Today we’re talking about something very near and dear to my heart. I shared a little about my faith and beliefs around Christmas. You can read it HERE. I had several people e-mail asking how to grow their relationship with Jesus Christ. Today I want to share how to maintain that relationship and make it grow. These are my Top Three tips…
#1 Spend time ALONE with God
I remember going to college, getting involved in the college ministry and hearing the term “quiet time” over and over again!!! To be honest, I had NO clue what all those people kept referring to! Maybe because my church was so small? Maybe it was a new term? I’m not really sure, but that wasn’t something we talked about. So…in case you’ve been wondering about what a “quiet time” actually is (like my eighteen-year-old self at college) I’ll explain it for us all. 🙂 It’s simply spending time alone with God in prayer, in the Word, and (if your house allows it) in the quiet.
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6
#2 Get involved in a church
I just googled “church images” and guess what church popped up?? My college church! This is it! (I don’t know why there’s a big black stripe on one side) FBC Jonesboro! Crazy! Anyway, I think it’s so important to get involved with a church. You’ll meet people who share your values and beliefs. You’ll learn and be challenged. You’ll be encouraged. And…it’s the perfect place for YOU to serve!! What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing?? Teaching? Serving? Chatting with People? Whatever you’d prefer to do, trust me your church would love to have you helping!!
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16
#3 Join a group
I was a super young eighteen-year-old (like just turned eighteen a couple weeks before going to college) who knew one girl at the college I chose. I met her one time for lunch in the cafeteria! That’s it! So…I was pretty much on my own! I joined a freshman group at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry on campus. It’s amazing how feeling like a part of a group can help! I met with these same eight freshman and a leader every Monday night for the first semester. Without their encouraging words, I have NO clue how I would have made it!
Now maybe you’re thinking college was SO long ago what could I learn from this? Maybe you need to seek out a mom’s Bible study, a divorced care group, or a retirees only Bible study? I’m not sure what stage of life you’re going through, but I guarantee you if you get involved with a Bible study you will be blessed by it.
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20
My prayer today is that one person was encouraged from this blog post. Thank you guys for the e-mails!
I love getting to address issues that you guys have e-mailed me and asked me about. If there are any other “Top Three” topics you’d like to hear, PLEASE e-mail me and share!!! I’d love to GIVE THE PEOPLE what they want! haha! Shoot me an e-mail and tell me what you’d like at alittlebitofeverything83@yahoo.com. Thank you so much for reading and for being a part of this blog! Love you, ladies!! XOXO
