Richard Foster wrote, “To pray is to change. As Christians, we will either allow prayer to change and grow us in the image of Christ, or we will stop praying.”

Does the idea of spending time with God overwhelm you? Think of it this way — it’s like sitting down for a leisurely meal with a friend rather than ordering a burger & fries at the drive-up window. As you spend the time together, you find a lot of things to say — you get to know each other in a much deeper way.

Starting tomorrow, right here on our website and Facebook page, you are about to begin a topical, self-paced, daily discipline of prayer, Bible study, and personal application. The benefits you will receive during the next 52 weeks will depend upon the time you invest and the depth you permit the Holy Spirit to penetrate your heart.

In my own personal life, I would say that 90% of my spiritual growth has been a result of my quiet time with God. It is in that quiet time, that God comforts me, provides ideas, gives me wisdom, and reveals His will. Most importantly, my quiet time is where I get to know God better and enjoy spiritual intimacy with the Father.

Every Monday morning during 2016, I will post on our church website (johnsonchurch.org), topical material that will be the framework for your study. The format will be the same as I am sharing with our congregation this morning (Sunday, January 3) in our worship service. There will be enough material for an entire week’s study. It will be arranged with Monday as the day for the study in that particular topic. Then, use the remaining 6 days of the week for reflection, meditation, memorization, and application. Consistency is beneficial — a little bit each day is better than skipping several days.
Each week you will be encouraged to memorize a scripture verse and each lesson will provide an opportunity for written responses. But keep in mind, our lives are not transformed by writing answers on paper. Personal spiritual growth is a process. Getting close to the heart of God, hearing and responding to His voice, and developing Christ-like character, will transform your life as you make time alone with God a priority.

Remember, the best plans are never realized because of procrastination! So, I encourage you to set a time and find a place for your daily time alone with God, and get started! The time you spend with God will permeate your entire day — providing you with more than sufficient love, grace, wisdom, power, and encouragement to eagerly embrace God’s daily plan for your life.

Have fun and enjoy your personal spiritual journey! The first post will be tomorrow morning. May God Bless You Richly!

I Love You!
Pastor Ben