If you want to deepen you understanding of scripture, but you find the Bible difficult to read, you might want to consider black author devotional books. Written by black authors, these books aim to connect the word of God to the lives of African-American people in a way that incorporates their culture, values and traditions. Many of these devotionals combine an intimate relationship to God and the joy of His love as the foundation to overcoming modern-day challenges faced in everyday life. Even if you aren’t an African-American Christian, you can find inspiration from these books.

Black author devotional books like “Practical Virtues: Everyday Values and Devotions for African American Families” by Reverend Floyd Flake and Reverend M. Elaine McAllen Flake Amistad help readers better understand virtues. In their book, available from Amistad, the Reverends Flake use excerpts from influential African-American individuals, including Maya Angelou and Booker T. Washington as a way to connect readers to virtues like courage, faith, forgiveness, diligence, love, prudence, responsibility and forbearance.

If you want black author devotional books designed to help you incorporate your faith into your job, consider books like “Sistergirl Devotions: Keeping Jesus in the Mix on the Job” by Carol M. Mackey. Available from Revell, Mackey’s book uses true stories from black sisters that show you how to make your job your mission field whether you work as a business executive or a teacher. The down-to-earth stories help connect values like respect, honesty, and timeliness to everyday life.

If you like to start your day with inspiration, consider black author devotional books with daily lessons. “Daily Inspirations for Women of Color” by Zondervan, blends scriptures from the King James Version of the Bible with the rich history of African-American traditions. The book includes more than 100 topics, including peace, faith, salvation, and courage. It offers encouragement for women through uplifting promises taken from God’s word.

Another book falling into the category of black author devotional books is “Go Down, Moses! Daily Devotions Inspired by Old Negro Spirituals.” Edited by Leonidas A. Johnson, this devotional book contains African-American spirituals and pulls in the history of musical expression in the black church. Each daily devotional has a short prayer and an accompanying scripture reading. Through the old Negro spirituals, Christians can learn about the rich religious history that helped shape over seven denominations in the black church.