My Journey 8/4 - 8/5/2010

God's insight to me:

This devotional from Daily Disciples I thought describes it well how many feel about religion. Many people I have spoken to over the years have told me they don't believe in it. Why? I think because of the laws that come with it. The do's and don'ts in a world of, "Go ahead, do it, why not!" But if you can just understand and believe in the relationship with Jesus Christ then you have religion. Another important point I thought the author of this devotional pointed out was the word, "choice"! I believe to have any relationship it starts with that. From the smallest decision you make, like, "what shall I eat today?", to the most important one, "If I die today where is my soul going?", it is a choice you make. A lot of people have told me that they believe in God, well, so does the devil. I also believe that many, many people think of God as an end of life thought. Well, to me He is a every moment thought. My prayer for each set of eyes that read this insight is that as Max Lucado's next devotional states, "Don't Miss the Point!" Jesus loves you, He wants to be your life. He is mine!

In John 3:36 it is written, "He that believeth on the Son (Jesus) hath everlasting life" And in Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved..."

Here is a prayer you can pray if you make the choice to believe and want a relationship with Jesus;

"Dear Lord Jesus, please have mercy on me, and forgive my sins. I repent. I trust in You Lord Jesus to cleanse me from all of my sins by your blood. Please give me the free gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your promise to take me to Heaven when I die and for saving me, Amen."

Here is a song by Karen Wheaton I found on YouTube titled, "Just Be There". It was written for her daughters; click here to view it.

From God's heart, to mine, to yours,
Ed Shagott

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8/4

Relationship Over Religion
from Daily Disciples Devotionals

Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. Romans 5:18-19

Religion says that we must follow rules and laws. Relationship says that we just be, not do. Jesus just wants us to be with Him. You ask, "How can I be with someone I cannot see or touch?" Have you ever talked with someone over the phone and felt as though you were right there with them? And even with emails or letters, we can express and share love and support without touching or seeing the person on the other side. Why? Because we have a relationship with that person. We know them. We love them. We know they love us. Whatever the case may be, we have a personal connection. Do you know someone that you like to just be with? A true friendship does not require rules and guidelines. A true friendship requires time, attention, forgiveness, communication, openness, honesty, unselfishness---and most of all, love. Jesus wants more than just a relationship with us; He wants our friendship. Why is this relationship so important?

When Adam and Eve sinned, all of mankind was doomed to death. One sin brought down every human being who would ever be born. From that moment on, we would all be born of sin, and death would be our destination. One sin is all it took to separate us from God. When Jesus died for us, His one act of sacrifice on the cross was all it took to restore us back to God. Through one man death entered; through one Man life was restored. We had no choice in being born. We had no choice in the condemnation of sin that is within each one of us. But we have a merciful God who by His grace has given us a choice today. We have a choice to believe in His Son. We have a choice to accept His free gift of eternal life. We have choice for total and complete restoration back to our heavenly Father. We cannot change what happened through Adam, but Jesus changed the outcome that awaits each of us. And not only has Jesus given us life eternal, but He has given us His peace. There is no need to work or to try to earn His favor. His grace promises us unmerited favor and mercies that are new each morning, not through religion but through a relationship with Him.

Spend some time today just being with Jesus. Talk to Him. Walk with Him. Sit at His feet. He will meet you no matter where you are. Stop working, stressing, trying, striving---just rest. Turn off the noise and listen. Think of Jesus as you would your best friend. He will help you get to know Him better. Pray to have the relationship with Jesus that He wants to have with you.

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8/5

Don’t Miss the Point
By Max Lucado

“Lord, you bless those who do what is right.” Psalm 5:12

The trip from Egypt to the promised land can be made in nine days (Deuteronomy 1:2). It took the Israelites thirty-eight years.

What they should have done, they didn’t . . . So God decided they needed some time to rethink a few things.

Maybe God is wanting to teach you a few things. Pay attention. You don’t want to spend thirty-eight years missing the point.