A Daily Journey to Grow Closer to Jesus

Growing your relationship with Jesus is a daily, heart-transforming journey centered on a personal, vital connection with Him as your constant companionPr 78.3+2.

Establishing a Personal Connection

• A Daily Commitment: To grow in grace, you must seek a personal union with Christ through self-renunciation, faith, and obedience every single day5T 46.4+1.

• Abiding in the Vine: Just as a branch draws life from the vine, you must abide in Jesus to bear the fruits of a Christian character John 15:4-5PH001 13.1.

• Heartfelt Devotion: True religion is not a dry formality or heavy drudgery; it is found when the soul is so filled with the love of Christ that self is forgottenSC 44.2.

• Communion through Prayer: Seeking God in secret and telling Him your specific needs ensures that the powers of the unseen world are around youPr 78.3+1.

Learning through the Word and Service

• Study the Scriptures: The Bible is a principal subject of study that provides a saving knowledge of God and Christ, keeping your mind away from human sophistriesCET 83.1+1.

• Beholding and Changing: By looking steadfastly to Jesus and contemplating His matchless love, your character is softened, refined, and ennobled into His likeness1MCP 331.3+2.

• Active Labor for Others: Growth in grace is illustrated by a life of diligence and zeal; as you work to save others, you gain strength and a deeper experience in the things of GodPr 78.3+2.

• Learning of His Nature: Taking His yoke upon you means learning His patience, gentleness, and lowliness of heart Matthew 11:29PC 317.1.

Overcoming Obstacles to Growth

• Trusting in Christ's Merits: Do not rely on your own efforts to form a right character, but cast your helpless soul upon the Burden-bearer to receive peace and joyPC 317.1+1.

• Dealing with Sin Immediately: As soon as you commit a sin, flee to the throne of grace, confess it in contrition, and believe that He has forgiven youBEcho February 1, 1892, par. 4.

• Avoiding Worldly Snares: To grow into the full stature of Christ, you must sever affections from earthly, corruptible things and avoid associations that turn the mind away from God2SM 123.4+2.

• Unity with Believers: Fellowship with other Christians and manifesting a tender, pitying love for one another is a sure fruit of abiding in ChristPC 147.1+1.

The Results of a Deepening Relationship

• Fragrance of Character: A close connection with Jesus brings a freshness, simplicity, and humility to your life that testifies to others you have been with HimFE 456.2+1.

• Increased Intelligence and Strength: Communion with the Lord increases your piety and purity while strengthening your intellect and power for accomplishing goodPr 78.3+1.

• Preparation for the Future: This ongoing spiritual education prepares you for the judgment and the glorious return of Christ, where the redeemed will meet Him in peaceCET 233.2+2.

By setting the Lord always before you, He will be at your right hand so that you shall not be moved Psalms 16:8SC 69.1. 🌟