Here are my December 2020 Christian book picks for you. This is a great group of books for spiritual growth any time of the year!
Searching for Certainty
A blend of memoir and teaching, this is a beautifully written book by an author who tragically passed away this year. Her words have peace breathing from them, even though she is no longer with us. Shelly describes her difficult childhood with grace, and weaves in wise acronyms she uses to stay grounded in faith. This book is a contemplative musing on choosing certainty even when life is uncertain, because God never changes.
I received a preview copy of Searching for Certainty from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
Engaging Your Teen’s World
I’m a mom of two teen boys and one tween girl, and I’m hungry for trustworthy advice about what’s going on in teen culture. For several years, I’ve trusted Axis for relevant, up-to-date wisdom, and they always deliver. This book is written by the two founders of Axis, who share their personal stories and passion for discipling teens and their parents. I appreciate their no-nonsense approach, which is still delivered with grace. It’s crucial for us to engage with our teens in ways they desperately need, in a culture so different from the one in which we grew up. I’m thankful for the practical, Bible-based guidance in this book which will help me navigate these challenging, yet rewarding, years of parenting my teens.
I received a preview copy of Engaging Your Teen’s World from Bethany House Publishers.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
Why Is THAT in the Bible?
Have you ever been stumped on why certain stories are in the Bible? Or why Jesus said some things that sound confusing to our contemporary minds? This book is an engaging read that helps you understand both the cultural context of strange Bible stories, plus the personal application you can take from them. Though I consider myself fairly familiar with the Bible, I learned several new things I’ve never considered before from this book. The chapters are short, so you can read just one or two at a time in your busy schedule. If you want to dig deeper in your Bible study in the new year, this book will be an interesting, easy-to-read companion.
I received a preview copy of Why Is THAT in the Bible? from Bethany House Publishers.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable
Jesus’ parables have long held my fascination. But not all of them make perfect sense in the 21st century. This book offers new insights into the cultural meanings of the parables, which will enrich your understanding of Jesus’ teachings. It is grouped into chapters on The Nature of the Kingdom and The Ethics of the Kingdom, which will help you understand how God’s kingdom is advancing even now. I enjoyed the brief chapters so I could pick this book up, read for a few minutes, and get something valuable from the text. A great resource for those who want to gain greater application from the stories Jesus told.
I received a preview copy of Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable from Bethany House Publishers.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
Your Hospitality Personality
I enjoy Morgan Tyree’s practical writing style, and her book Take Back Your Time helped me organize my priorities. Since I’d like to be more hospitable in the new year, I sought out her advice in this book and was not disappointed. She breaks down different hospitality preferences into several categories, and lists the strengths and weaknesses of each one. You may find yourself in several of these categories, like I did. I enjoyed the affirmation and inspirational ideas in this book, particularly from Morgan’s personal stories. She also includes a lengthy section at the end of the book with lots of hospitality ideas from her friends, all with different hospitality personalities. A fun read that will help you gain confidence in hosting more gatherings this year.
I received a preview copy of Your Hospitality Personality from Netgalley, and I purchased my own copy from CBD.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
52-Week Devotional Journal for Women
My good friend Deb Wolf has written a wonderful devotional journal which I can’t wait to use in the new year. I’m a fan of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and it’s a delight to see this style reflected in the book’s design. Deb is a seasoned blogger, and it’s been fun to see her devotions in print. Each week’s devotion is very brief, and Deb writes a few thoughtful questions to stir your thoughts and prayers. It would make an ideal resource for observing Sabbath rest each weekend of 2021. That’s my plan for using it, and you can benefit from doing the same.
I received a preview copy of the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women from Rockridge Press.
Get your copy on Amazon.
All Things Are Possible
My friend Melanie Redd is a talented speaker and author, and her latest book is a lovely journal to help you move closer to God. The watercolor illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and invite you into a moment of peace with God. You’ll see a scripture, then a short prompt about which you can write. The facing page gives you plenty of room to journal your thoughts and even doodle a design, if you feel so led. This book will be an inviting accountability partner for your prayer time. It would make an ideal gift for a family member or friend too.
I received a preview copy of All Things Are Possible from Rockridge Press.
Get your copy on Amazon.
Spiritual Intelligence
You’re probably familiar with IQ, which measures mental capacity. Maybe you’ve also heard about EQ, which measures emotional intelligence. But if you’re like me, you’ve never considered spiritual intelligence, which is what all believers have through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet many of us have never learned how to access this power, which can transform and empower our faith. Kris Vallotton gives a smart yet accessible description of what spiritual intelligence is, and how we can use it for greater faith.
Having grown up in a conservative, mainline denomination, I didn’t learn much about the Holy Spirit’s work. But I’m hungry to learn more about it from a solid biblical perspective, and this book electrified my thinking. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year, and I plan to reread it again, taking notes on how I can change my prayer life with the principles he explained. A powerful, exciting read to supercharge your faith.
I received a preview copy of Spiritual Intelligence from Chosen Publishers.
Get your copy on Amazon.
Awaking Wonder
Do you want your children to retain a sense of awe, even in this fast-paced culture? Sally Clarkson has written a warm, uplifting book to encourage parents to spark wonder in their children. The chapters are beautifully written with timeless wisdom, based on her experience of raising four children, now leading amazing careers in literature and the arts. This book is ideal for homeschooling parents, and also has wonderful application for parents like me, with children who have been in both private and public schools. An inspirational read for intentional parents.
I received a preview copy of Awaking Wonder from Bethany House Publishers.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
She Smiles Without Fear
I’m happy to be starting this Bible study in early 2021. The Lord has led me to choose Proverbs 31:25 NLT as my meditation verse for the whole year, and this book is all about that verse and others in Proverbs 31. I have read through the first several chapters, and I enjoy Katy’s funny, honest, challenging voice that will lead me through this study. It has a video component I look forward to watching as well.
I received a preview copy of She Smiles Without Fear from David C. Cook.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
Home Made Lovely
Do you struggle to identify your decorating sense? Do you want a more organized, peaceful home, but don’t know where to begin? This is a beautiful, practical book to inspire you. I’m not big into home decor, but I am seeking general principles to make my home a more inviting place. This book was perfect for my needs – not too complex and not too trendy. I especially enjoyed the presentation of different decorating styles, so I could identify my own preferences and then streamline my decisions. The book has hundreds of affordable and do-able ideas to spruce up your home. Plus, it has several yummy recipes in the back! A unique, interesting book I will turn to again and again for inspiration.
I received a preview copy of Home Made Lovely from Bethany House Publishers.
Get your copy on Amazon or CBD.
December 2020 Christian Book Picks
Which book looks most interesting to you? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!
This post may be linked up at these linkups.
If you make a purchase through the provided links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for supporting my writing ministry!
I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday. I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.
To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!