Identity & Value in Jesus

Encounter God Personally

In the book The Desire of Ages, we learn that a man named Nathanael had frequently withdrawn to a quiet place under a fig tree to read scripture and understand the prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. In John 1:43-51, Philip invites his friend Nathanael to "come and see" Jesus for himself. We believe this invitation is something God extends to each of us today. This page will show you how to cultivate or nurture a thriving personal worship experience that will enhance your relationship with Jesus so that you may be full with His goodness!

Read

Learn what God wants to say to you by reading Scripture. Use a Bible translation you can understand such as the NLT or ESV. Start in Psalms, one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), or Philippians. Begin by reading only 10-15 texts at a time, several times over.

Bible Reading Plan

Reflect

For a deeper dive into the Bible, take note of things that stand out to you within the passage you are reading and any questions you have. Then, ask yourself: 1) “How does this intersect with my life?" and 2) "What is God's invitation to me?" Write these things in a journal or notebook.

Bible Journaling Guide

Respond

Continue your reflective journaling by talking to God about your hopes, dreams, and concerns. Writing your prayers may help you stay focused. Praise God for who He is. Give thanks for what He is doing in your life. Confess what the Holy Spirit convicts you to give up. And ask God for what you need.

Prayer Prompts

How to Get Started

Solitude

Jesus gave us the best example for connecting with His Heavenly Father by withdrawing from others and praying to God in solitude. While there's a time and place for LifeGroups and other corporate worship experiences, maximize your relationship with Jesus by spending time alone with Him.

Unrushed

In addition to having conversation with God throughout the day, ask God to be your alarm clock and to wake you up in such a way that you have ample time to talk with God without being rushed. As the Author of Time, God can also make space in your busy schedule for you to meet with Him if you ask.

Baptized by the Spirit

Pray and ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit that God would fulfill His promise in Ezekiel 36:26-27 to give you a new heart and a new spirit, able to hear and respond to His invitation for your life.

Location

Psalm 91 invites us to come into the presence of God through the secret or hidden place. Withdraw from crowded spaces, from your distracting room, etc. and find a quiet location without interruptions.

Daily

There's no rubric and you don't get a grade for spending time with God; however, choosing to intentionally connect with Him daily will maximize your relationship with Jesus and lead you to experience joy, peace, love, and hope.

Materials

What do you need to connect with Jesus? A Bible you can easily understand, a journal, writing utensils, etc. Put all your devotional materials on your nightstand where they are easy to grab in the morning or have them ready to travel if you're going to another location.