INSPIRING CHANGE WITH MONTHLY WORD STUDY

COMING OCTOBER 1, 2024

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The term "intentional" refers to doing something deliberately, with purpose, and with conscious intent. When someone acts intentionally, they choose to behave in a certain way or to carry out a specific action. This term implies thoughtfulness and planning, distinguishing purposeful actions from those that are accidental or done without conscious consideration.

"In various contexts, the meaning can vary slightly.”:

• Personal Development: Being intentional involves setting specific goals and planning to achieve them.
• Relationships: Acting intentionally involves deliberately communicating, behaving, or engaging considerately or strategically.
• Work and Projects: In professional or creative endeavors, being intentional often involves having a clear purpose and making decisions that align with that purpose to achieve desired outcomes.

Being intentional means making choices aligned with values, goals, and understanding rather than acting impulsively.

Where is intentional referred to in the bible?

The word "intentional" may not be used often in many Bible translations, as modern English versions tend to express deliberate actions or intentions using different wording. Nevertheless, the idea of being intentional in one's actions, thoughts, and decisions is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. Here are a few examples of where similar ideas are discussed:

1. 1 Corinthians 14:40 - "But all things should be done decently and in order." This verse reflects the idea of intentional order and purpose in conduct, especially within the context of church gatherings.
2. Ephesians 5:15-17 - "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." This passage encourages believers to live intentionally, making wise and deliberate choices.
3. Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men," suggesting that actions in one's work and duties should be carried out with intentional effort and dedication.
4. James 1:22-25 - Discusses being doers of the word and not hearers only, implying the need for intentional action based on what one has learned from the scriptures.
5. 2 Peter 1:5-10 - Peter talks about making one's calling and election sure by deliberately adding to one's faith virtues like goodness, knowledge, self-control, etc. This passage is about intentional spiritual growth.

These passages reflect the broader biblical encouragement to live intentionally following God’s teachings, making deliberate choices that reflect wisdom, purpose, and commitment. While they might not use the word "intentional" directly, they certainly convey the concept.

What can you do to be intentional?

Being intentional means taking purposeful actions that align with your values, goals, and priorities. Here are various ways to develop and implement intentionality in different areas of life.

1. Set Clear Goals: Define your goals in various areas like career, relationships, personal growth, and health to focus your efforts effectively.
2. Plan Your Actions: Break down your goals into actionable steps. Planning helps you organize your time and resources efficiently, making it easier to follow through on your intentions.
3. Stay Informed and Educated: Understand the areas where you want to be intentional. Whether it's a professional skill, personal relationship, or a hobby, informed decisions are often better.
4. Reflect Regularly: Take time to reflect on your actions and their outcomes. Reflecting helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t, allowing you to make more informed choices in the future.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Being present in the moment allows you to act with greater awareness and purpose. Mindfulness can help reduce impulsive decisions, making room for more intentional ones.
6. Prioritize Effectively: Recognize that not everything can be a priority. Identify what is most important at any given time and give those aspects the attention and energy they deserve.
7. Communicate Clearly and Honestly: In personal or professional relationships, clear communication helps ensure that one's actions are understood and aligned with one's intentions.
8. Adapt and Adjust: Being intentional doesn’t mean being inflexible. Adapt your plans and goals based on new information or changing circumstances.
9. Maintain Accountability: Share your goals and intentions with someone you trust. Accountability can encourage you to follow through on your plans.
10. Evaluate and Celebrate Successes: Recognize when you have successfully acted intentionally. Celebrating these successes can motivate you to continue acting intentionally.

By incorporating these habits into your everyday life, you can be more deliberate, leading to more significant and successful results in both personal and professional settings.

So, let's look at some pros and cons of being intentional.

