Bible Study & Faith Resources

Grow Deeper in God’s Word

Over the years, God has used Bible studies, devotionals, prayer journals, Christian books, conferences, and faithful teachers to draw me deeper into His Word and closer to Him.

This page is a growing collection of the faith-filled resources that have encouraged, challenged, and strengthened me throughout my journey. I don’t want to recommend something simply because it is popular. My desire is to share resources I have personally used, learned from, or found genuinely helpful in developing a closer relationship with the Lord.

Whether you are opening the Bible for the first time, walking through a difficult season, learning how to hear God more clearly, or longing to become more rooted in His truth, I pray something here meets you where you are and continually points you back to Jesus.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

📖 Begin With the Bible

No devotional, book, sermon, or Bible study can take the place of spending time in God’s Word for yourself. Other resources can help us understand Scripture and apply it to our lives, but the Bible must remain our foundation.

When choosing a Bible, look for one that is accurate, readable, and comfortable enough that you will return to it regularly. Study Bibles, journaling Bibles, and large-print Bibles can each serve different purposes depending on how you spend time with God.

My Favorite Bibles and Bible Study Tools

My primary Bible is the NLT Study Bible. I appreciate its clear, easy-to-understand language and the study notes that help provide historical background, cultural context, and a deeper understanding of the passages I’m reading.

I don’t rely on only one translation, however. While studying, I often compare the NLT with the NIV, ESV, the Concordance, and my treasured 1914 King James Version Bible. Comparing translations can bring greater clarity to a verse and help me notice details I may otherwise overlook. Most importantly, I pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and discernment, asking God to help me understand His Word in its proper context rather than simply choosing the wording I prefer.

I also occasionally consult the Ethiopian Bible and related ancient writings as part of my study of biblical and world history. I do not use these writings as my ultimate authority or as a replacement for Scripture, but I find their history fascinating—particularly the Book of Enoch. Ancient fragments of Enoch were discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Jude 14–15 closely reflects language found in 1 Enoch. Although most Christian traditions do not include Enoch in their biblical canon, it has been preserved within the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.

For me, studying these different translations and historical writings is not about creating confusion. It encourages me to pray, examine context, seek discernment, and continue growing deeper in God’s Word.

“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” — Psalm 119:18

Helpful Bible Study Supplies

• Bible-safe highlighters
• Journaling pens
• Bible book tabs
• "Refer to" tabs
• Notebooks and prayer journals
• Verse-mapping supplies
• Bible dictionaries and concordances
• Or get an entire Bible study pack

Shop My Favorite Bible Study Supplies on My Amazon Storefront

📚 A Couple Other Bible Recommendations

A Bible does not need to be elaborate or beautiful to contain the living Word of God—but I love seeing the creativity people use to make Bibles into meaningful, personal keepsakes.

📎 Jackie from Bibles & Coffee creates beautiful personalized Bibles, covers, Bible tabs, journaling accessories, and other faith-filled resources. She also restores and rebinds well-loved Bibles, giving treasured copies new life while preserving the pages and memories held inside.

📎 Briana “Bri” Fitzpatrick of Briana Fitzpatrick Art creates gorgeous custom-painted Bibles. She can paint a Bible you already own or help you select a new one, transforming its cover into a unique piece of art.

One day, I would love to have both my NLT and my treasured 1914 King James Bible rebound by Jackie and then custom-painted by Bri. I can already imagine what a beautiful heirloom it would become—preserving its history while giving it new life for the years ahead.

These are not affiliate links. I simply admire their work and wanted to share these talented women and their beautiful creations with you.

📝 Bible Studies and Books That Helped Me Grow

God has used many Bible studies and Christian books throughout my faith journey, but the resources below had an especially meaningful impact on my relationship with Him. I absolutely LOVE doing Bible studies because sometimes it's hard to understand the Bible. They just give you a different perspective and inspires one to grow so much closer to the Lord. These aren’t simply popular studies I’ve added to a list—they are resources I have personally completed and I can honestly say they helped change my life.

🔎 Breaking Free by Beth Moore

Breaking Free was one of the first in-depth Bible studies I completed, and it remains one of the most powerful studies I have ever done.

Using Scripture and lessons from the book of Isaiah, Beth Moore leads women through the process of recognizing spiritual strongholds, confronting painful experiences from the past, and discovering the freedom found in Jesus Christ. It digs deeply into past hurts, forgiveness, and the difficult work of forgiving both ourselves and others.

