Relationship With God

June 11th – James 1:2-3

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James 1:2-3

James challenges us to rejoice during times of trials. Say what!? This perspective seems counterintuitive, but trials offer unique opportunities for growth and a deeper relationship with God. They refine our character, shaping us to be more Christ-like and resilient. Through difficulties we learn to rely on God’s strength rather than our own, fostering a profound sense of trust and dependence on Him. This reliance builds perseverance, teaching us to endure and overcome, which in turn produces spiritual maturity. Embracing this perspective allows us to see trials not as obstacles, but as catalysts for inner transformation. They redirect our focus to what truly matters, our faith and God’s unfailing love. This shift in outlook allows us to find joy in trials knowing that God is actively working in us and through us, even in adversity. By facing trials with a mindset of growth, we find joy in the process of becoming more aligned with God’s will, bringing us closer to the fullness of life that He promises.

June 11th – James 1:2-3 Read More »

March 4th – Job 5:17

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Job 5:17

Theologian John Owen is quoted as saying, “Love precedes discipline.” No one likes correction. But rather than being a punishment, God’s discipline is an act of love and grace from a loving Father to His wayward child. The Lord only wants the very best for us. And so He disciplines, leading us to repentance and complete dependency on Him. This in turn results in great blessings. Blessings including strengthening our faith, and spiritual growth. For as Hebrews 12:11 reminds us, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Although sometimes painful, we can find joy in God’s discipline. Because not only does that mean we are His, we can become better versions of ourselves and deepen our relationship with God.

March 4th – Job 5:17 Read More »

January 8th – Psalm 56:3

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Psalm 56:3

There are many fears in the world today. And while some are real, legitimate, fears, most are rooted in the lies of the Enemy. For he knows the power he wields when we are afraid. And as cunning as he is, Satan offers ample, worldly solutions to overcoming our worries. Because for every fear and phobia, there’s a book, exercise, or yoga pose hailed as a cure. Anything and everything, except the only thing, that can truly help us defeat our fear. And that’s having a close, personal, relationship with God. Our Heavenly Father cares about every aspect of our lives. He knows our hopes, dreams, fears, and doubts. And He loves us beyond measure. So much so that every tear we cry, our Father remembers. And He wants us to face each fear hand in hand with Him and in His strength. To trust Him with every worry on our hearts, and lay our fears at His feet.

 

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July 14th – 1 Timothy 4:7-8

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1 Timothy 4:7-8

Too many times I have been guilty of not practicing due diligence when it comes to my relationship with God. I’ve been lax in giving it the time and nurturing it deserves. Because honestly, discipline is not my strong suit. Yet Paul advises us to diligently practice self control for the goal of walking in righteousness. Why? Because godliness transforms our lives into ones God intends for us to have. Lives of love, peace, joy, and fulfillment. “For it is this we labor and strive, because we fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (1 Tim. 4:10) Practicing godliness deepens our relationship with the Lord, and provides a wonderful testimony to the lost. Because what better attraction could there be then seeing a follower of Jesus leading a disciplined, godly life to its fullest.

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June 10th – Luke 10:41-42

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Luke 10:41-42

Could you imagine entertaining the Savior of the world in your own home? When Martha heard Jesus was coming to dinner, she rushed about preparing the meal and making sure everything was just right. But her strive for perfection, made her miss out on a amazing opportunity to spend time with the Lord. And as Jesus  admonished Martha, and all of us Martha’s out there, instead of sweating the small stuff and being “bothered by many things”, our focus should be on Him. Our priority above all else should be time spent at the feet of Jesus, listening to to the words of our Savior. Although acts of servitude and humility are important, they should come second to the close, personal fellowship that Jesus wants to experience with each of us. Because without Him we can do nothing. And producing true, good fruit for His kingdom comes only through His guidance and direction.

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May 20th – Exodus 24:3

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Exodus 24:3

Imagine being an Israelite. Personally chosen by God to enter into a glorious covenant with Him. Witnessing His power firsthand. Traveling day and night surrounded by His glory and protection. Now imagine experiencing all of that only to turn around and reject His love. It’s easy to make a covenant with God when we feel surrounded in His glory. Maybe it’s because of a received blessing, answered prayer, or a need fulfilled. We resolve to faithfully follow His will and not our own. Then life goes on. And our focus wanders on things other than our relationship with the Lord. We spend our time and energy pursuing our fleshly desires. And instead of trusting Him, we attempt to meet our needs on our own. But the wonderful news is this. No matter how much we reject God, He will never reject us. He is always there waiting to welcome us back into His loving arms.

 

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March 3rd – Jeremiah 29:12-13

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Jeremiah 29:12-13

When the Israelites were sent into exile from Jerusalem into Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah wrote a letter to them. In it he encouraged the people to be confident in the plans the Lord had for them. He wanted them to accept their circumstances, knowing they were temporary. God was still with them and would eventually return them to their homeland. Included in this letter was a promise that God would hear their prayers and have a relationship with them if they remembered to seek Him with all of their heart. What does it mean to do something “ with all of your heart”? It means to be passionate and fully invested. Investing our time, resources and attention. If that relationship is important, we will want to make those efforts. 

Intimacy is a very special bond, and God desires that intimate connection with us. And He promises that if we seek to know Him, He will be found. Our prayer life is our opportunity to spend time connecting with God. It doesn’t mean that our prayers need to be wordy or fancy or elaborate. They just need to be humble, honest and sincere. When our prayers come from the heart, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf and comforts our hearts in return. It’s the ultimate heart to heart connection….the connection we were designed for. 

Blessings, Becky

 

March 3rd – Jeremiah 29:12-13 Read More »

February 7th – 1 John 1:1-3

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1 John 1:1-3

We’ve all heard it said that Christianity is a relationship not a religion. Which was always God’s plan. From the beginning He established a way for us to fellowship with Him forever through His Son, Jesus Christ. “The Word of Life” in the flesh, the Lord came to pay our sin debt and reconcile us back to our Father in heaven. And through His blood we now can have an intimate, unbreakable relationship with God. And even better still, wanting us to have everything we need to grow in the Lord, God gave us the Bible. It has always been God’s greatest desire for us to walk in fellowship with Him. And the Holy Bible is His blueprint; the atlas of life. For in its pages we’ll find a path. A magnificent path lit by the glory of God’s light. And one, that if we do not not stray from, leads us to a close relationship with our Creator, Father, Savior, and our dearest Friend. A path to the deepest joy we’ll ever know, and a unconditional love lasting an eternity.

 

February 7th – 1 John 1:1-3 Read More »