Challenge: A Season to Grow

I'm growing, and am determined to continue to grow in Faith with Jesus.

So here is the challenge: over the summer, I want God to teach me something overall, and something new each week and each day. Please join me in this venture if you want!

• Ask Him to reveal one or two things He wants to teach you or grow you in over the course of this season.
• Meet with Him weekly, beyond your normal quiet time. Have a set time and day, like 7pm on Tuesdays. Make this time like a small group bible study session for you and him. Or, if you feel moved to do so, make it a small group and invite others to grow with you.
• Have a weekly focus. For example, explore Faith the first week, Love the second, Worship, Healing, Leadership, the Holy Spirit, etc. the following weeks
• Start by praying. Ask for guidance, openness, encouragement, and enlightenment, and understanding. Also ask for healing and allow Him to take away anything that might distract you or get in between you two. Ask Him to move you and lead you on the path that He has planned
• Unless He moves you in a different direction, begin by looking up verses on your subject. Use a concordance, a website like BibleGateway.com, a subject guide (often found in the backs of Bibles), and/or your own recollection. Don't be afraid to jump around as He leads you or read a whole book of the Bible. Its your time with Him. Its up to Him what He wants you to hear and its up to you what you want to read. Together, you'll figure it out.
• Ask yourself questions, and ask God too.
• What did you learn? What are you learning?
• What didn't you understand?
• What is God saying? Are any thoughts or words from Him coming to mind?
• How do you feel? Take these feelings to Him, whether they are excitement, joy, sadness, or frustration, or even reluctance. Let Him move and shape and change you.
• How does this week's focus and what you've heard relate to your overlaying area of growth for this season?
• Spend time with Him daily. Read some. Pray a lot. Journal some.
• Write it all down in a journal. Keep a record of your season of growth.
• Share what you are learning with others of faith so that they may support you in your walk, and you in theirs. Also, don't be afraid to mention what God is teaching you to others who may not share a relationship with Jesus. Just be loving and gentle, and listen. Whatever advice they may give you, you can still learn from-- just be sure to take it to God and check with Him.