Faith Spilling Over

Getting God's Word In, So Our Faith Can Spill Out

  • More of God Book
  • About Me
  • Free Quiet Time Guide
  • Blog
    • Spiritual Growth
    • Bible Study
    • Prayer
    • Encouragement
    • Marriage & Family
  • Speaking

9 Books When You Need to Encourage Your Faith

June 4, 2020 by betsydecruz 8 Comments

Want to Encourage your faith? Invest in yourself and grow spiritually by reading a Christian book. This list of 9 great books will get you started.

For years I never cracked open any book besides the Bible. I thought I was way too busy to read. I was so distracted by all the craziness that came from juggling family with ministry responsibilities, homemaking, and friends that I missed an important opportunity to encourage my faith and invest in myself.

I loved my Bible and read it every day, but I didn’t realize what I was missing by not reading Christian books to grow my faith.

Today it’s harder than ever to find time to read with our busy schedules, and it’s definitely harder to focus on a book when our minds are used to scrolling social media.

However, I’m learning 10 minutes can make a difference.

Setting aside just 10 minutes to read each day enables me to take advantage of the wealth of encouragement found in Christian books. Some mornings I set a timer and take a book to my back porch; some evenings I set aside the time before bed at night.

Often 10 minutes turns into 15 or 20, but even if it doesn’t, at least I invested 10 minutes in my own spiritual growth. And somehow, it’s easier to start reading if I tell myself, “Just 10 minutes.”  (Find more reading tips and books in this post.)

Summer is a great time to embrace a reading mindset to encourage your faith.

I’m sharing my current list of favorite books. Click on the book images for more information:

(Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission towards the maintenance of this site at no cost to you.)

Streams in the Desert  by LB Cowman

I was late to the party in discovering the devotional loved by generations of readers. Streams in the Desert has been a lifeline of hope for me this year, a constant reminder of God’s promises. This little book contains powerful encouragement and wisdom for people going through tough seasons and faith-trying times. Each daily reading features a verse from Scripture, as well as quotes from devotional writings and poems by famous Christian writers.

I bought myself this updated version of the old classic, edited for today’s reader, and it has been the best money I’ve spent all year.

Shift: Changing our Focus to See the Presence of God by Abby McDonald

The book Shift helps us recognize the presence of God in the middle of our problems. Especially when we’re not seeing God work the way we hope. Like a friend, Abby McDonald comes alongside us and weaves real life stories into her message of encouragement.

If you’re struggling right now and wondering why God isn’t changing your hard circumstances, the book Shift will help you see Him with fresh eyes. It will encourage you to seek God in the middle of your challenges, focus on His presence with you, and open your eyes to the good He is working in ways you didn’t expect.

Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus by Sarah Geringer

Sarah Geringer’s new book helps us see how everyday Christians can meditate on Biblical truth to transform their thoughts. I appreciate Sarah’s stories from her own life and her practical insight into how we can use Scripture to change our negative, fearful, or anxious thought patterns.

Each chapter focuses on a different kind of battle in our thought life: fear, anxiety, criticism, poor self-image, regret, anger, or thoughts of defeat. The chapters include encouragement, a specific Christian meditation exercise based on Scripture, helpful related Bible verses, and reflection questions. I love this quote from Sarah, “Day by day, as you hide God’s Word in your heart, you will move closer to the heart and mind of God.”

More of God: A Distracted Woman’s Guide to More Meaningful Quiet Times by Betsy de Cruz

If you’re new around here, you might not know about my book, More of God. I wrote it to help busy, distracted women take small steps to let more of God into their day so they can experience more of His presence and power. More of God will help woman connect with God and hear His voice during their quiet times, but it will also help them walk with Jesus all day long. You’ll find inspiration and practical steps for growing closer to God and experiencing more of Him in your everyday.

If you’d like to read my book with a small group, you can find discussion questions here.

Fierce Faith: A Woman’s Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety by Alli Worthington

Alli Worthington presents practical steps, Biblical truth, and life coaching tips to help women overcome fear, worry, and stress. She uses humor and engaging personal stories to draw us in and help us relate to her. Fierce Faith draws our attention to the daily fears we experience, from small twinges of social media-induced FOMO to fear of failure or betrayal. The book identifies negative coping strategies we use to deal with fear and also lays out a battle plan to help readers fight fear in their lives.

Each chapter ends with an “Action Steps” section, which features life-coaching questions, Biblical insight, and references to the “Battle Plan” included in the appendix.

Guarded by Christ: Knowing the God Who Rescues and Keeps Us by Heather Holleman

After reading Seated with Christ—my favorite book in 2019—I was excited to get my hands on Guarded by Christ. Heather has a unique gift of making her teaching memorable and easy to remember through vivid images and stories. Her books contain solid Biblical teaching, and in this one she describes how God set her free from depression and anxiety through Biblical truth centered around Psalm 97:10: “God guards the lives of His faithful ones.”

