I was raised to go to church and fell far from God because I was more religious than anything. I didn’t know of a relationship with Jesus through His Holy Spirit. At a very young age I prayed the sinner’s prayer. I remember it felt good inside, but it wore off the next day. I was not aware of how to build a relationship with Christ and knew nothing about growing spiritually. I had no idea you could know Him on a personal level, and He would be my friend to lead me and guide my steps each day. It saddens my heart to see and hear of so many other lost wandering sheep that also followed the religious path to no avail. It’s not about religion and all the work you do in church or how many times you attend in a week. But it’s all about Him. The more time you spend with Him the more you will get to know Him, hear Him and feel Him. It is when we walk in obedience to Him by faith and not allow our feelings or friends or intellect or any other influences interfere with our relationship with Him. You will then enter into a whole new spiritual realm much greater and deeper than you’ve ever known. When the Lord showed me the importance of a relationship with Him He gave me a unique explanation of the word relationship.
R –Receive Him Acts 2:38
E –Enter into His presence Psalms 98:1, Psalms 100:4
L –Love the Lord Thy God Matt. 22:37
A –Accept and Acknowledge Him and His plans Prov.3:6
T –Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Prov.3:5
I – Intercede Be an Intercessor 1 Thess.5:17
O -Obey Him 1 Sam. 15:22
N –Nourish it, feed it and maintain 1 Peter 2:2, Jer.15:16
S – Servant’s heart be His servant Ephesians 6:6
H –Humility – Die to self on a daily basis Acts 20:19
I – Increase in John 3:30 it says, He must Increase we decrease.
P –Patience- wait on Him His timing is perfect. James 1:3,4.
The world speaks of investments and how important they are such as RRSP’s etc. But what do I invest spiritually? Do I invest quality time with the Lord? Do I build treasures down here or up in heaven? What are some spiritual investments I can make? The Lord certainly made me think and I put His word into action. There’s more to a relationship with the Lord than to open the bible each morning and read a portion for 5 minutes and out the door. And go about your daily activities as usual without any other communication with Him until you go to bed at night. Then you’re so tired you fall asleep when He tries to tell you something. That is not a good scenario. Let’s compare our relationship with Him as a husband and wife. What kind of relationship would they have if they only spent a few minutes in the morning together and a few minutes at night can you honestly think that would be enough to build a solid relationship? I don’t think so. Communication is number one and it is the same in relationship with the Lord.
Dear Lord Jesus, Here’s my heart’s desire. Help me to be more aware of Your presence everywhere I go. May I take the time to thank you throughout the day for all You have blessed me with. May my eyes see Your blessings in everything I do and say. May I constantly communicate with You every moment and keep my mind focused on spiritual thoughts and my voice speak words to uplift and build and never tear down. Use me in miraculous ways as I pattern my life after You. Amen
* Excerpt from I’ll Climb Every Mountain pg.43,44
(c) PassionateHeartLFH
Author June Hodgins 