Can You Relate
I Corinthians 10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
Good morning! Welcome to this new day! In the world today, many of us are beginning with the same routines, same destinations, same plans; day in and day out. So, the topic for today is relating to others, relating to God, relating to everything around us. You know there is nothing wrong with routine or schedules, or planning. What a chaotic world this would be if there were never any sort of basic planning, even in everyday lives. If we didn’t have order, everything would be a disaster! Can you not relate to those of us who can never be on time? Can you relate to those who forget something at home, or work, or school, even leaving something in the car? I’m also sure that there are many who can relate to the fact we take God for granted by not praying, not worshiping, not giving, not attending; forgetting how much He is in control of all situations good or bad. If there is but one thing we all can relate to, it’s a true relationship with God. When there is no one else, He is there; when you need a confidant, someone to just listen, He is there; when you need answers and the strength to endure, He is there! Relating has many meanings; but that one constant type we truly need is God. Consistent conversations with God through prayer, reading scriptures, fellowshipping with like-minded Christians, is what we need the most. Relating to God gives us stability, direction, assurance, intercession, redemption, clarity of mind, consistency; a personal connection rather than that religious ritual. Jesus taught the same thing in every message; that the greatest commandment given is the one that says ‘love God with all your heart, soul and mind”, which He returns in great quantities! Then when we love Him, all other love can be accepted, given to others, shown through actions and words; all love is related to God’s love. As we go through life, let’s take time to relate to what connects us to God so that every day won’t be just a routine, a schedule, or a plan; that every day is a gift, a way to relate to God! Find ways to relate by communicating with Him, loving Him more, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and leadership, obeying His word, then engaging with others in a Christ-like way! Use today to begin to relate in the right way!
Scriptures:
Read: Jeremiah 29:13, John 15:4, Isaiah 12:2, James 4:8,10, I John 4:8, I John 1:5, 1 Peter 5:7, II Peter 3:9, Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 40:28-31, James 1:12, 17, John 4:24, Matthew 6:26, Numbers 23:19, Psalm 18: 6, 30-36, Psalm 50:6, Psalm 116:5, Rev.21:3
Prayer:
Father, we come today asking for your forgiveness when we forget to relate with you first so that as we go through the days we can better relate to others. Thank you, Father, for the guidebook that holds the commandments, the promises, the truth we need to fulfill your expectations. Thank you, Father, for your never-ending love and the promise of an eternity with you. Amen.