Being intentional in your actions, decisions, and interactions can bring significant benefits, but like any approach, it has potential downsides. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of being intentional:

Pros

1. Improved Focus and Efficiency: Intentionality helps you prioritize tasks and manage your time more effectively, increasing productivity and efficiency.
2. Better Decision-Making: When intentional, you make decisions based on well-considered reasons rather than impulse, leading to better outcomes.
3. Enhanced Personal Relationships: Being intentional in your interactions with others can improve communication and deepen connections, showing care and consideration for the relationship.
4. Greater Personal Fulfillment: Living intentionally aligns your actions with your values and goals, which can increase your sense of purpose and satisfaction in life.
5. Proactive Rather Than Reactive: Intentionality allows you to be proactive about your life and choices, giving you greater control over your future and reducing the likelihood of being caught off-guard by circumstances.
6. Consistency in Pursuit of Goals: Intentional living keeps your goals in view, promoting steady progress and helping maintain motivation over time.

Cons

1. Potential for Rigidity: Being overly focused on intentions can sometimes lead to inflexibility, making it hard to adapt to new information or unexpected situations.
2. Increased Stress: The pressure to always be intentional and purposeful can lead to stress and anxiety, especially if it feels like every choice must be optimized or perfectly aligned with long-term goals.
3. Overthinking: Constantly analyzing decisions to ensure they are intentional can result in decision fatigue and paralysis, where making choices becomes more burdensome than empowering.
4. Neglecting Spontaneity: There’s a risk of missing out on spontaneous joy and the serendipitous opportunities that arise from less structured approaches to life.
5. High Expectations: Setting intentions can sometimes create unrealistic expectations for oneself and others, potentially leading to disappointment if those expectations are not met.
6. Social Isolation: Being highly intentional might sometimes alienate others who do not share the same level of deliberate living, possibly leading to feelings of isolation or disconnection.

Understanding these pros and cons can help you take advantage of intentional living while minimizing some of the potential drawbacks. Striking a balance between intentional living, flexibility, and spontaneity can lead to a more well-rounded and fulfilling life approach.

In closing here are some questions you may want to explore for yourself:

• Are there areas of your life you need to be more intentional in?
• Can you identify with any of the pros and cons listed above?
• Do you agree that we need to steward our intentions?
• Do others sometimes misinterpret your intentions? If so, how could you have changed the interaction? 

 Influence as a noun has been in use for more than 200 years.  

• the capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something or the effect itself.  
• a person or thing with the capacity or power to affect someone or something

As a verb, influence typically means

• to affect or change someone or something in an indirect but usually meaningful way

How can we see “influence” manifested in real life?

• Personal Influence: This occurs in interpersonal relationships, where one individual affects another's beliefs, feelings, or behaviors through direct or indirect interactions. Personal influence is often grounded in trust, admiration, or emotional connections.
• Social Influence: This broader form involves changes in behavior prompted by real or imagined pressure from a group. Social influence can take many forms, including conformity, compliance, and obedience, and it is often observed in social groups, organizations, and society at large.
• Professional Influence: Influence is key to leadership, negotiation, and teamwork in professional settings. It involves guiding others toward a goal, resolving conflicts, and driving collective decision-making processes.
• Cultural Influence: Cultures influence individuals and communities by shaping norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors. This influence is transmitted through language, art, traditions, and institutions.
• Media and Online Influence: The media, including traditional outlets and digital platforms, plays a significant role in shaping public opinion, trends, and cultural norms. Online influencers, through their reach on social media platforms, also significantly impact their audience's choices and perceptions.

From the moment we enter this world, we are subject to influence. It's a constant presence, shaping our thoughts, actions, and beliefs. This influence can be positive or negative, and in recent times, the term 'influencers' has gained significant attention.  

The internet's role has dramatically affected the feeling of influence and being an influencer. Its direct and indirect impact on young people has become a significant concern.

