Most of us give our time and attention to things we enjoy. Whether it’s a job, a hobby, or a sport, we make time to do the things the things we most enjoy. Naturally, the more time and effort we give to something, the more we know about it and the more we excel in it. You might say we begin to "grow" in that activity.

Being a Christian is no different. Once you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, the process of being a Christian doesn’t end there; it is just the beginning. When you give your life to the Lord, it's a decision to follow Him, spend time with Him and get to know Him better. It's also a decision to spend time with God's people, fellow Christians, and get involved in serving the Lord. There are four important steps that you must take if you want to grow spiritually and have a better relationship with the Lord.

Number 1 - Pray daily. Prayer is simply talking to the Lord. You don’t have to use big fancy words. Give thanks to the Lord daily for your salvation. Pray for others in need. Pray for direction. Pray for the Lord to fill you daily with His Holy Spirit. There is no limit to prayer. You can pray with your eyes closed or open, while sitting or standing (please open them while driving!), kneeling or lying on your bed, anywhere, anytime. So begin to make prayer a part of your daily routine.

Number 2 - Read your Bible daily. It's best to use a Bible reading plan for direction on where to read. I’ve found that a plan keeps me from missing anything God has written in His Word. Also, if you follow the plan, you’ll be reading through the entire Bible once every year! You’ll really “grow up” in the Lord by making Bible reading a priority. (You can also join one of our Salt & Light Growth Groups to help you accomplish this goal.)

Number 3 - Attend church services regularly. The Bible encourages us to meet together regularly with other believers (Hebrews 10:25). This is also vital to spiritual growth. If possible, join us not only at a Saturday night or Sunday service, but also for our Wednesday night study.

Number 4 - Get involved in a ministry group. There are many small groups and ministry opportunities at Calvary Chapel. Pray and ask God where you get involved. Over the years I’ve noticed that it’s the people who really “get plugged in” that soar in their walk with the Lord. Check our Ministry Directory for a current list of "Life Groups" that meet in homes and other small groups. I encourage you to begin by visiting some of the fellowships in your area, until you find one that best suits you.

Throughout all these steps, remember that your relationship with God is a daily activity. Communication only once a week is not a relationship. You must take the time to learn about God, to get to know Him better. It's the most important area of your life that you must passionately pursue.

God bless you as you seek to glorify the Lord in your life.

Because of Him,

Danny Hodges