The first book I recommend is of course the Bible! It is the Word of God and has so much to teach us about being a Christ follower.

The second is "Discerning the Voice of God" bible study by Priscilla Shirer. I did this study with a group and it really resonated with me and taught me a lot about listening for the Holy Spirit. If you want to better understand how to listen for God do this study!

My third is another study by Kelly Minter called "Finding God Faithful". This one really applied to the situation I was in at the time I did the study. However, it is also very good if you are going through a lot of change in your life, to remind you that God always has plans for good.

The fourth book I recommend is also by Priscilla Shirer named "Fervent". I found it a helpful resource for learning to create effective prayers and give you a book of answered prayers to look back on later for encouragement.

I am always on the search for new faith resources to read so I will continue to add to this list! 

Other helpful resources online include, recorded sermons, and articles people have written with specific subjects in mind. You might really resonate with something that person is saying or with what they have experienced in life. You can connect to other groups that also are growing their faith and can support you during tough times or give advice. But choose these people wisely! There is so much out there online, and I believe that almost every question that has been thought of someone has answered!

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Lastly but certainly not least is living out your faith, this is so important because we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in this world. If we do not share our faith, or do good works for His glory in this world then we will stagnate in our faith. This is also I would say the most difficult to do but getting involved in volunteer work, your church, or just during your daily life is so very important. This is something I am still trying to learn in my own life, but when you step out in faith trusting God for the outcome, He can make amazing things happen! This is also the testing of your faith and were it gets stronger when you choose to lean on Him even if you don't understand. God just wants you to preserver and keep seeking Him so He can work through you and in you!

Attending a local church is a wonderful way to grow your faith. Not only is it good to hear the sermons on Sunday as God may use the pastor to teach you something you needed to hear. But many churches have small groups you can join, or bible studies, and lots of activities to help you get involved with others of faith. So jump in and meet the people of your community!

Prayer is so important, and for deeper intimacy with God I believe we really need to make space to listen for Him. We have so much going on in our lives that it makes it hard to truly hear what He is wanting us to learn. It also is just so good and refreshing to our souls to have that quiet time with Him. Ideas for quiet time with God include, taking a hike/walk, listening to praise music( not so quiet but still powerful) fully giving attention to what it says about Him, and meditating on that. Other options could be reading His Word and then taking time to meditate on what You read asking God to give you clarity on what He wants you to learn from it. In all of these being alone gives the opportunity to pray aloud without fear and talk to God. Jesus also would find quiet places to just be with God and build that relationship. It may not feel like anything is happening but persevere because God wants that time with you to restore and renew your mind.