Seek First: A 28-Day Reading Plan for New BelieversSample

GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOU 

Why are you on this planet? Why do you think Jesus is allowing you to breathe air? Think about it. Are you just going through the motions, or do you believe Jesus has a purpose for your life? 

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the  Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope  and a future.” 

Jesus has big plans for you. You didn’t show up by accident. It’s amazing to think that the creator of the universe cares enough about you to be involved in every aspect of your life. Be assured that His plans are far more incredible than anything you could ever imagine on your own. 

DISCOVERING GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE 

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

Discovering Jesus’ plan for your life begins with a commitment to seek  Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind, and body through a relationship with  Him. The Bible makes this promise: “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when  you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12–13.) 

A daily quiet time with Jesus helps to build a strong relationship with Him. As you meet with Him daily, Jesus will reveal the next step for you in His plan. 

HOW TO START A DAILY QUIET TIME

Make a commitment to start with 10 minutes early each morning for Bible reading, prayer, and journaling. Use this reading plan to guide your quiet time with Jesus. The discipline of rising early to meet with Him will change your life forever. 

Go someplace quiet. Put your phone on "do not disturb," and remove anything that might be a distraction. Read the day's verse and try reading what comes right before the verse and right after the verse. Rewrite the scripture in your own words in your journal or notes app. 

As you’re thinking about those verses, focus on the action you need to take as a result of what you've read. Life-change happens when we apply what we have read to our lives. Write down in your journal or notes app any thoughts or actions related to that day's verse.

The Bible says that we can talk to God about anything. That is the essence of prayer. We get to talk to God. We get to talk to the Creator of the Universe. We cannot underestimate this privilege. Prayer is not something we have to do; it's something we get to do.

Pray that God will speak to you about how that verse applies to your life and that he will help you live according to His will. During the day, try to recall what the verses were all about and ask God to show you how to live for Him.

This reading guide is designed to help you develop the discipline of spending time with Jesus every day. If you miss a day, or even a few days, along this journey do not feel guilty or give up. While connecting with God shouldn’t feel like homework, consistency is important. You will find that your desire to spend time with Jesus will increase as you are consistent. We hope this reading guide will start you on the path to enjoying daily time with God.

We’ve included some questions to get you started. 

Where are you planning on having your quiet time? 

When are you planning on having your quiet time?

JESUS IS ETERNAL LIFE      

The Bible tells us all about the love of Jesus Christ. As you read today’s verses from the Gospel of John, substitute your name for “the world” and for “whoever.”

Take a few minutes to write down why you are thankful for Jesus. What has He done in your life?