No One Becomes Godly by Accident

You can deepen your faith in 2016 but you must be intentional about it. Here are some steps you can take that will help you grow your faith:

      1.  Meet with God before you check Facebook. 
Start the day with God. Commit yourself to reading God’s Word and praying before you get absorbed in the latest media updates.

      2.  Choose a Book of the Bible to study this year. 
We’ll be reading through the Bible again, but there is great value in digging deeply into one book of the Bible.  If you don’t know where to begin, start with Ephesians.

     3.  Buy a study Bible.
Owning a study Bible is like having a seminary faculty on your bookshelf. It has notes on every passage, outlines, maps, charts, diagrams and illustrations. It will jumpstart your knowledge of God’s Word.

     4.  Get involved in a Small Group. 
While it is possible to grow on your own, you will grow much faster when you are involved with a small group of other Christians. Join a Sunday School class, a men’s group, or a women’s group. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Share your life with others.

     5.  Start a Journal. 
Where has God shown up in your life? Where have you seen the fingerprints of the Lord? Write it down so you won’t forget it. Over time you will see how God’s plan is unfolding in your life.

     6.  Memorize Psalm 1. 
Psalm 1 stands at the head of the Psalter for a reason. It describes the fundamental difference between a life lived for self versus a life lived for God. We need to tattoo these verses on our heart so we won’t forget them.

      7.  Become a quick forgiver. 
There is nothing sadder than a bitter Christian. Don’t fall into that trap this year.  Be a quick forgiver. Remember, God said, “Vengeance is mine.”

      8.  Pray for Missionary Eyes. 
Every day you will meet people who need the help only you can give. Some of them need a word of encouragement, and you can do that. Pray that God will give you the eyes to see the real needs of the people you will meet. And don’t forget to share your faith with them.  Remember, no one becomes godly by accident. Intentionality is the key if you want to grow this year.                                                                       ---Adapted