A New Plan
Below are three types of action that will guide you toward opening up to God and letting God make a difference in your life. Our suggestion is to start with 1 and let that prompt you to try the other two. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can do two or all three at once.
1 Know
The only way to ever know someone is to open up to them. Any human relationship takes a little bit of vulnerability which allows you to make room for that person in your life. A connection with God is the same way. You can't know or experience God if you don't make any room for him. Here's a simple way to do that:
- REALIZE - God is there with you, all the time, even when you don't feel it or believe it.
- PRAY - Try saying a prayer like this out loud: "God, I'm here, help me to see you today."
- LOOK/LISTEN - Look for God in the moments of the day. Make note of where you recognize God's presence or help.
- REPEAT - As things come to mind or situations arise, realize God is with you and reach out to him using whatever words come out. Look for God in what's happening in and around you as you.
2 Grow
Understanding faith is so important to enjoying it fully. Who is God? What is life all about from God's perspective? Why is Jesus so important to faith? Is the Bible trustworthy? The more you can understand God and how faith and life integrate, the more you'll thrive. NEC has created a variety of opportunities to grow in your faith. A great place to start is one of these three places:
- The Journey 101 - A seven week small group experience that covers the basics of faith. A new group launches every month. https://www.nechapel.org/the-journey
- Monday Night Men's Ministry - A gathering of 20-30 guys that meet every Monday at 7 pm at NEC. They talk about faith and life using Sunday's sermon topic as a launch point. Click here for more info:https://www.nechapel.org/groups-for-men
- Women's Events - There are a few different opportunities to help women grow. Click on the link below and scroll through the great opportunities to grow in faith and meet great people. https://www.nechapel.org/groups-for-women
3 Show
Getting outside your own wants, desires, and headspace can do wonders for you. The Bible emphasizes how service (love in action) is a way to experience God and model God's goodness to others in the process. NEC regularly provides access to volunteer opportunities within and beyond our church (see links below) but just helping people in your own sphere of influence does the same thing. Show God's love by serving someone else.