Your Next Step:
This writing was inspired just for you.
If you prayed that prayer — whether it was the first time or you’re coming back after walking away — here’s the truth: a relationship with God isn’t a one-time moment, it’s a daily thing. And it starts with actually getting to know Him for yourself, not through what someone else told you about Him.
Get a Bible that’s easy to understand — a translation where the words actually speak to you instead of feeling like homework.
This writing was inspired just for you.
If you prayed that prayer — whether it was the first time or you’re coming back after walking away — here’s the truth: a relationship with God isn’t a one-time moment, it’s a daily thing. And it starts with actually getting to know Him for yourself, not through what someone else told you about Him.
Get a Bible that’s easy to understand — a translation where the words actually speak to you instead of feeling like homework.
Some good ones to start with:
NLT (New Living Translation) — clear, natural, easy to read and easy to comprehend. For me (one of The Encounter leaders), this is my preferred versions, although many others offer tge same readability.
NIV (New International Version) — widely used, balanced between accuracy and readability. Another easy to read Bible.
NASB (New American Standard Bible). Easy to understand the messages written to us in modern day language.
The Message — a paraphrase written in everyday language, great for getting the heart of a passage.
GNT (Good News Translation) — simple, plain-spoken, good for first-time readers
CEV (Contemporary English Version).
NLT (New Living Translation) — clear, natural, easy to read and easy to comprehend. For me (one of The Encounter leaders), this is my preferred versions, although many others offer tge same readability.
NIV (New International Version) — widely used, balanced between accuracy and readability. Another easy to read Bible.
NASB (New American Standard Bible). Easy to understand the messages written to us in modern day language.
The Message — a paraphrase written in everyday language, great for getting the heart of a passage.
GNT (Good News Translation) — simple, plain-spoken, good for first-time readers
CEV (Contemporary English Version).
See the article on this site about which Bible is best to read. It’s about my experience regarding which translation to read. That in-depth study brought me to the conclusion that God loves you, no matter what Bible you read, they all (including the Zulu Bible) say exactly the same thing, that God loves you so much.
Any of these translations will let you actually understand what you’re reading instead of getting lost in old-fashioned language. Pick one up, start reading in the Gospels, John or Mark. This is how you get to know who God really is — not a rule-giver, not someone waiting for you to mess up, but a real Father who wants an intimate, personal relationship with you.
You can start right now, right where you are.
Any of these translations will let you actually understand what you’re reading instead of getting lost in old-fashioned language. Pick one up, start reading in the Gospels, John or Mark. This is how you get to know who God really is — not a rule-giver, not someone waiting for you to mess up, but a real Father who wants an intimate, personal relationship with you.
You can start right now, right where you are.
Battle Plan for Success
1. Start reading — today.
Open to the Gospel of John or Mark. It’s the clearest picture of who Jesus is and why He came. Read a little every day, even five minutes.
2. Talk to God Because God is actually there — because He is, edge of your bed, in the car, anywhere and everywhere you are. Don’t be distant, talk with God out loud. Say good morning, tell God everything. I promise you won’t regret it.
Prayer isn’t a formal recitation. It’s a conversation. Tell God what’s really going on — the good, the angry, the confused. Believe me, God can handle any and all of it.
3. Find men who are further down this road than you.
You were not made to do this alone. The enemy wants you isolated. Find a church, a men’s group, or a brother from The Encounter who will walk with you and hold you accountable and help you with your walk with Christ Jesus.
Whatever you’re going through or been through, you’re not the only one that is feeling the way you’re feeling. We’ve been through it and many of us have found the peace that only Jesus Christ offers.
4. Take the next step publicly — get baptized.
If you haven’t been baptized as a believer, this is your next move. It’s a public declaration of the decision you just made, even if it’s recommiting to God.
5. Tell someone this week. You don’t have Not everyone. One person. A wife, a friend, a brother. Saying it out loud makes it real and gives someone the chance to walk with you.
6. Bring your anger and your questions to God — don’t bury them.
If you’re still working through hurt from church, from a leader, from life — don’t stuff it. Bring it to Him honestly. That’s not weak faith. That’s real faith.
7. Expect progress, not perfection.
This isn’t about getting it all right overnight. It’s about staying in the relationship. You will stumble. Get back up and keep walking. Grace covers the whole road, not just the starting line.
You don’t have to have this figured out today. You just have to take the next step.
You can also attend The Encounter at Man to Man Men’s Conferences. We have a great time, setting the tone for a new path for you and your family. Come join us and be set free on a journey of love, peace and joy.
"I started my journey completely broken and without any hope. Then I went on My Encounter."
* Now, it’s time for your Encounter with God.
MyEncounterMyFreedom.com
Man to Man Men’s Conferences
