It has been quite some time since the last blog post and much has changed in our world, but much is still the same at it’s roots. I have been working two jobs throughout this time and have recently cut back down to one job. Through all of this I have learned some valuable lessons on where my focus is and having to be intentional about keeping it on God. Develop that relationship more.

I never want to be the people that Jesus speaks of in Matthew 15:8. They honor God with their lips, but their heart is far from Him. We see this all the time on social media. People praising God one minute and tearing someone apart for something they said the next. I am pretty sure this behavior is far from God. Just look and Jesus and the woman at the well. Jesus did not condemn. He corrected her, sure.. But then he worked to restore her in love. Can we say that we are doing the same?

We also see in Matthew 7: 21-23 how people will do miracles in His name but on that final judgement day Christ will look them in the face and say “Depart, I never knew you.” There was no relationship. Sure, there were works and good deeds but there was no relationship. We need to develop that relationship every day. Putting in the effort to know God and know his will, his desires and his love. This will take the focus and intentionality that is required so that we are not considered a “worker of lawlessness” in that great and final day.

If I am going to publicly declare Jesus as Lord and Savior, I need to be sure my heart is right, I know God and my actions reflect that. This is going to take some intentional behavior. This is going to take me understanding how Jesus reacted in given situations and how God expects me to react as well. This is going to take time in the Word of God! If you are not willing to put in the time and effort to develop the characteristics of Christ, then you are on the short end of the proverbial stick.

My encouragement to you today is to start developing that relationship. If you already have that close relationship, develop it more. There is no scenario where you are too deep into a relationship with God. This is going to be the one relationship that will not fail you, that will not let you down and God will never leave or forsake you. We all need a relationship like that!

As always, Be Strong and Courageous!!