I am back again with some recommended books, but this time I am narrowing down and sharing my favorite personal Bible studies with you. I say “personal” because while these could all be done in a group, I did them all on my own. The set up of each is conducive to studying on your own.
Now, hear me say this, there is power in studying God’s Word in community, and for many years I was part of groups like this with my church. However, when I started graduate school, and then moved into starting my own practice, and then comes COVID, these groups did not work with my schedule. That being said, I still craved the deeper study into the Bible beyond short devotionals. It took me some time during this season to find the types of studies my heart was craving.
Below are my top recommendations for personal Bible studies:
1. Psalm 23 by Jennifer Rothschild
The Psalm 23 Bible study is one of my favorites to recommend. Part of the impact of this study was that it came to me at the perfect time and was just the message I needed to hear in that season of life. I was skeptical about spending six weeks on six versus, but man, it’s a powerfully deep study. If you feel far away from God, or doubt His devotion to you, take some time to do this study.
2. The answers to your deepest longings: 40 days through the Bible – Proverbs31 Ministries
Again, I was skeptical on this study (I am an Enneagram 6, what can I say?) too. How were the authors going to capture the whole Bible in just 40 days? Well, they do a great job of looking at the overarching story God tells through His Word and highlighting major themes. I say regardless of background, this is a great study. It really reminded me of what God’s Word is and His intention for giving it to us.
3. It’s not supposed to be this way by Lysa Terkeurst
This book is one of my most frequently recommended books. The book itself is not necessarily set up as a Bible study, but there is now a study guide. I would also highly recommend the teaching videos from Lysa. Reading this text really helped me put suffering into perspective and give a scriptural framework for life and the hardships we encounter. Lysa has a powerful story with major heartbreak and hardship and her story helps the reader connect.
4. Living beyond yourself by Beth Moore
The Fruits of the Spirit have always been a topic of interest of mine. Paul introduces them to us in the book of Galatians. They are all things I want more of: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This study from Beth Moore gives us a deeper Biblical understanding of each and takes a week looking at each one and ways to live out of these attributes.
5. The online Bible studies available through Proverbs31 Ministries
In the season I have been in for the last few years, needing to do more Bible study at home, I have found the Proverbs31 Ministries to be a great resource. They typically have a free Bible study going on at all times (besides the cost of the book) and with that you get study materials, and free access to teaching videos. If you don’t know where to start, or want to study on your own, but also have the choice of online community involvement, this is a great option.
The relationship is the most important
From my years of experience in studying God’s Word, I have realized there is no one way to “correctly” connect with God. But the connection and relationship is the most important part. I have to consistently change things up when I find myself just checking it off my to-do list. I hope this list gives you some inspiration to take a look at your personal quiet time with God and evaluate if it’s time to change it up in order to deepen your relationship with the God that deeply loves you and desires to connect.
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