Let’s take a few moments and examine who your influencers are and who you influence. Identifying the influencers in your daily life involves recognizing the individuals who shape your opinions, decisions, and behaviors. Unlike social media influencers, these are people you interact with or are influenced by in a more personal, direct way. Here are some ways you can identify them:

• Reflect on Your Decisions: Consider the significant decisions you’ve made recently, such as career choices, lifestyle changes, or even more minor decisions like purchasing a new product. Consider who influenced these decisions. It could be friends, family members, colleagues, or mentors whose opinions you value.
• Assess Your Sources of Information: Evaluate where you get most of your information and advice. This could include people you talk to, books you read, podcasts you listen to, or websites you frequently visit. The authors, creators, or people you discuss these sources with can be your influencers.
• Analyze Your Social Circle: Look at the people you spend the most time with or those you contact for advice or support. Your social circle, including friends, family, and colleagues, can significantly influence your behavior and perspectives.
• Identify Role Models: Think about the individuals you admire and look up to. These could be public figures, leaders in your field, or even people from your personal life. Understanding why you admire them can also help identify the areas in which they influence you.
• Observe Changes in Your Behavior or Attitudes: Notice if there have been any changes in your behavior, attitudes, or beliefs and try to trace them back to their origins. This can help you identify who or what might have influenced these changes.
• Consider Emotional Influences: Identify the people whose moods and emotions affect yours. This could be someone whose happiness makes you happy or whose stress makes you anxious.
• Evaluate Professional Influences: In your workplace or professional network, recognize who you look to for guidance, feedback, or inspiration. These can be mentors, leaders, or even peers.
• Acknowledge Content Creators: If there are certain bloggers, YouTubers, authors, or podcasters whose content you consistently engage with and trust, they are also influencers in your life, shaping your views and interests.
• Look for Consistency: Influencers in your life are often those whose advice, opinions, or behavior you seek out or follow regularly. Consistency in influence is a key indicator.
• Self-awareness: Being aware of your values, goals, and the aspects of your life that most influence you can help you identify who influences you the most. Sometimes, the process of identification requires introspection and self-awareness.

Examining these areas can be very eye-opening! Go through these areas again and apply them to how you want to be the influencer. We need to take this role seriously as friends, family, and especially parents.

In closing, let’s look at the scriptures that speak to influence.  

• Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV): This passage, part of the Sermon on the Mount, uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe the influential role of Christians in the world. Verse 16, in particular, encourages believers to let their light shine before others so that they may see their good deeds and glorify their Father in heaven.
• Proverbs 27:17 (NIV): "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This verse speaks to people's influence on each other, emphasizing the importance of positive relationships that lead to mutual growth and improvement.
• 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) is Paul's instruction to Timothy about setting an example for believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This emphasizes the influence one's behavior can have on others, encouraging exemplary and inspiring living.
• Philippians 2:15 (NIV) encourages believers to be "blameless and pure, 'children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.'" The influence is about being a positive and godly example in a world that often goes against such values.
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV): "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This verse warns about the influence others can have on us and emphasizes the importance of choosing companions wisely.
• Proverbs 13:20 (NIV): "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Like 1 Corinthians 15:33, this verse discusses the influence of the company we keep on our wisdom and decision-making.
• Luke 6:40 (NIV): Jesus' teaching that a student is not above their teacher, but everyone fully trained will be like their teacher. This highlights teachers' influence on their students, shaping their character and knowledge.

Here's a challenge: Write 5 positive affirmations about yourself as an influencer. Spend the rest of April repeating these daily.
 

 Let’s start by looking at hope from both a dictionary definition and a biblical one.

• Hope (Dictionary) – The consensus from all dictionary definitions is that hope is a feeling of expectation, a desire or wish for something to happen.
• Hope (Bible)—A biblical definition of hope goes further. Hope is an expectation with certainty that God will do what he has said. God keeps his promises.  

• Titus 1:2. in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

I hope you can see the difference. One is a wish or desire, and the other is a certainty or guarantee.

What separates the basic definition of hope from the biblical definition is what could be called “The God Factor.” Your hope should be based on who God is and nothing else. If God is not the object of your hope, then you don’t have true biblical hope because the certainty has been removed. Without that, your hope simply reverts back to a wish.

• Hebrews 6:17-19. (NLT) God also bound himself with an oath so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that he would never change his mind. 18 So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.

