Discipleship & Spiritual Formation

Abide in My Word

Brandon Smith reflects on abiding in Jesus’ words, showing how intentional time in Scripture forms disciples over time and changes their condition in Christ.

Lesson for Feb. 13, 2011: Jesus Is God’s Son (Mark 9:2-13)

Nancy Meets God in Isaiah

Nancy Karpenske reflects on how a purple notebook, one chapter of Isaiah a day, and one copied verse at a time drew her nearer to God’s heart.

Reading Scripture with Patience

Mandy Smith reflects on how slowing down with Scripture can help God’s Word dwell deeply, intersect with daily life, and transform a busy heart.

Choosing What You Remember

Brian Giese reflects on the spiritual value of intentional memorization, especially Scripture memory, and explains how regular review can strengthen faith, ministry, and daily Christian living.

God’s Word the Life Shaper

Marshall Hayden reflects on how Scripture confirmed, instructed, and shaped his life, centering on John 10:10 and the promise of abundant life in Christ.

From the Served to the Servant

Chuck Booher explains how Crossroads Christian Church’s Basic Training program helps new believers grow through Scripture, accountability, community, and hands-on service across the church.

Read a Book!

Matt Proctor encourages Christians to embrace reading as a spiritual discipline, showing how devotional, practical, theological, and biographical books can shape faith and strengthen discipleship.

Growing Like Jesus (Intro)

Christian Standard introduces eight essays from contributors and Publishing Committee members reflecting on what has helped them grow intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually.

Growing Like Jesus: The Bad Bounce

Jim Tune reflects on spiritual growth, the weakness of the human heart, and the Christian leader’s need to press toward the cross rather than settle for image management…

Growing Like Jesus: Wisdom You Can Touch

Eddie Lowen explores the difference between knowledge and wisdom, showing how Jesus demonstrated wisdom through his actions and how Christians can grow by learning from the lives of…

Growing Like Jesus: Wisdom from Fellow Travelers

Jennifer Taylor reflects on how God uses trusted friends, difficult people, and honest conversations to help believers grow in wisdom, courage, patience, and spiritual maturity.

Growing Like Jesus: Sight and Insight

Pat Magness reflects on a vision problem, high blood pressure, and the spiritual lesson of caring for the body as part of growing in wisdom, stature, and trust…

Growing Like Jesus: Hearing God Through People

Glen Elliott reflects on how a friend’s hard truth helped him confront his need for affirmation and experience deeper spiritual growth, marriage renewal, and security in God’s favor.

Growing Like Jesus: Learning to Obey

Becky Ahlberg reflects on learning to trust and obey God through ministry challenges, family influence, and faithful mentors, discovering that spiritual growth often comes through serving rather than…