With 2026 off to a running start, we’re excited to make this another year of sharing the truth of God’s Word and serving His church.
We want people everywhere to know Jesus and draw closer to Him—that’s what motivates us every day. Walking with the Savior and growing in His love is what Dr. Stanley called “the extraordinary life.”
As you head into the spring, here are a few words from him about really knowing Jesus.
If someone were to ask you, “Who is Jesus Christ?” Surely you could tell them something about who He is and what He’s done for you. But would you describe Him as your friend?
It’s easy to become satisfied with knowing Jesus as Savior, the One who removed the penalty of our sin. But we’re also called—and blessed—to know Him as Lord, experience Him personally, and enjoy Him deeply.
Paul said, “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him ... that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil. 3:8-10).
To follow Christ with a passion like this means desiring to know Him above all else.
Friend, you can know Jesus as your closest companion, the One who walks with you moment by moment, with whom you fellowship and converse. You can know Him as an individual; someone you grow to understand more fully. And you can know Him through His personal love for you, poured out each day.
How do we cultivate this kind of intimacy with Christ?
First, understand what it means to know Him.
When Paul talks about knowing Christ, he’s talking about an ever-growing relationship of oneness. To know the Lord never leaves a person the way they were before. It is a continual experience that will leave you awed by who He is and constantly growing to be more like Him.
Second, see His surpassing value.
Paul meant, “Here’s how I value this knowledge of Christ. Having anything else instead would be a total loss compared to knowing Him intimately.” Nothing compares with the priceless privilege and overwhelming value of knowing Jesus Christ.
Paul also wrote, “In [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). When you really know the Lord, your comprehension and discernment will transform your entire perspective on life.
Third, make Him your primary goal.
What is the passion of your heart? When Jesus is the object of your greatest affection, all else is provided by God in His perfect timing. But if it’s an object or accomplishment, everything is out of balance. Absolutely nothing should compete with our desire to know the Lord Jesus Christ first and foremost.
Finally, pursue Him intentionally.
To know Christ, study Scripture—where God has unveiled a truthful portrait of Him. Spend time alone in prayer, meditation, and worship. Not just asking Him for things, but being alone with Him, talking and listening. Observe and record how God works in your life and the lives of others. Develop your love for Him.
Open the word of God today and tell the Lord, “It’s my desire to know You more deeply. I’m seeking right now to become closer to You. And I want a passion to know You that overrides every other desire of my heart.”
If you pray that prayer, my friend, your life is about to get exciting. I believe you’ll soon be saying, “Why didn’t I start earlier?” No matter where you are in your walk with Christ, He is worth knowing better; you will not run out of ways to experience Him in this lifetime.
There is always more to discover and enjoy of our glorious Savior.
What a call to devotion from Dr. Stanley! No matter who we are or where we find ourselves, this call is always relevant. It keeps us yearning for Jesus and pressing into His presence.
As you seek Him, may you find yourself uttering daily the words of John 1:14: “[I have seen] His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Till next time, God bless you.
For His glory,
Your friends at In Touch Ministries