I’m coming to learn more and more that in this Christian walk it’s really about having an intimate and personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior is really only the beginning, because after we’ve gone through that amazing life-changing experience, there’s more!  We then have to build on that relationship by letting God lead us to a Bible-believing church home, while growing in His word, and then allowing Him to show us where, how, when, and whom to serve; Yet, all the while, keeping Him absolutely first in our lives.

The reason why I’m talking about this important subject, is because sometimes we can get so caught up in the busyness of life such as work, kids, school, social media (yeah), and even ministry; that we tend to either forget about God and put Him on a back burner or back seat of our lives. And that’s simply not fair! He’s done too much for us. Listen, I’ll be the first to admit, it’s easy to get caught up in the works of life and ministry.  But I’ve come to learn through God’s word, that works will not save us on the Day of Judgment. Jesus says in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Whoa! Hopefully, now you can see where I’m coming from. There’s more to it than just going to church, living life, and doing works. He desires to have a personal relationship with us…not religion. He wants to KNOW us. And how does He get to know us? It’s by spending time with Him in His word, prayer, studying the Scriptures, and loving Him just for Who He is.    

Get personal with Him. Talk to Him, because He’s listening. However, I will tell you this. Sin separates us from God. Isaiah 59:1-2 says, “Listen! The Lord is not too weak to save you, and he is not becoming deaf. He can hear you when you call. But there is a problem-your sins have cut you off from God. Because of your sin, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” Tough, but true. I have to be real with you according to His word. I’m aware that some reading this might say, “But we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and nothing can separate us from the “love” of God.” Yes. All true. But we can’t forget also that sin can separate us from God (remember Adam and Eve-read the book of Genesis). The truth is, we must acknowledge sin when it’s present in our lives, confess it and repent when we get off course, because if left unchecked, it will affect our relationship deeply with God. Remember, He’s loving and just.

Personally, I enjoy my relationship with Him. The Lord is there with me in my time of trouble, but also during my good times too. He’s there when I need to talk as well as when I need to cry or vent my problems (respectfully so). When I need counsel straight from the throne, I can ask and He’ll either guide me directly through His word, voice, or someone. And when I’m going in error or astray, He nudges me back in the right direction by showing me who I am from the heart. He’s there for me through thick and thin. He is my Father and my Friend.

With this being said, I encourage you to think about your own personal relationship with the Lord. Is it religion or relationship? Truthfully, where are you?

Remember, Jesus is coming soon. Let’s get ready from the inside out!

~Courtnaye 

Thanks for reading! I pray that God will continue to enlighten you to live for Him through His word in your daily life. Stay tuned for new blog posts every Monday at 7:30am on Inside Out with Courtnaye. You can see previous blogs on my website by visiting www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org or receive it by “Liking” my Facebook page by clicking here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129#!/pages/Inside-Out-with-Courtnaye/202095829824129. Also, follow me on Twitter by inoutwcourtnaye. Thanks again!

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