I recently read an article in which the author called Biblical hope “in spite of” hope.  In spite of what you see, in spite of what is going on, in spite of how bad the situation looks, you can have hope because God cannot lie.  Find out what God has said about what you hope for; let that be the truth you believe. 

Will change happen immediately? Maybe not, but the beauty of hope is that even if the situation remains, so can your hope. Because of hope and who God is, you can be confident, knowing God will respond and come through on your behalf. If that is what he said you can be sure that is what he will do.

Here are some scriptures that support hope:

The hope of God’s provision

• “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (Matthew 6:31-32).
• “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

The hope of God’s presence 

• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

The hope of God’s protection

• “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word” (Psalm 119:114).
• “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:1, 5).

The hope of eternal life

• “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness — in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” (Titus 1:1-2).

The hope of Christ’s return

• “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).

The hope of inheritance

• “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

The hope of answered prayer

• “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).

Sometimes it isn’t easy to see hope in a situation. But the Bible says that true hope is unseen.

• Romans 8:24 “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?” 

Hope and faith are partners! You have hope because you have faith, and you have faith because you have hope. The object of them both is God. True hope comes from the One who created us and hope: God. To have that true hope you must trust God. How do you trust God? Read and obey His Word.

• Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” 
• Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” 

Hoping in God will never lead us into despair, because He has a plan for all of us who look to Him. He has a future that is full of hope.

• Proverbs 23:18 “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” 

Now that we know what is true, God's hope, why is it so important in our walk with the Lord? Hope is what motivates you as a believer. Can you imagine if we had no hope? 

If you remove the element of hope, you will discover that your joy, enthusiasm, peace, focus, motivation, and everything attached to your walk with God will be removed from it. That is why you cannot lose hope. One of Satan's tactics is to attack your hope. Consider words like fear, despair, doubt, and uncertainty - they are all antonyms of hope. None of them bring the same joy and peace that hope in God brings. That's why you must seek to maintain hope, no matter what! God is the God of hope, Christ is the hope of Glory and the Holy Spirit is the one who births hope in you.

• Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”

• Colossians 1:27 “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”

Do not lose hope, God is faithful and will not let you down!
 

Now let's look at TIMING:   

 In English, "timing" generally refers to the ability to choose the right moment to do something or the measurement of the time it takes for an event to occur. The phrase "God's timing" refers to the belief that the events and occurrences in one's life are guided or ordained by a divine plan or higher power, God our heavenly Father. It suggests a purposeful and predetermined schedule for significant events, such as life changes, opportunities, challenges, and blessings, orchestrated by a higher spiritual force or deity. People who use the expression "God's timing" believe that certain things happen at the right moment according to a divine plan, even if it may not align with their expectations or desires. This perspective encourages patience, faith, and trust in the belief that there is a higher purpose and order to unfold life events. In essence, invoking "God's timing" reflects a spiritual or religious understanding that there is greater wisdom at play in the timing of events and that individuals should remain steadfast in their faith while navigating the uncertainties of life.

Timing plays a crucial role in our spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God's plans for our lives. While we may long for immediate answers to our prayers or quick resolutions to our problems, God operates according to His divine timetable. His timing is purposeful, orchestrating events and circumstances to align with His will and bring about His purposes in our lives. Trusting in God's timing requires patience, surrender, and a firm belief that He works all things together for our good. 

As a human, I am bound by time constraints and limited in comprehending the vastness of God's plan. My timing is linear, influenced by circumstances, emotions, and finite knowledge. God's timing is infinite and perfect. He exists beyond time constraints, simultaneously seeing the past, present, and future.  

I could have easily added a third word this month, and that is faith. Faith bridges the gap between trust and timing. It is the unwavering belief in God's goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness, even when we cannot see the outcome or understand His ways. As we grow in faith, our trust deepens, and we become more attuned to God's timing, allowing us to walk confidently in His plans.

