Philippians 2:19-30 offers two examples of humble joy that Paul puts forth for the Philippians to learn from. Timothy and Epaphroditus were both believers in Christ Jesus who had been gripped by the gospel, lived to build up the church, and worked to advance the mission of God.

We have much to learn through the stories of saints who have gone before us. Below are a handful of biographies for adults and children that may encourage your spiritual growth this year. There are many others that have personaly been helpful to me, but this will serve as a focused list to get us reading wonderful biographies.

Adults:

George Marsden, Jonathan Edwards: A Life 

Roland Bainton, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther

Elisabeth Elliot, Through the Gates of Splendor

Eric Metaxas, Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

Arnold Dallimore, Spurgeon, A New Biography

Ray Rhodes, Jr, Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon

Children:

Nancy Drummond, Changing China for Christ: Lottie Moon

Derick Bingham, The Story Teller: C.S. Lewis

Brian Cosby, A Love for the Lost: David Brainerd

Lucille Travis, The Blind Girl's Song: Fanny Crosby

(The Trailblazers set from Christian Focus is wonderful, with five different boxed sets ranging from pastors and reformers to missionaries and the arts.)