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Savory appetizers, little bites of piquant morsels. A fresh, green salad and a warm, comforting casserole. Fresh baked breads and delicious spreads. A dessert spread of cookies, lemon bars and brownies.
The perfect potluck! (Is your mouth watering yet?)
I’ve been a part of Bible studies for over 40 years. While our time together usually does include food, it is the spiritual “potluck” that is the richest!
Each week, every woman in our group reads God’s Word (a specific, dedicated passage) in our private devotion time. We all learn things, think them through, and glean the truth that feeds our souls. Just as if we were each preparing a dish of food, we gather our thoughts together to share with one another.
No matter how well I search the Scriptures on my own, I still miss things. I am shaped by my life, my current mood and needs, and my experiences. I can easily overlook elements and nuances. I may move quickly through parts of the Bible that I need to slow down and really consider! Just as I am not an expert cook in every cuisine, my perspective only covers certain tastes and flavors.
So when we all gather together, we bring what God has shown us. Within the same verses, one person may share how they recognize God’s power and might. Another might pick up on His mercy and grace. Someone else may share how the verses convicted them of some area of sin and how they were moved to repent or ask for forgiveness.
God’s Word never fails to satisfy our every need and craving. And as we “break the bread” together, sharing truths, prayers, and needs, we time and time again watch the miracle of multiplication! In our spiritual potluck, we leave with more than we come with.
Sometimes there are laughs or tears or tender transparent moments as women speak. Hearts are transformed, sins confessed, comforts soothing every type of sorrow, promises that sustained in the midst of trials. And, most of all, the Lord speaks through each insight and testimony.
At the end of these days, gathering around the well of God’s Word, I leave renewed in my commitment to studying the Bible with my very special group. It brings change to my heart and hope to my life. We worship our God together in ways I cannot do on my own—not just in singing beautiful songs, but in the hearing and telling each other of the marvelous works of God.
So, is there more to be said? The spiritual potluck is calling you! Get in a Bible study community as soon as you are able!
Get there in whatever state you can, and don’t waste a moment thinking, I’ll do this when my days are less busy. Some things can’t wait, and this type of growth will not happen as fully and beautifully as God intends until we do them together!
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