Here are verses that emphasize the biblical concepts of patience, trust, and faith as we depend on God's perfect timing. They urge believers to persist, wait optimistically, and acknowledge that God's timing is intentional and ultimately beneficial for those who love Him.

• Psalm 27:14 (NIV):
  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. 
• Lamentations 3:25-26 (NIV):
  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):
  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
• Psalm 27:14 (NIV):
  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

Here are some questions you could ask someone about their trust, timing, and faith: 

1. How do you define trust in your relationship with God, and how does it influence your decisions and outlook on life?   
2. How do you navigate moments of uncertainty or doubt about God's timing, and what helps you maintain faith during those times?       
3. Can you recall when trusting in God's timing led to unexpected blessings or outcomes in your life? 
4. How do you encourage others to trust in God's timing and cultivate faith during seasons of waiting or uncertainty?
    

Let's look first at TRUST:   

Let’s start with the definition of trust — “Trust is a complex and multi-faceted concept that generally refers to the reliance, confidence, and belief in the integrity, reliability, and abilities of someone or something.” Trusting and depending on someone requires a strong willingness to be vulnerable, with the expectation that they will act honestly, dependably, and beneficially.

Here are some key elements of trust:

• Reliance: Expecting that they will fulfill their commitments or responsibilities.
• Confidence: Feeling you can rely on the trustworthiness and competence of the person or entity being trusted.
• Integrity: Being tied to the perception of honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior. Individuals or entities that consistently demonstrate integrity are more likely to be trusted.
• Consistency: Reinforcing through consistent behavior, reliability, and predictability.
• Vulnerability: Opening up to the possibility of being let down based on the belief that trust outweighs potential risks.
• Mutual Understanding: Established through a shared understanding of expectations, values, and intentions between parties.

Trust is essential for personal, professional, and societal relationships. It promotes cooperation, collaboration, and well-being.

So what role does trust play in our relationship with Father God? Much like the presence of trust in our daily lives, it is an essential component of our walk with Father God and the maturing of our faith.

Here are some of the keys to our trusting Father God:

• Faith and Belief: We need a strong foundation of faith and belief in God's existence, goodness, and wisdom. It involves accepting the divine nature and acknowledging God as a source of guidance and support.
• Surrendering Control: We must relinquish the desire for complete control over one's life and circumstances. Recognizing that God's plan may not always align with personal expectations and being willing to submit to a higher authority.
• Reliance on Divine Guidance: We seek guidance through prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices. We believe God can provide direction, wisdom, and comfort in various aspects of life.
• Patience and Timing: Trusting in God involves patience and acknowledging that God's timing may differ from human expectations. It requires waiting with faith and understanding that God's plan unfolds in its own time.
• Acceptance of Uncertainty: Trusting in God means accepting the uncertainties of life with a sense of peace and confidence that God is in control. It involves embracing the unknown and trusting that God's providence will prevail.
• Living According to Faith: Trusting in God means we strive to live according to the principles and values outlined in our faith. It involves ethical conduct, kindness, and compassion towards others.
• Finding Comfort in Adversity: There is a source of comfort during challenging times. Believers turn to their faith as a source of strength and solace, knowing God is present even amid difficulties.
• Gratitude and Thankfulness: We need to cultivate gratitude, recognizing and appreciating the blessings and gifts from God.
• Building a Relationship: Trust is central to our relationship with God is no exception. Trusting in God involves building and nurturing a personal relationship through prayer, reflection, and seeking spiritual connection.
• Faith in God's Love: There must be a deep belief in God's love and benevolence. It involves understanding that God's intentions are for the ultimate well-being of individuals and humanity.

Of course, we must ensure we are on the same page with trust as the scriptures. Here are a few of the verses

• Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):
  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
   
• Psalm 37:3-5 (NIV):
  "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this."
   
• Isaiah 26:3 (NIV):
  "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
   
• Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV):
  "But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him."
   
• Psalm 118:8 (NIV):
  "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans."
   
• Proverbs 29:25 (NIV):
  "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."
   
