Last weekend I was on a women’s retreat (which is part of the reason this is a day late) with 60ish women, many that I’d never met and many that have been friends for close to a decade or more. Before I left I was in the process of putting this plan together so I was already thinking about the topic of growth, but over the weekend I saw what growth in the life of a Christian looks like and it was so encouraging!
The bible speaks to the fact that once we come to Christ, our initial conversion/salvation, we are to pursue knowledge and wisdom so as to grow into maturity. We are encouraged to pursue traits like holiness, righteousness, and forgiveness to name a few. This isn’t just about acquiring knowledge or a better grasp on information, this is about becoming more Christ-like over time. We do this by way of spiritual disciplines and by way of fellowship with other believers and prayer.
I’ve heard people say they don’t like to study, or they aren’t a big fan of bible studies or that they work too many hours to have more than a superficial devotional life. I’ve heard people say, “that’s just not my thing, I’m more of a worker bee, give me something to do…” I get it, we don’t all have the same gifting, but we are all called to grow in spiritual maturity. We don’t get to opt out of this one. Like I’ve said all along, I realize scripture journaling is not for everyone, but spiritual growth is. We have a responsibility to continue seeking until we find whatever is our thing, but I will say this, I have never met a spiritually mature person who doesn’t have a well worn bible. My aim is to introduce you to one way of engaging with scripture in hopes that it or something else will lead you into your bible.
Personally, a group bible study with people you trust is my number one suggestion for spiritual growth. The absolute best part of my weekend was watching people I have studied with step out of the boat and into the call that God has placed on their lives, calls that they would not have recognized had they not been in the word and in fellowship with other believers. The truth is, if not for a women’s bible study that my mom and a friend and I started in 2012 I would not be writing this. That group lasted 7 years and it’s where I discovered scripture journaling. It’s also where I got my call to lead women’s ministry at a church we helped plant. From there I stretched my wings to start writing which eventually led to this blog/website. All of this started with an open bible, a cup of coffee, and someone’s kitchen table. Covid changed us all a lot, it gave us the idea that virtual is as good as real, but that’s not true. There is no substitute for face to face study. I need to see my friends faces as we study together, I need to see their tears and their excitement and their questions. I need to hear their heart as they pray and I need to know what to pray for them.
When I started on the path of study 12 years ago I didn’t even know enough to desire spiritual maturity as an outcome, and I’m certainly not suggesting that I have arrived or attained it. But I am further along than I was, and if I keep studying and learning, I will be even farther the next time I look back. One step at a time, one day at a time we grow into the people God created us to be. Don’t miss what He has for you, open your bible and give it a try!
Thank you for continuing to write these Scripture journaling plans. I love doing this so much! I love you, too!