Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Pride Deludes!

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold!

Thank you for taking time out of your busy weekend to drop by! I recently ran across this article, which I'd like to share with you as an introduction to our message:

The folks from the Freakanomics blog were running a Q&A for their popular podcast, and their listeners were particularly interested in one question: "Why do people feel compelled to answer questions that they do not know the answer to?" Or "Why is it so hard to say, 'I don't know'?"

It seemed to strike a chord with their listeners. The Freakanomics guys argued that it's "practically forbidden in the business world to say that you don't know the answer to a question, lest you be deemed incompetent or irrelevant."

One of the listeners wrote in and called it "Male Answer Disorder (MAD)—where men seem compelled to always have an answer for everything."
-freakonomics.com, January 4, 2012, STEPHEN J. DUBNER

How does this relate to the rest of us? Let me put it this way. For many of us, we start out on our Christian walk doing just fine. We are focused on God, and are fully committed to Him. Then, before you know it, pride begins to rise up. It pre­vents us from being all God wants us to be by blinding us to His ways. It starts tempting us to believe that we know better than He does. If we leave choose to ignore it, pride will change our attitude toward God and the direction He has chosen for us to take.

What is pride? Pride causes us to act "out of selfish ambition or vain conceit" (Philippians 2:3). The Greek here has the word "glory" in it. We all have a choice between self-glory and God's glory. The proud person lives for his own glory, for self-glory. But in his letter to the Philippian Christians Paul tells us, on 5 different occasions, that all glory belongs to God and His Christ (Philippians 1:11; 2:11; 3:21; 4:19,20).

It becomes obvious that pride is idolatry. The proud person erects an idol to him or herself. He looks in the mirror every morning and sings, "How Great Thou Art." Pride is arrogant self-worship. It is the sin of exalting oneself and placing one's own interests above the interests of God and others. Pride craves the admiration and even adoration that properly belongs to God alone. As an example, when we read Isaiah it appears that it was pride that led Satan to rebel against God (Isaiah 14:12-15).

Be aware of this...pride does not and cannot share the limelight! Pride deludes its victims into believing they have no equals and drives them to criticize anyone who takes recognition away from them. The proud are in love with themselves and seek to call attention to their admirable qualities.

Pride too often keeps us from seeing the truth about ourselves: that we are sinners who need to repent. The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, is observed by devout Jews throughout the world. Recently, when asked why he was not at the local synagogue, one self-righteous Jew retorted, "I have done nothing for which I must atone." This attitude is neither new nor unique. Jesus had harsh things to say about the Pharisees because their pride kept them from seeing their sin and their need for a Savior (Luke 18:10-14).

Our pride can also drive us to depend on ourselves and not on another for salvation. Pride leads us to try and earn our salvation by doing good works so that the Father owes us eternal life. But this is not in the plan of God. Rather, He requires that we humble ourselves, that we confess our sins, that we acknowledge our total inability to live righteous lives, and that we depend for our salvation only on His grace. Quoting from Proverbs, the Apostle Peter can say, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5).

So what can we do about "pride?" Is there a remedy? Fortunately, for us, there is! It is called "humility." The Bible tells us that instead of pride, we are to be filled with humility (Philippians 2:3). Instead of self-glory, we are to seek the glory of God. Of course, the Lord Jesus is our perfect example here. If there ever was someone who lived a life of humility, it was Jesus (Philippians 2:6-8).

What humility, what perfect humility. Jesus was and is and always will be God. Yet, He emptied Himself for a while of the glory that is eternally His. He Who was and is and always will be almighty God "made himself nothing." He Who was and is and always will be almighty God came to earth as a man. He Who was and is and always will be almighty God came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.

For believers, true humility starts with an awareness of our sin and sinful nature. When the Prophet Isaiah went up into the temple to pray, he discovered that his sin made him unacceptable (Isaiah 6:5). While Isaiah realized his own inadequacies and unacceptableness, he also discovered the grace of God which made him acceptable. God provided cleansing from his sin (Isaiah 6:6-7).

Thus, after having cleansed Isaiah, the Lord then appointed him to proclaim the Word of the Lord (Isaiah 6:6-7). The Lord teaches us here that apart from His grace towards us in Christ, we are nothing. It is humbling to know that apart from Christ all that we have and all that we do counts for nothing (Philippians 3:7-8, 4:13).

