I have people ask me all the time for recommendations of books, Bible studies, and other resources for certain seasons of life or current struggles. I finally listed them all in one place (and hope to keep adding to it) as a resource whenever you need it.

Studying the Bible Chronologically

I have been going through The Bible Recap by Tara Leigh Cobble this year (2023) and it has been amazing! In all my years of studying the Bible, I’ve never done it all in a year. The reading plan, podcast, and study guide have been crucial in my understanding of God’s Word as a meta-narrative.

Another study I’ve had friends use and love is Seamless. It’s a short, six-session study that helps you understand the Bible through the lens of God’s big story.

God’s Character

There are several books that can be life-changing in your understanding of who God is. Here are a few I recommend: Knowing God, Experiencing God, and The Holiness of God.

However, God’s character can be best seen in the pages of Scripture. You don’t even need a study to help you with this. If you’re looking for a simple resource to help you interpret what you’re reading, try a commentary (Enduring Word is online) or pick up The God Shot: 100 Snapshots of God’s Character Throughout Scripture.

Spiritual Disciplines

This category incorporates SO many things that I love to study. But if you’ve never read it, your first stop is to get Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney. Mason and I have both studied under him in seminary and he has so many wonderful reminders for practices to incorporate into your Christian life.

Prayer

Priscilla Shirer has always been one of my favorite authors and speakers, and she has two studies I recommend on the topic of prayer: Fervent and Discerning the Voice of God.

Until Mason and I went to seminary, I didn’t know much about “praying the Bible.” But this practice has been life-changing for me. You can read all about it in Praying the Bible.

Trials

The book I had most recommended to me in seasons of trials was Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elizabeth Elliot. It is a must-read as you walk through trials.

As you’re walking through hardship, there are many books in Scripture that echo the ache and questions trials bring. I highly recommend reading Job, Lamentations, Psalms, and James.

Mason and I wrote a Bible study over the book of James that I highly recommend as well. We share parts of our story and what God taught us through it. You can find it here.

Worship

The Psalms is my go-to book when I’m looking for words to adequately express my worship to God. If you’re looking for a resource on corporate worship, a book I recommend is Christ-Centered Worship.