Walking Where Jesus Walked

Earlier this year, when we were in Branson, Missouri, John and I, along with several dear friends, were blessed to see the Sight and Sound Theater production of “David”.  It followed the life of Israel’s King David from his childhood through many key moments in his adult life: defeating Goliath, consoling Saul with his harp, fleeing from Saul’s murderous attempts, his sin with Bathsheba and then his attempt to cover it up by murdering her husband, Uriah. I experienced so many emotions – particularly near the end of the play when God sent Nathan to David to confront him, and David readily admits his sin against God. I’ve often wondered what it was about David that made him a “man after (God’s) own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14, Acts 13:22). How could a man with so many flaws still have a heart that was considered “wholly true to the Lord his God” (1 Kings 11:4)? It encourages me so much to think that God may also consider me wholly true to him, even with all of my flaws.

“…(Scripture writing has) helped me first and foremost become a student again in ways I never imagined… the book of John last year changed my life!!! The delve into the word in increments that help you analyze and reflect in ways that don’t usually happen when you simply read scripture.” Julie Young Hardwick

As we sat through the play, I realized how much more I wanted to know about the life of David. Of course, I have read a lot about him, but I wanted to learn more about this imperfect man who was beloved by God. So—I thought it would be wonderful to spend 2026 writing through his life. Much of David’s story (though not all of it) is contained in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel. 1 Samuel begins with a godly woman named Hannah, who begged God for a son…and God blessed her with a little boy named Samuel. As we write, we will learn about Samuel, and Eli, and Saul, and Jonathan, and David – and so many others. We will write through accounts of battles with the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and Edomites. We will write through a serious (though I secretly find it humorous) account of the ark of God and the very definite defeat of Dagon. We will travel all over Israel with David and his mighty men in their battles. We will write about Saul’s mistakes and later see him die by falling on his sword. We will copy what the Bible says about David and Bathsheba and their child who tragically dies, and then we will write through more terrible family struggles and see David’s shortcomings in leading his own children. We will write through some shockingly brutal battle scenes.

“It helped me have the Scriptures on my heart throughout the day and motivates me to use them as I navigate my day. It always amazes me how many times they come up in conversation and events that come about. It’s so powerful to have the sword of the Word on my heart.” Deanna Myers

In between 1^st and 2^nd Samuel, though, we will spend most of the summer in the New Testament writing through the book of Hebrews: a book that will bring us a lot of encouragement and exhortation. We will write about pressing on to spiritual maturity (6:1) by learning what is “better” in Jesus Christ…a better hope, a better covenant, better promises, a better possession, a better (heavenly) country, a better resurrection – God has something so much better for us than this life!

“Scripture writing an entire book of the Bible has helped me see details and how they fit into the fuller context of the book. While I know there is a place for topical study, I personally enjoy this whole-book approach better. As a home educator, I also know the numerous benefits of writing by hand. It strengthens memory and improves comprehension and retention to name a few. There are plenty of scientific studies detailing these benefits and more that you can research. So please excuse my nerdy input, but I think the science of handwriting is pretty cool.” Rachel Berghorst

I hope and pray you’ll consider writing along with many of us this year! “Scripture Writing” is nothing new. In fact, each king of Israel was instructed to write his own copy of God’s law on a scroll, and keep it and read it…to “learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left…” (Deut. 17:18-20). As I said last year: on the surface, scripture writing sounds deceptively easy – to simply copy something that has already been written. However, when we stop to truly consider that every word of Scripture is inspired, or “God-breathed”, and that it is all beneficial to teach us, correct us, train us, and equip us (2 Timothy 3:16-17), we will understand that writing the Word is neither simple nor superficial. If you need some serious heart and soul help, writing scripture will help you. If you’re struggling with life’s challenges (and who isn’t?) then writing scripture will help you. If you wonder how God really feels about you, writing His word will help you. If you have young (or older) children, writing scripture will help you. If you’re feeling as though you’ve lately been more influenced by the world instead of by the Word, writing scripture will help you. If you feel distant from God, writing scripture will help you. No matter your age, your occupation, or your “level of busy”, writing scripture will help you. If you don’t think you’re smart enough, you’re just wrong about that. If you feel inept or think you lack the skill to do it…well, you’re wrong about that, too! Ha!

“As a therapist, I am recommending this to clients, especially to those who struggle with anxiety. I had a VERY challenging spring and summer. Writing every day sometimes twice a day kept me centered and focused on the only One who could do anything about the circumstances beyond my control that were overwhelming my thoughts and creating chaos in my daily life. The Spirit is alive and well in the writing of His Word, and His peace passes all understanding.” Jennifer Eakin Willmore

All of the past years’ scripture writing downloads are still available on this blog…just browse through the prior years posts if you’d like to see what other downloads are available. The downloads will always, always be free. You don’t have to purchase ANYTHING in order to participate…all you really need is your Bible, some paper, and something to write with. These downloads are just made available to enhance your study or make it more convenient. (As an exciting side note, there is something in the works that will make past years’ downloads accessible in book form…stay tuned!)

For me, personally, copying an entire book of the Bible has made all the difference in the world. Scriptures I’ve read most of my life now have enhanced meaning as I have slowed down and focused on a few words and verses at a time, in context. This has been the first Bible study method that I have consistently maintained for nearly seven years now, and I have been so grateful for it. I hope you’ll decide to dive in with us and get into the word of God – it will get into you and you’ll never regret it!

Thank you so much to Katherine (aka Kathy) Plante for creating the cover image! She is a true artist with such fun and creative ideas. She has widely known talent for teaching children’s Bible classes as well (and she is the genius behind the beautiful artwork in the “That We May Believe” series recently released by Rebekah Colley!) I am so thankful for Kathy and for her God-given artistic ability.

Are you ready to write? Are you ready to grow and learn? With the Lord’s help and to His glory – let’s begin!