This book will help you learn to turn your mind towards renewed thought patterns and move from anxiety and despair to peace and hope as you rely on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own efforts.

Want to Encourage your faith? Invest in yourself and grow spiritually by reading a Christian book. This list of 9 great books will get you started. #books #faith #spiritualgrowth

Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin

Jen Wilkin’s book encourages me to go deeper as I study Scripture and reminds me that the Bible is first and foremost a book about God. That sounds simple, yet sometimes we make it a book about us. Jen encourages us to make a simple shift in our thinking; instead of approaching Bible study with the question, “How can this passage encourage me?” let’s first ask, “What do I learn about God in this passage?”

Jen teaches us practical steps we can take to get more out of God’s Word as she follows an outline easy to remember: Purpose, Perspective, Patience, Process, and Prayer. I know I’ll refer to this book again and again.

Holy in the Moment: Simple Ways to Love God and Enjoy Your Life by Ginger Harrington

Ginger Harrington’s book Holy in the Moment encourages us to make daily choices to Believe, Choose, Love, Abide, Surrender, and Rest in God moment by moment. Ginger’s transparent sharing about her battle with anxiety pulled me in from chapter one. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or burned out, this book will help you find refreshment and renewal.

I loved this book for its practical ideas on how to invite God into our hard moments. I also enjoyed the real-life tips for letting go of our own stinking thinking to embrace God’s truth and choose to enjoy the life and people God has given us.

Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation by Latasha Morrison

Although I have not yet read this book, it is next on my list. I want to share it with readers because a woman of color whose ministry I respect recommended it. I believe I need to learn more about racism in America and God’s heart for reconciliation. I invite you to join me by taking a look at this book.

“With racial tensions as high within the church as outside the church, it is time for Christians to become the leaders in the conversation on racial reconciliation. This power-packed guide helps readers deepen their understanding of historical factors and present realities, equipping them to participate in the ongoing dialogue and to serve as catalysts for righteousness, justice, healing, transformation, and reconciliation.”

Happy Reading, friends!

I hope you find something here to encourage your faith. I treasured reading these books and look forward to reading Be the Bridge.

Now it’s your turn: What’s the best book you’ve read lately? Which one of these appeals to you most?

Are you facing the challenges of life on an empty tank? Need help renewing your relationship with God?

http://eepurl.com/dubSO1

Follow this link to find me on Facebook for daily encouragement.

Share this:

  • Tweet

Like this:

Like Loading...

Filed Under: Encouragement, Spiritual Growth Tagged With: Books, Christian Authors, Christian Books, Faith, Spiritual Growth, summer reading

Comments

  1. Lisa Appelo says

    June 5, 2020 at 6:35 am

    These look good Betsy. I think I always have 2 or 3 books going! Yours is a solid book list.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      June 5, 2020 at 10:22 am

      Thanks so much, Lisa. I bet you could make some great recommendations as well.

      Reply
  2. Rosanne Burck says

    June 5, 2020 at 8:30 am

    Best book I’ve read lately: The Red Sea Rules:10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times by Robert J Morgan

    Book off your list I want to read: Be the Bridge

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      June 5, 2020 at 10:22 am

      Wow, that sounds like a great title I’d like to look into myself. Thanks for sharing it. Blessings.

      Reply
  3. Jarm Del Boccio says

    June 5, 2020 at 10:00 am

    Great list, Betsy — thank you!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      June 5, 2020 at 10:21 am

      You are so welcome! I appreciate you, Jarm.

      Reply
  4. Jennifer says

    June 17, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    I haven’t read any of these books on the list, but they look good! I’m especially interested in Fierce Faith!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      June 17, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      Fierce Faith is a great read, Jennifer. So encouraging. One thing I love about it is that she is so funny! Makes it an engaging book!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hello! I’m Betsy.

I believe overwhelmed women can learn to take small steps to experience more of God's presence and power in their lives. When we hear God's voice through His Word, He calms our fears and frees us to receive His peace and joy. Read More…

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Readers’ Favorite Posts

  • 7 Helpful Ways to Listen to God
  • Hope When You Need to Know God Loves You
  • How to Praise God When You Don’t Feel Like It
  • How to Simplify Your Spiritual Life When You Need Peace
  • One Truth That Will Help You When God Closes a Door
  • How to Stop Worry and Pray for Your College Student

Books to Help You Grow Spiritually

Books to Help You Grow Spiritually

Follow me on Instagram

Betsy de Cruz

betsydecruz

Encouraging women to pursue Jesus and live out His purposes. ⬇️I'd love to give you Free Quiet Time Renewal Guide.