In closing today, we all have a choice. We have a choice between pride or humility, self-glory or God's glory. Which do you choose?

Let's pray:

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy names sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks: Salvation, What Does It Mean?

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I'd like to thank you for joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I really do hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our discussion on SALVATION by talking about what it means to be saved. What DOES it mean to be saved? The word "SAVE" is a very common word that is often used in our language. There is nothing difficult about its meaning. Even a small child knows the meaning of this word.

Here are some examples that come to mind when I think of being "saved." We speak of a person rescued by firemen as one who is saved from the burning flames. A little girl may wander into the street until a concerned adult saves her from the oncoming traffic. Those who were on the Titanic ship needed to be saved from the frigid ocean depths.

Clearly, "SAVE" is a word that covers a lot of territory. Can you think of other ways this word is commonly used? In this weeks' study, we shall search into this word and see how it ties into SALVATION through the teachings of Jesus Christ!

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well. Try them out and see!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. So, if you are ready to begin our lesson...

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

The word "save" means "to rescue, to keep from harm, to keep safe and sound, to rescue from destruction or loss, to deliver." The word always implies some kind of danger. In each of the examples which I mentioned above, there was some kind of danger. What danger was there in Matthew 8:25?

THOUGHT QUESTION: Are you in any danger right now? (A person will never be saved until they first realize that they are in great danger.)

The first question that needs to be asked is this: What do I need to be saved from? (What danger am I in that I need to be saved out of?) A person in a burning building needs to be saved from the smoke and flames. A person stranded in the middle of the desert needs to be saved from excessive exposure to the elements and a critical lack of water.

Think of a man in a foxhole with bullets flying over his head and bombs exploding around him. He cries out, "Lord, save me!" What do you think he wants to be saved from? Consider a woman about to have major surgery. Before they put her to sleep she prays, "Lord, save me!" What do you think she wants to be saved from?

Read Luke 23:39. What did this criminal want to be saved from? Why was this man not saved and why was the other criminal saved?

THOUGHT QUESTION: What do you need to be saved FROM? (Refer to the following verses):

Romans 5:9 (compare 1:18) __________
Matthew 1:21 __________
2 Corinthians 1:10 __________
(see Hebrews 2:3--"so great salvation" for "so great a death")

Have you ever felt yourself to be in danger because of your sins? If you were in a burning building, would you rather be asleep and not aware of any danger at all, or would you rather be awake to see the real danger you are in?

Sometimes we can learn the meaning of a word by considering its opposite. Look up the following verses and write down the word or phrase which is opposite in meaning to the word "SAVE":

1) James 4:12 __________
2) Mark 16:16 __________
3) John 3:17-18 __________
4) 1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:10 __________

What kind of person needs a doctor (Luke 5:31)? __________
What kind of person needs a SAVIOR (Luke 5:32)? __________ (Those who do not live in burning houses do not need to be saved from fire!)

What kind of people did Christ come to save? (Refer to the following verses):

1 Timothy 1:15; Romans 5:8 __________
Luke 19:10; those who are __________

THOUGHT QUESTION: Have you ever seen yourself as a LOST SINNER facing great danger?

Sometimes when a person is in danger, it is possible for him to save himself. For example, a person may jump from a burning building and survive the fall. Another person who is shipwrecked might use his own strength and effort to swim several miles to shore.

In other cases, self-salvation is impossible. Consider a person sinking in quicksand. The more he struggles the deeper he sinks. He needs someone else to stand on solid ground and pull him out!

When it comes to God’s great salvation, is it possible for a sinner to save himself (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9)? ______ If a man could save himself then he would not need a SAVIOR--he would be his own savior. If the person in quicksand could get out on his own, then he would need no one else. The moment a sinner confesses, "I NEED A SAVIOR" he is really saying, "I CAN’T DO IT MYSELF. I NEED SOMEONE ELSE TO DO WHAT I COULD NEVER DO!"

Who is the only Savior (Acts 4:10-12)? __________ In fact His very name means "Savior" (see Matthew 1:21)! For whom has salvation been made available (John 3:17; 1 Timothy 2:3-4)? __________ And yet there is only one kind of person God can save. He can only save those who __________ unto God by (through) Him (Jesus)--Hebrews 7:25 (compare John 14:6).

