When the clock strikes twelve on December 31st, the season for new goals begins. Resolutions are being made, habits are in the process of reforming, and Christian military spouses everywhere are looking for resources to sit with and savor this New Year. For me, the new year means new books.
As a military ministry leader (and neurodivergent unicorn), Bible study is a full contact sport. My office desk is usually covered with 22 notebooks, 3 packs of markers, and about a bajillion doodled drawings on scratch paper. After studying Scripture and leading Bible studies for nearly a decade in military connected spaces, I have found my favorites. Many of these studies help women to take a deeper dive into the Word by teaching through chapter and verse. You’ll find no light and fluffy topics, nor empty entertainment in this list.
If you’re looking for a year’s worth of Bible studies and books to grow your faith, here’s my suggestion of the top ten of Bible studies and books I have found to speak directly to the questions and concerns carried by many of us as military spouses. With these books and Bible studies, your 2023 will surely carry you into a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a greater love for your time with Him.
#10 She Reads Truth: Romans: The Essential Gospel
The book of Romans is probably one of my favorite books to study. She Reads Truth’s study through Romans is filled with great commentary, beautiful imagery, and some stellar space for notes. This six-week reading plan is a personal favorite for deeper study and reflections.
#9 What is the Gospel? By Greg Gilbert
Greg Gilbert’s “What is the Gospel?” is a perfect (and short) resource for reflecting on the truth of the gospel and how we can communicate it fully. This book is a “must read.” Gilbert argues that the central structure of the gospel consists of four main subjects: God, man, Christ, and a response. The book carefully examines each and then explores the effects the gospel can have in individuals, churches, and the world. If you’re looking for a resource to help you share your faith in 2023, this one is amazing!
#8 ESV Scriptures Journals
These amazing journals have 19 journals covered with the art of Ruth Chou Simons. These are PERFECT for Bible study and note taking. Each journal contains an entire New Testament book and plenty of space to scribble notes or prayers.
#7 Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith
This book is a game changer. As military community members, we are always tired. I read this book in the middle of a back-to-back deployment and a one-year short tour. Dr. Saundra shares just how much rest is needed and how we can implement rest into our lives well. If you, too, are looking for a deeper rest, look no further than this gem.
#6 Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Calhoun
When I think about how much I’ve learned from this book, I’m not sure I could say enough about how much impact this book has had on my spiritual life. For all of us who enjoy a good planner, there is a Spiritual Growth Planner in the back of the book that helps you examine where your faith walk is healthy, where it needs to grow, and how to begin developing the spiritual disciplines to do it.
#5 The Loudest Roar by Judy Dunagan
As you make your New Year’s resolutions and plan for goal setting, don’t skip this book. This is the first book I’ll be rereading this year as I get ready to plan, implement, and scale my personal and professional goals. Sitting in the pages of this books feels like having coffee with a dear friend who offers encouragement and instruction. Judy’s sweet words laced through passages of Scripture are sure to bring courage to those seeking unshakable faith.
#4 Unexpected Revival by Erica Wiggenhorn
Walking through the book of Ezekiel with Erica is an exciting invitation to be challenged and see God’s goodness- even while we are dealing with doubt or disappointment. In a season when I desperately needed to hear from the Lord, Erica’s study through Ezekiel offered a thorough unpacking of God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His heart to reveal Himself. (Honestly, every single book written by Erica has blessed me in indescribable ways.)
#3 Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
In its second printing, this book by Jen Wilkin is a simple instruction guide on how to develop better Bible study habits, teaching readers how to really engage with the Word well. As a matter of fact, I keep several copies of this one on my shelf to share. In these pages, you be invited into a more robust relationship with Jesus through the ardent study of the Word. And stay tuned! Jen’s “Women of the Word” is a featured resource in MilSpo Co.’s debut Bible Box!
#2 7 Feasts by Erin Davis
Erin’s invigorating study through the sacred celebrations of the Old Testament will completely blow your mind. Her commitment to conversationally teach through these passages of Scripture, paired with her scholarly engagement of chapter and verse, brings readers into overwhelming awe of Jesus and his sacrifice. Hands down, this study will be one I revisit often and remains one of my personal favorites. Run, don’t walk, to grab this one.
#1 Habakkuk by Dannah Gresh
February 23rd of 2022 seemed like any other day. I ran carpool, answered emails, met with a few friends, and went to sleep. When I woke up on February 24th, I couldn’t believe the news. Russia. Ukraine. Invasion. On that particular Thursday morning, I scheduled the beginning of our study through the book of Habakkuk with Dannah Gresh. The anxiety in the room was palpable as our small group began to pray. For the next six weeks, our fears were stilled, and our hearts were calmed by the reminders we gleaned from this book. If you find yourself wondering where God is in your circumstances, or why He seems deafeningly silent, this book will speak to your heart and renew your soul.
Megan is the Founder and Executive Director of MilSpo Co. If you’re looking to fill your 2023 with more of the Word, sound theology, and biblical teaching, jump into this list and follow @milspoco on Facebook or Instagram. For more resources, upcoming events, Bible teaching, and more, download the MilSpo Co. app on Google Play or the Apple istore.