Happy Easter! So grateful to celebrate little Leon Happy Easter! So grateful to celebrate little Leon's first Easter with Elijah, Camilla, and the rest of the family ❤️
I'm so grateful God held little Leon in His hands I'm so grateful God held little Leon in His hands and delivered him safely into this world one week ago today!

Camilla and Elijah are doing such a great job as parents already, and we have a cute little cuddlebug to hold and marvel over! Abuelo José is in awe to be able to hold such a little guy! (PSA, last photo is the best!)

I keep marveling over God's faithful care and keep coming back to this verse: "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you." Psalm 71:6

#grandbaby #baby #grandmother #thanks
1. When you and your daughter are students at the 1. When you and your daughter are students at the same seminary.  2. And your husband is on staff there!❤️
So excited to begin at @dallasseminary this fall! Diving into Systematic Theology as a first step to my Masters in Christian Education 😍🎉
Such a fun evening last night at Convocation.
Feliz Navidad from the Cruz family! ❤️🎄 We Feliz Navidad from the Cruz family! ❤️🎄

We've enjoyed such a fun and memorable Christmas season. So grateful for family,  loved ones, and for the way Advent cheers our spirits and reminds us of the wonder of Jesus' coming to earth.

#feliznavidad #merrychristmas #advent #joy  #family
I'm so grateful for all the ways God showed up at I'm so grateful for all the ways God showed up at our Women's Christmas Lunch with @northwestbiblewomen . ❤️🎄 This was the biggest party I've ever hosted, totally beyond my capacity. I'm giving God thanks for the amazing people who made it possible:
👉
#2 Cindy Douglas, our Women's Christmas Lunch Coordinator. So gifted.

#3 Our Ninja team who did the work to pull everything off.

#4 Our speakers, @rebeccacarrell  and @beca.inke . So talented. Filled with the Holy Spirit.

(Amazing worship team is not pictured! 😭)

#5 Fabulous table hostesses, who decorated the tables and made women feel welcome.

#6 Men who volunteered to serve, including my own José!

#7 Northwest group life team women, who served as table hostesses and supported me in those moments when I thought I'd lose my mind! 😂

(Not pictured are our lovely greeters and my dear daughter Camilla, who was at my side, one of my best friends. ❤️)

#thanks to all of you! What amazing #teamwork ! ❤️🎄

#joy #christmas #northwestbiblewomen gratitude
Best Thanksgiving ever! So grateful for family and Best Thanksgiving ever! So grateful for family and the blessing of getting to celebrate together. 🍁🦃🍁 (Best surprise ever was when @mcruzpeti walked in the door all the way from Michigan! Apparently everyone in the family knew he was coming except for José and I. ❤️)

#thanksgiving #surprise #fun #family
Fortunately, I was not in charge of decorating for Fortunately, I was not in charge of decorating for Sugar and Dice this weekend! Where I would have plunked down autumn leaves and fake pumpkins, my friend Mary had a vision to make our women's social beautiful with these flower arrangments and white pumpkin candleholders.

For me, our event was a fun celebration of women's gifts, and the fact that we are better together!

@kristenains had a great idea, organization, and menu planning skills.
@emileemeeks gave it a cute name and promoted it.
@marystoelzing made it beautiful (and got her husband and his wheelbarrow to bring in all the pumpkins).
@raisinshan led us through the ins and outs of Bunco!
@heyjayes had a willing heart to help with setup.

So grateful to get to serve with such an amazing team of women and for our @northwestbiblewomen community. ♥️

#pumpkins #flowers #northwestbiblewomen #fall #fallfun #bettertogether #community
I'm smiling about the first day of fall even thoug I'm smiling about the first day of fall even though it's 97 degrees outside in Dallas. I love fresh starts and new seasons. 🍁🍂

It's almost 6 months now since I started a new role as women's minister at Northwest Bible Church. I'm so grateful for how God has helped me up to now and for the lovely community of women I get to serve. I've been stretched in new ways, and I'm learning more about desperate dependence on Jesus! He's showing me that the most important thing I can do to serve others well is to cultivate a quiet spirit that waits on God, listens for His voice, and trusts His power instead of running ahead on my own steam! 😅

I'm looking forward to the coming season and continuing to learn how to seek more of God's presence and and trust His power.

Also looking forward to cooler days! What are you looking forward to in this new season? 🍂🍁

#moreofGod #fall #newseason #learning #spiritualgrowth  #rest #autumn
He's the best! So grateful for 28 years with José He's the best! So grateful for 28 years with José. A sense of humor was #3 on the list of qualities I hoped for in a husband, and we're still laughing together. God has been so faithful and good. 

#anniversary #gratitude #joy #laughter
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Follow me on Pinterest

Disclosure Policy

Faithspillingover is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you buy anything on Amazon after clicking one of my links, I earn a small commission towards the costs of running this site.

Read my Privacy Policy here.

Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member badge

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

%d