If you desire to grow in your faith in Christ this year, congratulations! There’s no better time than today to start. Whether you’ve been a Christian for most of your life or you’re new to following Jesus, I’d like to help you on your faith journey.

Here are 3 key ways to help you grow in Christ:

Dig into God’s Word. If you’re new to the Bible or haven’t picked it up for a while, the Psalms and Proverbs are great places to start reading. The Gospel of John is also a perfect place to start so you can learn about Jesus’ life and teachings. If you’re more acquainted with the Bible, you might want to get a study Bible or commentary so you can better understand the setting, people, and symbols mentioned. Don’t feel like you have to race through reading everything. Read a few verses or a few chapters and stop to think about what you just read. What did it say? What does it meant? How can you apply it to your life?

Pray and Keep Praying! Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy. Prayer is telling God how awesome He is. It’s thanking Jesus for dying on the Cross for us and paying the penalty for our sins. It’s asking Jesus for forgiveness and receiving it! It’s sharing your needs with God (even though He already knows them), asking for help and direction and provision, and thanking Him for the answers on the way. It’s talking to God about how you feel, what you’re struggling with, and what you’re rejoicing over. It’s also a time to stop and listen to what God would like to say to you. Prayer is how you get to talk to God Almighty! Glory! Set aside some time daily in the morning, during lunch, or before bed and spend time reading your Bible and praying and meditating about what you just read. Short prayers throughout the day also count! Reading Bible passages out loud is powerful! Praying for others is a gift to them and blesses you. Pray and then let God answer in His timing and in His way.

Stay Connected! We’re not meant to be the Lone Ranger. We flourish when we’re part of a community of believers. I hope you have a church nearby that preaches from the Word of God. Please keep going. Sign up for a small group, take a Bible study class, and spend time with other believers. Your faith will grow as you walk through life with others and share the highs and lows of life with each other. Hearing how God is working in someone’s life will help to encourage you as you go through your tests and trials.

I pray you will continue growing in your faith! I look forward to hearing about what God is doing in and through your life!

For more ideas for how to make the most of this year, especially if you’re waiting on God to answer your prayer requests, I invite you to check out my book Waiting on God Well. It’s great to read on your own or with a group.

If you’re looking for more encouragement and support, I invite you learn more about having me as you Life Coach! I’d be delighted to help guide you on your faith journey!

 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)

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For more encouragement, read my book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! To learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach or to invite me to speak at your event, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com. Check out Abounding Faith’s online store here. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.