There is only one way to be saved. A person must be saved by __________ through __________ (Ephesians 2:8). Grace is God’s kindness and love towards those who do not deserve it at all! Faith Is the hand of the heart that receives God’s gift of salvation (Romans 6:23; John 1:12). In the near future, we will study what faith really is. That is a promise!

What must a person do to be saved (Acts 16:30-31)? __________ Who are the only people that God actually saves (1 Corinthians 1:21)? __________ Does the devil know God’s plan of salvation (Luke 8:12)? ______ (What is it that Satan does not want people to do? __________)

Let me conclude this week by asking you a few questions. Are you in danger? Can you save yourself? Do you need a Savior? Do you need Him now? What must YOU do to be saved? Have you done this?

After answering the study questions, go back over them again. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri

(Video) Sheila Walsh: Women Of Faith Conference

Enjoy this clip of Sheila Walsh taken from a recent Women Of Faith conference!

To Fulfill Forgotten Vows!

Fulfillment comes as a by-product of our love for God. And that satisfaction is better than we ever imagined. God can make the pieces of this world's puzzle fit together; he helps us view the world from a new perspective.
-Erwin W. Lutzer (1941- )

Let's begin our message today with a reading of Genesis 35:1-7. There we find God telling Jacob to go to Bethel where he is to build an altar. Why did God command this? Nearly thirty years earlier, Jacob had made a vow but he seems to have forgotten about it, and God is now calling him to fulfill it.

There are several lessons that can be learned from this passage, which can easily be applied to our service as Christians. Before I point these lessons out, perhaps a little more historical background might be helpful.

As was mentioned above, thirty years earlier, Jacob had made a vow. It was made as he was fleeing the wrath of Esau (for Jacob had stolen Esau's blessing from their father Isaac). Leaving Beersheba, he headed toward Haran. On the way, he stopped at what is now called Bethel (Genesis 28:10-15).

There he had a dream, in which he saw what we commonly call "Jacob's Ladder" (angels ascending and descending on a ladder between heaven and earth). In this dream, God promises to be with him and safely return him to his home.

The dream prompted Jacob to perform several things, they were: declare his vow (Genesis 28:16-22) to make the LORD his God if God carries out His promise; sanctify the stone upon which his head had rested and which he has set up as a pillar; and to give God a tenth of all that God will give him.

For the next twenty years, Jacob lived in Haran. As God promised, He was with Jacob. As a result, he prospered both in family, and in gaining wealth (Genesis 29-30). Upon Jacob's return, God kept him safe from both Laban, who was pursuing him (Genesis 31), and from Esau, who was coming to meet him (Genesis 32-33).

By the time of our text (Genesis 35), Jacob had been living in Canaan for ten years. By then, he had settled near the city of Shechem (Genesis 33:18), but he had not bothered to go back to Bethel, where the Lord had appeared to him and where he had made his vow.

So it appears that Jacob had forgotten his vow, and for this reason God commands him to return to Bethel (Genesis 35:1). What lessons or principles of truth can we learn from this? Why don't we take a look at the following examples...

First, God expects us to keep the vows we make. He does not take vows lightly, and neither should we (cf. Ecclesiastes 5:2-5). Therefore, let's be sure to keep any covenant or vow that we make with God. For example, the "vow" we made when we became Christians; i.e., to turn from sin, and to follow Christ with all our heart. Be honest here. Are we faithfully keeping this "vow"?

Second, we are prone to forget our vows when God has fulfilled his side of them. We saw where God fulfilled His side, but Jacob had not. This "forgetfulness" seems to occur most often when vows are made in times of trouble. But such vows are just as binding as those made upon careful reflection!

Third, we are prone to forget our vows when things are going well. In the case of Jacob, he had a nice family; he had become extremely wealthy; and he had even settled down in his home country.

The same is often true of many Christians. Many obey the gospel at times in their lives when they are troubled (sound familiar?). But later, especially if they enjoy financial security, they forget their commitment to God and Christ. However, consider God's warning to Israel against forgetfulness after they entered the "promised land" (Deuteronomy 8:11-20).

