Archive for March, 2010

Religion can be very different than enjoying a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Religions are man-made, and are developed on trying to get to God by way of rules, regulations, and works. [Man-made religions are founded upon an individual’s efforts in reaching God and being made right with Him] Through diligent service, self-motivation, and self-control many folks arrive at the destination of failure, apathy, and guilt. Being religious usually focuses on the externals. [Matthew 23:13-33]

God’s greatest desire for mankind is to have a close personal relationship. He desires an intimate friendship – to spend time with Him, communicate with Him, enjoy fellowship with Him, to trust and follow Him, to add meaning and purpose to your life. He wants us to ‘know’ Him – and – ‘be known’ by Him.

Do we understand the greatness of God and his mercy and his love? Are we stirred to gratitude? Do we sense a close companionship with other believers? Do we see them, struggling as we are, to work out various problems? Do we want to do all we can to encourage them and help them? Are we stimulated to do something practical this week to bring this all about, to help someone, to serve and to minister to those who are in trouble in this troubled age?

Man’s way to reach God is religion; God’s way to reach man is Jesus. Oswald Chambers once said: “It is a joy to Jesus when a person takes time to walk more intimately with Him. The bearing of fruit is always shown in Scripture to be a visible result of an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.” As we grow spiritually closer to Jesus - - the more our lives become Christ-like.

I love you!

Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale