Summer. Time for a Deeper Connection with Jesus.
Last weekend marked the beginning of a new season. A new season brings a new pace, a new rhythm, and a new routine.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1, NLT
Every year when summer comes around, I want to be so international about my time. I want to make the most of every minute. I want to soak up the slower pace that summer brings and enjoy some extra time with friends and family.
What about you? What are your intentions as you enter this season?
Another intention I have every summer is to fall deeper in love with God’s Word. Falling in love with God’s Word has looked different over the years.
One year I discovered artsy Bible Journaling.
One year I discovered hand lettering.
One year I discovered inductive Bible study.
One year I stayed the course, as I read every word in the Bible for the first time. You better believe that year helped me to create a deeper connection with Jesus!
This year, I am falling deeper in love with God’s Word, as I use his Word to write a guided journal. If you didn’t see the sneak peek over on the socials, you can check it out here.
As I reflect on the various approaches, the common thread is going deeper in my understanding of God’s Word…developing that deeper connection with Jesus!
Are reading these words and feeling like you need a fresh approach to God’s Word, so you can fall deeper in love with it too? Here are three ideas to consider, as you look for that fresh approach:
1 – Go Deeper with Others.
The Christian walk is not meant to be in isolation. Sometimes a fresh approach simply needs others. I remember when I created the online Facebook Group a year and half ago. My goal was to read the Bible chronologically. I found that others joining me kept me motivated. Every new person, every comment, and every interaction was encouragement.
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV
2 – Go Deeper with a New Study Method.
Whether you explore a new tool like BibleGPT, a new process like Verse Mapping, or a new Bible, small changes can bring a fresh perspective. Discovering new study tools have always given me a new excitement for going deeper. I may have more Bibles than I care to admit; however, I love how a new Bible creates an anticipation for my study.
3 – Go Deeper in Communicating with the Lord.
Finally (actually, this should be the first thing!), prayer and simply communicating with the Lord can help us to go deeper. Afterall, the Holy Spirit is the one who touches our hearts and helps us to discern what we are reading.
Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, since the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10, CSB
What about your? What are your intentions for this summer? When life’s rhythms change, I find it is easy to adopt new habits. Maybe that habit is more connection with others, more of God’s Word, or more prayer. However this summer goes, may we fall more in love with our Savior…may we develop a deeper connection with Jesus. May we grow in our wisdom. May we hold tightly to Proverbs 3:3:
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
Proverbs 3:3, NIV
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Image painted by Tyra Harnishfeger with Let’s Make Art watercolor tutorial.
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