Fourth, we are prone to forget our vows when we have allowed ourselves to be influenced by the world. Note that Jacob's family had accepted the foreign gods of the people around them (cf. Genesis 35:2). In similar fashion, many people do not live up to the vow they made when they became Christians - cf. 2 Timothy 4:10 (Demas).

Need some examples? Many teen-age Christians are zealous about their new found faith at first. But when influenced by their peers, popular music, etc., they often lose interest in spiritual matters. Adults start out the same way, then are influenced by the materialism and immorality of our society. However, this is no excuse for "forgotten vows"!

Fifth, if we have forgotten our vows, we need to go back to the beginning. We noticed that Jacob was told to go back to Bethel. In a similar way, Jesus told the church at Ephesus to go back to the beginning (Revelation 2:4-5). They had left their "first love," were told to "remember...from where you have fallen," and to "repent and do the first works." For Christians who have left their "first love," they too need to "do the first works" (the fundamentals, such as Bible study, prayer, etc.)

Finally, when we fulfill our forgotten vows, there are renewed blessings! When Jacob fulfilled his vow, God appeared to him and renewed the promises that had been made to Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 35:9-15). And, so it can be with us!

It may be that we have forgotten the original commitment we made when we first obeyed the gospel of Christ. But if we will just return to Christ, in full repentance and prayer, and fulfill our vow of service and devotion to Him. All the spiritual blessings that He has to offer can be ours again! (cf. 1 John 1:9).

To sum up, are you a Christian, but not living the dedicated and committed life that God expects? Then, like Jacob, you have forgotten your vow and you need to come back to the Lord in full repentance. What are you waiting for? The blessings of heaven await you if you do! And, my friends, if you are not yet a Christian, these same blessings can be yours if you will only accept the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. Mark 16:15-16).

Scripture: Genesis 35:1-7

Prayer:

Lord, I am willing to stand for You. Guide me, I pray! Amen

May God bless you always,

Brandi

(Video) Beth Moore: Seeking and Following God's Direction

Watch this video clip as Beth Moore speaks on seeking and following God's direction.

Only Christ Offers Freedom From Sin

Sin comes when we take a perfectly natural desire or longing or ambition and try desperately to fulfill it without God. Not only is it sin, it is a perverse distortion of the image of the Creator in us. All these good things, and all our security, are rightly found only and completely in him.
-Augustine, The Confessions of Saint Augustine

How seriously do we take the problem of sin; the guilt of sin; the power of sin; the corruption of sin? Do we really appreciate the freedom from sin, enough so that we can experience it now in our lives? Or, that we can look forward to in the future?

In Romans 8:1-25, Paul writes about the freedom from sin that one finds in Christ. To appreciate more fully the blessings we have in Christ, let's consider that there is first "freedom of the condemnation of sin" (Romans 8:1-4).

Everyone is guilty of sin (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8), even if one committed just one sin (if such were possible!) -James 2:10-11. Unforgiven sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). The ultimate condemnation is death (esp. the 'second' death) -Romans 6:23; cf. Revelation 21:8. That all are guilty of sin is the main point of Romans 1-3.

There is freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1; cf. Galatians 3:27). For in Christ there is propitiation, redemption, justification (Romans 3:24-26). In baptism there is death to sin, and newness of life (Romans 6:3-8); for those who walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1,4). This is explained more fully later in this lesson, and also in Paul's epistle to the Galatians (cf. Galatians 5:16-26).

This freedom of condemnation is made possible by the law (principle) of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2). This is the law which sets one free from the law of sin and death (cf. Titus 3:4-7). In addition, it is the law of sin and death which enslaves, as mentioned in Romans 7:21-25.

I am reminded of the death of Christ (Romans 8:3-4), which, as we know, did what the Law of Moses could not do. This was condemning sin in the flesh, and fulfilling the righteous requirement of the Law for us. Allow me to point out, that "justification (no condemnation) is found in Christ" is the theme of Romans 4-7, if you'd like to study this further.

Thus the freedom from sin that we enjoy in Christ involves freedom from the condemnation of sin. But wait, there is more! There is also "freedom from the power of sin" (Romans 8:5-17).

The problem of sin is not limited to guilt, as if the guilt of sin weren't bad enough! Sin also has power to enslave a person so they can't do what they want to do!Jesus described the power of sin in John 8:31-34. The freedom under consideration is freedom from the slavery of sin. When one commits sin, they become a slave of sin!

