Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will GROW down into God’s love and keep you strong. Ephesians 3:17 (NLT)
A couple of my girlfriends have this phrase: Fresh Jesus. The meaning is simple, it evokes a sense of ‘new mercies every day‘, the unpredictable nature of the Holy Spirit, the way he comes like the wind. (John 3:8) We also use it when we have experienced the love and presence of God, through circumstance or beyond circumstance, His faithfulness, provision, and just plain goodness. We use it somewhat loosely…it’s somewhat of a code word! (Hopefully they won’t be mad that I am sharing it here!) I think it somewhat relates to the idea of springs of Living Water, and the freshness, the crispness, the beauty of fresh flowing water. John Ortberg, one of my favorite authors (books listed below) speaks of this idea of Rivers of Living Water, and the desire to flourish. I think this is where my interest comes from just a desire for the newness and freshness of God and ever-growing with Him, and hopefully, into His likeness.
Let your roots GROW down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will GROW strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
Spiritual growth/spiritual formation/spiritual disciplines has always been an interest of mine. I’m pretty sure that half of my library contains books on this subject. (Not because I’m an expert, or good at it – I’m not! but because I hunger for it, love to learn and for some reason this subject just interests me a great deal). I realized that since I have so much information and resources that I am happy to share what I have learned, and found helpful and hope that it can be useful to you.
One little thing that I have learned is sometimes you need to switch things up, try new things, new methods, new translations, listen to the Bible audio online or via audio book, try online prayer journaling with Examen.me (a great tool that helps focus on one thought at a time, great for when you feel super distracted.)
ONLINE RESOURCES
Bibles
- Youversion.com – Online Bibles, various translations, (and languages!) reading plans and more (iphone app!)
- Biblegateway.com – Online Bibles, multiple translations, and more
- ESVonline.org - ESV Bible online, and other resources, including ESV Study Bible with account or purchase of ESV Study Bible. (Totally worth it – I bought the ESV Study Bible and it comes with a code to enter that gives you online access, I only use it online now, I just use my regular ESV reference edition for regular use)
Devotionals
- My Utmost for His Highest, online, by Oswald Chambers (in contemporary, updated language)
Other online tools
- Examen.me – Online journaling, Christian meditation, and prayer prompts, one at a time. Includes guided short and long reading plans. Screenshot below:
- Monvee.com - A spiritual formation assessment and discovery summary. Check it out for a free trial assessment and discovery summary.
- Spiritual Gifts assessment – discover your God-given spiritual gifts (this is not 100% accurate, but can be useful in determining what they could be. I’m still looking for other resources to provide a balanced perspective, and will add them as I find them. There are different types of assessments.)
RELATED BOOKS
- The Life You’ve Always Wanted – John Ortberg
- The Me I Want to Be – John Ortberg
- Hearing God – Dallas Willard
- Spiritual Disciplines Handbook (more on this book on my Identity page)
…. {& MORE TO COME!} …
Do you have anything you would add to this list? What are your favorite spiritual growth/disciplines resources?