• Psalm 62:8 (NIV):
  "Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge."
   
• Isaiah 41:10 (NIV):
  "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
   
• Psalm 91:2 (NIV):
  "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
   
• Isaiah 12:2 (NIV):
  "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation."
   
• Psalm 56:3-4 (NIV):
  "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?"
   
• Romans 15:13 (NIV):
  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
   

Up next is TIMING - coming soon!  please keep checking back.  While you are waiting do a self examination of your definition of trust and how do you rank.  Thank you!

The dictionary definition of relationship: how two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. Let’s look at a few examples of relationships involving people. 

Examples of relationships: friends, family, business, co-workers, significant other, enemies, distant relatives, and Father God - your creator.

I would like to talk about our relationship with Father God! Having a personal relationship with God begins the moment we realize our need for Him, admit we are sinners, and in faith receive Jesus Christ as our Savior. We were created for a relationship. 

• Genesis 1:27 - So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Before Adam and Eve were removed from the garden, the scripture references God walking with them in the cool of the day. Can you imagine what that would be like?

A relationship with God, like any other relationship, can grow and develop over time Here are some various practices and experiences that you can engage in to achieve that growth:

• Regular Communication (Prayer): Regularly communicating with God through prayer is a fundamental way to deepen the relationship. Engaging in both formal prayers and informal conversations allows for a continual connection and understanding.
• Studying Sacred Texts: Exploring and studying the sacred texts of one's faith tradition can offer deeper insights into the teachings, values, and wisdom attributed to God. This study can help in understanding God's nature and how to relate to Him.
• Participation in Religious Community: Involvement in a religious community or congregation provides opportunities for fellowship, learning, and shared spiritual experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and growth in one's faith. 
• Reflective Practices: Engaging in reflective practices such as meditation, contemplation, or journaling can help individuals connect with their inner selves and seek a deeper understanding of their relationship with God.
• Service and Acts of Kindness: Serving others, acts of kindness, and compassion reflect the values taught by Father God and can deepen one's connection with Him by practicing love and empathy.
• Seeking Understanding and Guidance: Seeking to understand more about God, His teachings, and seeking guidance through challenging times can contribute to a deeper and more intimate relationship.
• Experiencing God in Daily Life: Recognizing and acknowledging the presence of God in everyday life experiences, whether in moments of joy, challenges, or serenity, can strengthen the bond with Him.
• Personal Growth and Transformation: Striving for personal growth, self-improvement, and aligning one's life with the values taught by one's faith can lead to a deeper connection with God and a sense of spiritual growth.
• Remaining Open and Receptive: Being open-minded, humble, and receptive to spiritual experiences or revelations can lead to a more profound understanding and connection with God.
• Practicing Gratitude: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the blessings and experiences in life can deepen one's relationship with God by fostering a sense of thankfulness.

All these practices may make you think having a personal relationship with God is difficult but it is not as hard as you might think, and there is no mysterious formula for getting it either. Accepting Jesus Christ as our savior, allows you to receive the Holy Spirit, who will begin to work on our hearts. Trusting in God to get us through each day and believing that He is our sustainer is the way to have a relationship with Him. 

Everyone's journey in developing a relationship with God is unique. It's a dynamic and evolving connection that can be deeply meaningful and influential in a person's life.

Take some time to carefully and thoughtfully examine your relationship with God. Ask those hard questions about where you are in your relationship. Employ a few of the above practices in areas you may need improvement. Above all open up to Father God, be His partner in your life journey, and celebrate your relationship!

A prayer for your relationship with Father God:

Heavenly Father,

I come before You seeking a deeper connection and a closer relationship with You. You are the source of all wisdom, love, and guidance. Help me to draw nearer to You in every aspect of my life.

Grant me the wisdom to understand Your teachings and the strength to live by Your word. Guide me on the path of righteousness and fill my heart with Your compassion and grace.

Forgive me for the times I have faltered or strayed from Your path. Help me to learn from my mistakes and to grow stronger in my faith and devotion to You.