Paul vividly depicted his life under the bondage of sin in Romans 7:14-24. Here, he tells us that: He was "sold under sin"; he could not do what he wanted, and what he did not wish to do, he did; he found that "sin dwells in me"; though he desired to do good, "how to perform what is good I do not find"; he was brought "into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members"; and it made him "wretched", crying out for deliverance from "this body of death."

We can clearly see that sin definitely has the power to enslave, and that mankind sorely needs deliverance!

But there is freedom from sin for those who live according to the Spirit, not the flesh (Romans 8:5-8). They gain freedom by setting their minds on the things of the Spirit, not the things of the flesh. Whereby, they can enjoy life and peace, not death. And they can submit to God and please Him, while those in the flesh cannot.

Freedom from sin can also be attained for those who have the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11). It is a blessing for those who belong to Christ (cf. John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38; Titus 3:4-7), providing life to our mortal bodies that were dead because of sin (cf. Romans 6:12-14).

It also means freedom for those who by the Spirit put to death the deeds of the body (Romans 8:12-13). It is freedom from sin for those who are no longer indebted to live according to the flesh (cf. Romans 6:16-19), but can now live according to the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 3:16). And, for those who are children of God, joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17).

Yes, it is sweet freedom from sin for those who are led by the Spirit of God, by Whom they cry, "Abba, Father" (cf. Galatians 4:6), and those who are heirs of glory with Christ, if willing to suffer with Him. My dear friends, the point of all this is that with help from the Holy Spirit, we CAN break free from the bondage of sin!

Isn't that wonderful? Freedom from the condemnation of sin and the power of sin! What more could we ask for? How about "freedom from the corruption of sin" (Romans 8:18-25)!

Because of sin, mankind experiences physical death (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:22a; Genesis 3:22-24). As you recall, Adam and Eve were cast from the Garden of Eden. Access to the tree of life was lost, thus physical death ensued. Because of sin, even the creation was placed under a curse (cf. Gen 3:17). It was:

a. Subjected to futility (Romans 8:20);
b. In bondage to corruption (Romans 8:21);
c. Groaning and laboring with birth pangs (Romans 8:22; cf. Isaiah 24:4-6)

The effects of sin has spread throughout all of creation!

However, there will be freedom! There will be the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:18-22)! This is to be revealed one day (cf. Colossians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Peter 1:13), making any present suffering unworthy to be compared. Even the creation will be delivered from the bondage of corruption.

Note that Paul does not say that the creation will be delivered into its own liberty, but into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The present heavens and earth will "pass away", and there will be new heavens and a new earth (cf. 2 Peter 3:10-14; Revelation 21:1-7).

This will involve our own resurrection, for which we hope (Romans 8:23-25); the redemption of our body, which we eagerly await (cf. Acts 23:6); and the reason we are saved for this very hope, for which we wait with perseverance (cf. Acts 24:15-16). With the resurrection of the dead, the creation of a new heaven and new earth, the corruption of sin will be no more!

In conclusion, the freedom from sin that is available in Christ involves:

a. Freedom from the condemnation of sin;
b. Freedom from the power of sin, and
c. Freedom from the corruption of sin

Unless we receive the freedom from sin found only in Christ:

a. We remain guilty of sin;
b. We remain enslaved to sin, and
c. We remain under the corruptive influences of sin

But by responding to the gospel of Christ with an obedient faith, freedom from the devastating effects of sin can be ours, with a hope of glorious liberty when Christ returns!

Scripture reference: Romans 8:1-25

Prayer:

Hear, Lord, the prayers we offer from contrite hearts.
Have pity on us as we acknowledge our sins,
And lead us back to the way of holiness. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Kelly

How Is Your Relationship With God?

Single men are jailed more often, earn less, have more illnesses and die at a younger age than married men. Married men with cancer live 20% longer than single men with the same cancer.

Women, who often have more close friendships than men, survive longer with the same cancers. Married or not, relationships keep us alive.
-Dr. Bernie Siegel, Homemade, May, 1989

The importance of relationships is no big secret. As it says in the illustration above, relationships keep us alive! How are your relationships doing? Even more importantly, how is your relationship with God? Do you know that God pursues a love relationship with each one of us? He knows us and he wants us to know him. There is nothing more important than being able to submit to God, agree that our lives need to change, and to turn our lives over to him.

