Part 1: Spiritual Growth
Do you ever get a longing deep down inside to know God better? A Christian organization, Back to the Bible, did extensive research to determine: How do we connect with God and grow? They discovered that whether someone is growing depends on one factor: Not church attendance. Not joining a small group. Those are good things, but they aren’t the key.
People who are growing spiritually engage the Bible four or more times a week. They consistently do three things: read or listen to the Bible, reflect on it, and respond in some way.
But how can we be consistent?
We’ve designed Journey to help you consistently engage with the Bible and grow in your relationship with God.
Let’s be honest. Reading the Bible isn’t easy. You may have even tried before. But like most of us, after a few weeks, you found out it was tough to be consistent. Here’s what we’ve included to help:
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- insightful short videos to explain those confusing Old Testament books and help you see the Bible as one connected story
- daily scheduled readings with audio links – listen while reading from your own Bible
- weekly journaling sheets to keep you on track
- practical help in learning to talk with God (journaling your prayers)
Journey is about relationship – a way to know God better. In 20 minutes a day, you’ll read and listen to the Bible then journal your thoughts to God.
If you’re curious, this short video shows the research about spiritual growth. Stop at 2:17 after you hear “Put those three together and you’ve got yourself a change sandwich.” The rest of it describes a specific method we won’t be using, but the video powerfully applies to Bible engagement in general.
Part 2: Make a Plan
We often feel pulled in every direction. Overwhelmed. So many people “need” us all the time! So I’d like to offer a bit of advice you’ve probably heard before:
First put on your own oxygen mask; then you can help those around you.
Why? Only by receiving oxygen – a life-giving necessity – can we help others. It’s not selfish to find time to sit in peace with God and read His Word and share your heart with Him. You need Him, just like you need oxygen.
I know you have much to do. Martin Luther said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”
I’m not suggesting three hours! But what if we say, “I have so much to do that I will spend the first 20 minutes alone with God.”
It’s worth finding a time each day to sit with God and listen so you can meet the day’s challenges with wisdom and peace. Journey will help you connect with God and “just breathe.”
Why not invite one or more friends to Journey with you? Traveling companions are great for accountability and our need for community. How about meeting for coffee each week – sharing insights, favorite passages from the week, cares, prayers, and encouragement.
You will need a Bible to underline or highlight. Journey uses the NIV (New International Version) Bible but you can use your preferred version. You will need access to the Internet via your computer or cell phone.
Here’s your first assignment: Make a plan. Decide when and where you will do Journey 20 minutes a day.
Now make a back-up plan. What if your ideal time or location doesn’t work? How can you make Journey work in your life situation? Is lunch or before bed a workable backup time? You might decide to engage in Journey first every day before other social media.
Journey alternates between the Old Testament and New Testament. Old Testament books are scheduled in chronological order; when reading about a king, we also read the prophets that were speaking at that time. New Testament books are interspersed throughout the program. Weekends are lighter, focusing on Psalms or Proverbs. In about 20 months you will have read the entire Bible.
Thankful for Oxygen,
Marie
P.S. This music video, “Just Breathe,” shows the importance of taking time to connect with God.
Go to: Week 1.