Well, here we are, headed into another new year. 2022. 2022 is actually an important year.  It is, according to that internet thing,  the year that George Jetson will be born (If you don’t know who George Jetson is, you need to pause here and go look him up). Many of us will start the year with a resolution or goal of some kind.  You know, goals like, climb the highest heights, sail the seven seas, build a better mousetrap, write your memoirs, not become a vegetarian (nothing against vegetarians, but I have been successful on that last one for about 5 years in a row). 

But seriously folks….

I am inviting you to add one more goal to your list with me.  I am actually stealing it from the Apostle Paul.

“My goal is to know him…”.

Those are the words of the Apostle Paul in chapter 3, verse 10 in his letter to the church at Philippi. He made that statement in the middle of explaining how he had pretty much accomplished everything else that people would think was worth bragging about. In a way, you could say that he had batted a thousand on his new year resolutions.  He even makes a comment in verse 4 that says, “If anyone has something to brag about, I’ve got more.”  In the eyes of everyone around him, he was impressive.  But, Paul understood that all of those bragging rights and accomplishments didn’t really amount to anything. He actually says that he considered ALL of that stuff to be a pile of trash compared to intimately knowing Jesus. 

“My goal is to know Him…”.  

It is not just to know “about him”. It is not just knowing Jesus’ stat line. If there was a Jesus trading card, His stats would be pretty impressive…..  The knowing that Paul writes about is an intimate knowledge.  It is a deeply relational knowledge. It is a personal, all encompassing knowledge. 

What a beautiful goal. I would even say that it is the most important goal. 

Here’s My plan.  For the month of January I will slowly read through the Gospel of John with that one goal in mind.  I will read it slowly and prayerfully with the hope that I will know and love Jesus more as I head into February.  There are 21 chapters in the Gospel of John so that gives me 10 extra days.  I will most likely read a chapter a day most days.  I will also write my thoughts in a journal as I go.  

If you would like to join in on this simple goal, here are a few pointers.

Before You Read

Just before you read, take a moment to slow down, remove distractions and pray.  Ask God to help you focus your mind and heart.  Ask Him to lead you to get to know Jesus and grow in love for Him. 

While You Read

Here are a few questions to have in mind as you read each chapter.  It is not about working through all of them in a mechanical way but using them as a lens to read each chapter through. 

• What does this chapter reveal about Jesus (Ie. His character, ability, heart, etc).
• How does he treat people?
• What intrigues the most about Jesus from this chapter? 
• What do I love  most about Him because of this chapter?
• How have I or how do I need to experience this part of Jesus in my life?
• How do I need to change so that I can become more like Him?

After You Read

• If you plan on journaling, take a minute and write down any thoughts or even write your prayer.
• Pray.  End your time thanking Jesus for what He is showing you and ask Him to do whatever He wants in you.

Don’t be in a hurry.  And keep this in mind.  Jesus wants to be with you.  He loves you.  He wants you to have an abundant life (John 10:10).  He wants you to have joy (John 15:11).  He wants you to have peace (John 16:33).  He is the ONE who can give you all of those things.

Praying you get to know Him and have a great 2022.

-Doug-

EXTRA…..

Consider making this something that you do with your family. Maybe have a time once a week where you share with each other what you are learning. You will be amazed at the different things each person learns.