Spiritual Growth

Every now and then I find that I need new material to inspire my spiritual life. Does that ever happen to you? I asked the other members of The Women’s Council for their favorite resources, not only so I could benefit from them, but so I could share them with you. I am including a resource list at the end of this article with titles, authors, publication information and weblinks where available to help you find all their recommended resources.

Jill suggests visiting the Bible Study Printables website, biblestudyprintables.com, to download a free checklist of all the books of the Bible. She says it’s a great way to check off and track what you have read, whether you read straight through the Bible or pick and choose the books and verses you want to read. She also said she uses the concordance that is part of her Bible to help her study and gain more understanding about what she is reading. Jill recommends using a daily journal to record prayers, Bible verses or a prayer list. One of her friends suggests using the journal as a place to write five things you are thankful for everyday — even if it is a tough day.

Speaking of the Bible Study Printables website, it included links to a wide variety of resources for kids and adults, and you might find it worthwhile to take time to visit the website.

Jill and Peggy both mentioned that they like YouVersion, and so do I. In case you aren’t already familiar with the YouVersion app, this is a resource full of a wide variety of Bible study, devotion and inspirational resources. The app is available for both Apple and Android mobile devices, and you can access the same content on your computer by using your internet browser and going to, bible.com/. 

Peggy said she loves the Lutheran Book of Prayer, and that the 24/7 prayer group at her church uses it as a resource. Another resource she really likes is the book, 5 minutes with Jesus: Quiet Time for Your Soul, she says it is a wonderful devotional book that helps her remember to carve out a little time to just focus on Jesus. She especially likes that it is not dated so she can open to the bookmark and read the next devotion without worrying about when it was “supposed to be” read. Peggy also mentioned Jesus is Calling, a devotional calendar with Bible readings and devotionals assigned to a date.

Amy Werner forwarded a recommendation from Deb Kern for the Bible study they used for the Atlantic Mission Region’s recent retreat, Beautiful Feet by Deb Burma. The theme of the retreat was the text of Romans 10:15 (NIV), “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”.

In her recommendation, Deb Kern said,

“This CD comes with everything you need to make a memorable experience for participants. Promotion ideas, icebreaker, scripted Bible Study Sessions (4), a power point presentation, gift ideas, personal touch ideas, worship suggestions and an evaluation are all included in this package.”

“Your feet take you many places in your daily walk. Through the scriptures you will learn of God’s grace in Christ, as one who walks beside you and forgives your sins. Participants will need their Bible, and I highly recommend purchasing the available 30-Day Devotional Journey for each woman.”

Another Bible study that you might enjoy is, Sip, Savor, and Drink Deeply, also by Deb Burma. This was used as the Bible study for the Carolina Lutheran Women’s recent convocation. Be sure to read more about both events in the “Mission District” section of this newsletter.

I would like to recommend several sources including, Mustard Seed Devotions from the LWML, LWML.org. You can subscribe to receive it in your inbox every day by visiting, bit.ly/MustardSeedDevotions. Also, when you are looking for resources to help you study and reflect on God’s Word, be sure to visit the Sola Publishing website, solapublishing.com.

Resource List

Print Resources:

Burma, D. (2010). Beautiful Feet: A 30-day Devotional Journey. Concordia Publishing House.

Burma, D. (2017). Sip, Savor, and Drink Deeply: Receive God’s Overflowing Gifts. Concordia Publishing House.

Concordia Pub. House. (2005). Lutheran Book of Prayer.

Portals of Prayer, Vol. 85, No. 455, Concordia Publishing House, 2022.

Walsh, S., & Gragg, S. (2017). 5 Minutes with Jesus. Thomas Nelson.

Young, S. (2004). Jesus Calling. Integrity Pub.

Online Resources:

Bible Study Printables (Website) biblestudyprintables.com.

Books of the Bible Checklist (downloadable content) bit.ly/BibleStudyPrintables.

LWML-Lutheran Women in Mission. Today’s Mustard Seed Devotion. lwml.org/todays-mustard-seed-devotion (Website).

Sola Publishing. solapublishing.com/ (Website).

YouVersion: download the app or access online, bible.com/ (Website).