members of the 101st Airborne Division, who then pushed to have 20,000 made available. They were handed out by the military chaplains to every member of the 101st Airborne that wanted a copy. Personally, it was a great reminder that God wants to hear my cry, my voice, and the effect that praying aloud can have on God and on ourselves as we hear our own prayers.
When God Doesn't Make Sense by James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family and a Christian counselor and teacher for millions, takes a look at a difficult subject. When God's decisions don't make sense. Dr. Dobson does a great job at explaining the providence and love of God in this book, even in the toughest of times. This book is packed with stories from his ministry where he has seen God's faithfulness firsthand in life's toughest situations. This book is a real encouragement.
Lifetime Guarantee by Bill Gillham
This book can change lives and bring healing to the hearts of Christians who struggle with a dual-nature view of the Christian life. That is the view that as a Christian I have a new nature through accepting Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and my former nature which is the sin nature. This book correctly wields the truth of God's word to show that, as Christians, we have one identity alone and that is as children of God, no longer children of wrath. It is no longer our nature to sin, but to obey God and give Him glory after our regeneration in Christ. Although this book is not without its weaknesses in terms of is doctrine and scriptural interpretations, it's fundamental premise is right on track. The book is most valuable in helping Christians struggle with a guilt ridden and works based Christianity, and helping people escape the patterns of the flesh that they keep long into their new life in Christ.
This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
My favorite work of Christian fiction. This book will open your eyes to images of the spiritual world that will change the way you see things. A beautifully written piece of fiction that portrays the spiritual battles that rage as a small town preacher tries to save his town from a New Age movement and dark spiritual powers.
A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23 by Philip Keller
Former shepherd, Philip Keller, takes a beautiful look at one of the most beloved chapters in the Bible, Psalm 23. He provides new insights from a shepherd perspective of the beautiful picture of God as our shepherd and ourselves as His sheep. He shows us how the 6 simple verses of Psalm 23 show us a God that meets our every need if we trust in Him.
Jesus Among Other Gods by Ravi Zacharias
Christian Apologist and one of my favorite speakers, Ravi Zacharias, uses this book to show the remarkable differences between Jesus Christ and all the other people and things that have been deified by world religions. Jesus Christ stands so uniquely different as Ravi so convincingly and completely explains in this book.