This study challenged me to face things I had carried for years and allowed God into places of my heart that still needed healing. It played a critical role in helping me experience greater freedom and grow closer to Him.

🛒 Explore Breaking Free

🔎 Living Free by Beth Moore

Living Free was the second major Bible study I completed. It covers some themes similar to Breaking Free, but in a lighter and less intensive way, with a strong emphasis on learning to pray God’s Word.

Both studies were critical to my early spiritual growth, but Living Free holds an especially tender place in my heart because somewhere along the way, while working through its pages, I truly fell in love with Jesus.

I was no longer simply learning facts about Him or trying to live like a Christian. I was beginning to know Him personally, trust Him, talk with Him, and desire His presence in my everyday life.

🛒 Explore Living Free

🔎 The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer

I have completed The Armor of God twice, and it is one of the studies I believe every Christian woman should experience.

Based on Ephesians 6:10–18, Priscilla Shirer explains each piece of the armor of God and teaches us how to become more intentional and strategic in prayer. This study helped me better understand spiritual warfare, recognize the enemy’s schemes, and learn how to stand firmly on God’s truth.

It is practical, powerful, and a must for anyone who wants to grow deeper in God’s Word and become better equipped for the spiritual battles we face.

🛒 Explore The Armor of God

🔎 Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer

One of the questions many believers wrestle with is, “How do I know when God is speaking to me?”

Discerning the Voice of God explores how we learn to recognize God’s voice through Scripture, prayer, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and a heart willing to obey Him. Priscilla Shirer emphasizes that discernment is not simply about receiving an answer—it grows through our relationship with God and our willingness to surrender to His direction.

This study helped me grow more attentive to the Lord, test what I believe I am hearing against His Word, and understand the important connection between discernment and obedience.

🛒 Explore Discerning the Voice of God

🔎 Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be by Donna Partow

Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be is a practical 90-day journey through what it means to live as a modern Proverbs 31 woman.

The study reaches beyond spiritual disciplines and considers many areas of a woman’s life, including her relationship with God, family, health, home, finances, personal habits, and ministry. It helped me look honestly at the woman I was becoming and identify practical areas where God was inviting me to grow.

This is a wonderful resource for women who want to develop godly character and apply the principles of Proverbs 31 to everyday life—not as an impossible standard of perfection, but as an invitation to live with greater wisdom, purpose, and faithfulness. I try to do this one at the beginning of each year just to renew myself to become more like Him.

🛒 Explore Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be

🔎 Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman by Beth Moore

I enjoyed Beth Moore’s study of Esther so much that I completed it twice.

The story of Esther is filled with courage, difficult decisions, divine timing, hidden preparation, and the willingness to step forward when everything is at risk. Beth brings the history and culture surrounding Esther’s story to life while showing how its lessons still apply to women today.

This study helped me consider how God may be preparing and positioning us long before we understand what He is doing. It is a beautiful reminder that even when God seems hidden, He is still working behind the scenes.

🛒 Explore Esther: It’s Tough Being a Woman

🔎 Blessed in the Mess by Joyce Meyer

During the earlier years of my faith, I struggled to lean into God when life became painful or difficult. I believed in Him, but I had not yet learned how to truly rely on Him in the middle of hardship.

Reading Blessed in the Mess and completing its companion study guide became a turning point for me. Joyce Meyer teaches us to recognize God’s presence and blessings even while we are walking through trials—not only after the circumstances have improved.

This book helped me understand that I do not have to wait until the storm passes to experience God’s goodness. He is truly present, faithful, and available in every circumstance. Now, when difficult seasons come, I know I can lean into Him and trust Him to carry me through.

For anyone struggling to find God in the middle of a painful or confusing season and wanting insight on dealing with hard to deal with people, I highly recommend using the book and study guide together.

🛒 Explore Blessed in the Mess

🛒 And Get the Study Guide too!

🔎 Dehydrated in the Spirit by Marshae Hannor

Dehydrated in the Spirit is one of my top recommendations for new believers and anyone wanting to better understand the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of a Christian.

It offers an approachable breakdown of Scripture and helps explain who the Holy Spirit is, why believers need His presence, and how He guides, teaches, strengthens, and transforms us as we grow in our faith.