May I ask you this question, "How is your relationship with God?" Do you even have one? (cf. Matthew 12:30; 11:28-30). We hear a great deal about having a “personal relationship” with God, and of Christians who confess they do not (or wonder whether they do).

The term "personal relationship" is redundant here. Seriously, is there any other type? After all, YOU are involved! We recoil from this denominational terminology because:

1) In practice it usually means “What Christ ‘means to me’ instead of the true relationship we can, should, and must have with God in Christ and;
2) It usually accompanies an emotion-based religion, not truth-based (self-based not God-based). Examine John 14:7-11. This exchange emphasizes the relationship disciples of Christ have with Him. Specifically, “Do you not know me?” (14:9).

To be a Christian is to have a relationship with God through Christ (John 14:6; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27 (4:8-9). It is personal, because it is your salvation! When you are saved by the gospel, you know God, (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:21). Christ died for you and saves you when you trust and obey. I refer you to Matthew 11:28-29 and Mark 16:16.

Additionally, to have a relationship, certain things must be present. As in any true relationship, a relationship requires contact. Here, this means that you must have contact with God (John 14:7-9).

The Lord knows each of us (cf. Nathaniel, John 1:47-48). The question is, do we (you) know God? 1 John 2:12-14 (What kind of contact do you have with God?) After our initial contact (i.e., conversion to Christ) we are okay for a while. But, what then? Have you maintained that same level of "personal relationship" since then?

Think about it this way. What if you had developed a relationship with someone, but then decided not to have any contact with that person for 6 months. What kind of a relationship will you have with them after 6 months? Would you be able to be certain about that relationship? Remember David in the Bible? He knew God was with him (Psalm 23:4). Do you (Hebrews 13:5-6)?

You know that any relationship, if it is to become strong, requires spending time together. Thus, you must Spend Time with God. How can we do this? First, we must spend time in communication with God (Moses, Numbers 12:7). God wants us to spend time with the Bible! (John 14:10; Hebrews 1:1-2; Psalm 1:2; 119:14-16). We can spend time with God in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17); spend quiet time with God (Mark 1:35); and pray about everything (Philippians 4:6-7)!

Second, we should spend time worshiping, rejoicing, adoring, praising, thanking (Philippians 4:4; Hebrews 13:17). I ask you, how can we expect to know God when we will not bow before God (Psalm 122:1)?

Third, we should spend time serving others. When you help someone you get to know them. By serving others we serve Christ and know Him (Matthew 25:40)!

A relationship also requires trust if it is to thrive and survive. You must trust God (John 14:11). Isn't it true that we trust who we know? Do you trust what God commands you? What God promises you? (James 2:21-23; Luke 6:46; John 2:3-5; John 14:20-23). Go ahead, feel confident to cast all your cares upon God (1 Peter 5:5-7). Trust takes humility toward the one we trust (1 Peter 5:6).

Trust takes opening yourself up to God (1 Peter 5:7). Expose your heart to God (He already completely knows you!).

And last, but not least, a relationship requires nuturing. This means that you must take care of your relationship with God! You've probably heard someone say (or maybe even yourself), “God seems so far away.” In truth, God is as close or as far away as you choose to have Him in your life (Revelation 3:20). God is close to us when we choose to learn, trust and obey His word (John 14:23); and choose to live for His pleasure and blessings (cf. Ephesians 5:8-10).

Let's try to put all of this into perspective. We will call it: THE RESULT OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IN CHRIST. In the end, you will become more and more like Jesus (He will influence you the most) Ephesians 4:20-24; Philippians 3:7-11:

1. In your love for God and others (Matthew 22:37-39).
2. In your trust and reliance upon God (Matthew 6:33).
3. In your obedience to God in all things (Hebrews 5:8-9).

The call of the gospel is to know God, and more importantly, to be known by God (Galatians 4:8-9). Those who know Christ and are known by Him, “do the will of the Father,” Matthew 7:21-23. With all of this powerful information in your hand, do not turn back to the sinful error and immorality. Take care of, and build your relationship with God. His is one relationship that will keep you alive as only He can!

Scripture: John 14:7-11

Prayer:

Lord, may I continually be filled with your spirit! Amen

May the Lord be with you always,

Phoebe