How to Spend Time With God
”My sheep HEAR my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
An essential part of growing in your relationship with Christ is spending private time alone with Him on a consistent basis. It’s important to schedule that time, and prioritize it just like an appointment. While there are many ways to enjoy time with Jesus, it’s important that we hear Jesus’ voice and respond to it obediently. A great place to start is spending some time with Jesus by reading the Bible, praying, and listening.
The Holy Spirit helps us hear from Jesus ...from the Father, through the Scriptures. By using the H.E.A.R. journaling method outlined below in conjunction with a bible reading plan, you will be able to grow more like Him. You will be able to process what you are reading and put it into action. Below is an outline of how to reflect on scripture, and some recommended plans for daily Bible reading.
His Word (verse)
Once you have read the daily reading, write out the verse or verses that struck you most.
Exploration (insights & observations)
Explain in your own words the specific points, principles or details that caught your attention.
Application (how I will obey)
The verse or passage struck you for a reason. It spoke directly to something in your life. Where is God speaking into your life? Does what you sense you are hearing, align with Scripture, is it consistent with God’s character and His ways?
Response (prayer)
How are you going to respond to what God has spoken into your life? What specifically should you do in response? Write a personal prayer thanking god for blessing you and ask Him to help you follow through on your response.
"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
John 8:31-32
Bible Reading
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God emphasizes his desire, and command for people to read the Bible, and then prayerfully reflect on how to apply it to their lives.
For a quick overview of the promises and benefits God offers to those who invest time reading and living out the Bible turn to Psalm 119.
A recent multi-year, extensive research study done by the Willow Creek Association led to this conclusion… "Nothing has greater impact on spiritual growth that reflection on Scripture. If church’s could do only one thing to help people at all levels of spiritual maturity grow in their relationship with Christ, their choice is clear—inspire and encourage people to read their Bible—specifically to reflect on Scripture for meaning and direction in their lives. Only 1 out 5 people in churches today read their Bible daily."
Reading Plans
We are inviting anyone in the congregation not currently on a reading plan to try out one of the two plans highlighted below.
The Life Journal Reading Plan takes you through the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice. The First Steps Reading Plan tracks with the Life Journal Plan but is shortened and a great
place to start. The two plans are linked, so a parent may do the Life Journal (longer version) and a child or student the First Steps (shorter version) and still be able to share and discuss together what they are learning. Printable versions of both plans are available by clicking on the links at the bottom of the page, or if you want to utilize a digital version consider YouVersion.
YouVersion is a website that lets you read your Bible in multiple translations on your computer, on your iPhone/iPad/iPod or on your Android. In addition, YouVersion can track your progress as you make your way through either plan. Visit The Life Journal Reading Plan or The First Steps Reading Plan on YouVersion.
You can also scan the QR Code to the right to download YouVersion on your mobile device.
