Sunday, January 1, 2023

New year, new you!

 As the new year starts, many people take the opportunity to reflect on their lives and set goals for personal growth. One critical aspect of personal growth is growing one's faith. Here are five ways to grow your faith in the new year:

  1. Attend services regularly: One of the most effective ways to grow your faith is to regularly attend church services and get involved in the community. This will help you feel more connected to your faith and provide a supportive environment for learning and growth. I don’t think most people realize how important being part of a community is. And though the church is imperfect, it’s in the imperfections we practice grace and receive grace.

  2. Spend time in prayer and meditation on the Word: Setting aside time each day for prayer and meditation can help you develop a deeper relationship with Jesus. Whether you prefer a structured form of prayer or a more spontaneous approach, taking time to connect with your beliefs can help you grow spiritually. That’s why I regularly read a psalm in a proverb each day, in addition to challenging myself by reading the word. But I pray through the psalms in the emotions that are found. And provide structure to my prayer life.

  3. Read the word: Reading will help you gain a deeper understanding of your faith and its teachings. Honestly, it’s so simple, but people seem to neglect this even though it takes only a few minutes every day. I’m reading the Bible in one year and it took me 12 minutes this morning to read the plan that will keep me on track. Speaking of that, Having a game plan is critical. I find that I will never accomplish anything if I don’t have a reading plan.

  4. Volunteer and serve others: Putting your faith into action by volunteering and serving others is a great way to grow spiritually. Not only will you be making a positive impact in the world, but you'll also have the opportunity to reflect on the values and principles of your faith as you serve.

  5. Seek guidance from a mentor: Finally, consider seeking guidance from spiritual mentors or leaders in your community. Whether through one-on-one conversations or group classes, these individuals can provide valuable insights and support as you grow in your faith. I’m always amazed by the story about David’s mighty men. He surrounded himself with mighty people, and did mighty exploits because of that.

Growing your faith is a journey, and it's important to find what works best for you. Whether you try one of these strategies or combine several, the key is to be consistent and committed to your spiritual growth. Here's to a faith-filled new year!

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