Many Christians understand the importance of God the Father and Jesus the Son but have a much more limited understanding of the Holy Spirit. This book helps bring those pieces together and encourages believers to develop a deeper, more personal relationship with Him.

🛒 Explore Dehydrated in the Spirit

Where Should You Begin?

Every person’s journey is different, and I encourage you to pray about which resource best fits the season you are currently walking through.

If you are carrying deep wounds or struggling with forgiveness, consider beginning with Breaking Free. If you are a newer believer wanting to grow in prayer and develop a more personal relationship with Jesus, Living Free would be a beautiful place to start.

If you want to understand spiritual warfare, choose The Armor of God. If you are learning to recognize God’s guidance, try Discerning the Voice of God. If you are walking through hardship, I recommend Blessed in the Mess. And if you want a clearer understanding of the Holy Spirit, begin with Dehydrated in the Spirit.

Most importantly, allow every study to lead you back to the Bible. Authors and teachers can help us understand and apply God’s truth, but no resource should ever replace Scripture, prayer, and our personal relationship with the Lord.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — 2 Peter 3:18

🙏 Prayer and Spiritual Growth

Prayer is more than presenting God with a list of needs. It is worship, surrender, confession, listening, thanksgiving, intercession, and time spent in the presence of our Father.

In this section, I’ll continue sharing resources that have helped me build a more intentional prayer life, recognize God’s voice through Scripture, and remain rooted in truth during seasons of uncertainty.

Explore More:

• Prayer Journals
• Scripture-Based Prayers
• Learning to Hear God Through His Word
• Prayers for Difficult Times and Waiting Seasons
• Biblical Fasting Resources
• Why the Lord may not be answering your prayers
• A Prayer for Depression: When the Darkness Feels Heavy

🌱 Rooted in the Word

Rooted in the Word is a growing collection of Bible studies and faith resources created to help women move beyond surface-level encouragement and become firmly grounded in Scripture.

Planned studies and resources include:

• The Armor of God
• Prayer
• Biblical fasting
• The Holy Spirit
• The fruit of the Spirit
• Spiritual gifts
• Depression and biblical hope
• The life of David
• Esther
• Ruth
• James
• Romans
• The Gospel of John
• The feasts of Israel
• Revelation and the return of Christ

[Explore Rooted in the Word]

Ps. The pages above that do not have a link in the word are ones I'm planning to create in the future so be sure to subscribe to my email list and stay tuned for new studies to come!

✨ Christian Women’s Conferences & Retreats

Sometimes stepping away from our normal routines gives us the space to hear God more clearly, receive encouragement, and connect with other women of faith.

I maintain a growing list of Christian women’s conferences, retreats, and faith-filled gatherings held throughout the United States.

Find Christian Women’s Conferences & Retreats

🎧 Sermons, Podcasts and Christian Teachers

I am continually adding sermons, podcasts, ministries, and Christian teachers who have encouraged me to open my Bible, examine Scripture carefully, and grow in my relationship with God.

Every teacher—including those we respect—should be measured against the Word of God. I encourage you to prayerfully study Scripture for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.

“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Explore Recommended Sermons, Podcasts and Teachers

💜 New to Faith?

If you are curious about Christianity, returning to God after time away, or unsure what it truly means to follow Jesus, you are welcome here.

Christianity is not about becoming perfect enough to earn God’s love. Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ—who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again.

📎 Read My Statement of Faith

📎 Learn What It Means to Follow Jesus

A Prayer for Your Journey

Father, thank You for the person reading these words. Give them a hunger for Your Word and the wisdom to understand it. Lead them to resources that are faithful to Your truth, protect them from confusion, and teach them to recognize Your voice through Scripture. Meet them in their present season and draw them into a deeper relationship with You. May everything they learn produce lasting fruit and bring glory to Jesus. Amen.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

✨ Grace, adventure, and faith along the journey

Sharla – Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures

Don’t forget — go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and glorify Him in the journey.

My Challenge to YOU: Go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and give Him all the glory in all you do.

About Sharla

Hi, I'm Sharla—a veteran, traveler, empty nester, dog mom to Buster, and follower of Jesus. Through Sharla's Wanderlust Adventures, I share faith-filled travel experiences, Christian retreats, natural wellness, Bible studies, and the lessons God teaches me along the journey.

Affiliate Disclosure:

Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on this site, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I only share tools, resources, and products I’ve personally used, researched, or believe genuinely support healing.