Open my eyes to recognize Your presence in the world around me—in the beauty of nature, in the kindness of others, and in the moments of joy and peace. Let me feel Your love and guidance in my daily life.

Teach me to be patient and understanding, to show kindness and compassion to others as You have shown to me. Help me to serve others selflessly and to be a beacon of Your light in this world.

Grant me the strength to face challenges with faith and courage, knowing that You are always by my side. Help me to trust in Your divine plan and to surrender my worries and fears to Your loving care.

May my relationship with You deepen and flourish each day. May I grow in love, faith, and understanding, and may my life reflect Your glory.

Thank you, Lord, for Your unwavering love and presence in my life. I commit myself to walk with You always.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Praise and worship are two words that often go together. You hardly hear one without the other. However, when I researched their meanings, I found myself needing clarification. The more I researched, the more confusing it became. Here's my take on these two words.

Praise means boldly declaring what God has done for you. In the original Greek, it means being thankful for God's blessings and declaring gratitude to God. Worship, on the other hand, is the expression of that praise. You can worship by singing, raising your hands, testifying, serving others, and more. These activities entail a deeper level of reverence, adoration, and devotion.

Both praise and worship are personal experiences that take on various individual and group forms. In either setting, they create an environment for God's heart to speak to your heart and vice versa.

“The mouth sings what is in the heart.”

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45

The critical aspect of praise and worship is creating a connection between you and Father God. There is a power in praise and worship. Praising God will set the tone for worship by establishing a reverence and admiration for God. It helps the individual approach worship with a humble and reverent attitude.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Praise and worship are spoken about all through the Bible, When asking how many times you get an array of answers, depending on what definition and meaning you seek. Let’s say they are in abundance! Therefore, I feel praise and worship are mega important.

Here are a few of those Biblical references (a large number in Psalm)

• Isaiah 25:1
• Psalm 150:6, 28:7, 63:3-4, 9:1-3
• John 4:23-24
• Psalm 23:3. 42:7, 6:14, 15:21-22
• 2 Samuel 6:14, 15:21-22
• Psalm 66: 1-6, 100:1-5, 47:1, 6-7

Not only is this a season of giving but of praising and worshiping Christ Jesus in celebration of His birth. According to the Bible, the shepherds praised and glorified God after receiving the angelic announcement about Jesus’s birth. They visited the manager, shared the news with others, and marveled at what they had witnessed.

The wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor and worship the newborn Jesus. Both groups expressed their praise and worship through words, actions, and offerings, each in their own way. So too do we today!  

So, what do praise and worship do for us? Here are a few areas where you can experience positive engagements:

• Spiritual Connection: Praise and worship foster a deeper connection with Christ. You can experience a sense of closeness, communion, and intimacy with Christ, strengthening your faith and relationship.
   
• Gratitude and Thanksgiving: Praise and worship involve expressing gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessings, grace, and salvation provided through Christ. This practice cultivates a heart of thankfulness and appreciation for God's love and mercy.
   
• Personal Transformation: Regularly praising and worshiping Jesus can lead to personal transformation. It can inspire you to align your life with the teachings of Christ, encouraging growth in virtues like love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility.
   
• Encouragement and Hope: Believers can find encouragement and hope through praise and worship,. It offers reassurance in times of difficulty, reminding them of Christ's promises, faithfulness, and the hope of eternal life.
   
• Community and Fellowship: Praise and worship often occur within a community of believers. It fosters a sense of unity, fellowship, and shared faith among individuals, promoting support and encouragement within the community.
   
• Strength and Peace: Praise and worship can provide inner strength and peace. It helps individuals find solace and assurance in the presence of Christ, offering comfort during challenging circumstances.
   
• Alignment with Purpose: Praise and worship can help you as a believer align your life with a higher purpose centered on Christ. It directs focus away from worldly concerns and toward eternal values, guiding individuals to live a purpose-driven life.
• Joy and Fulfillment: Praise and worship often lead to a sense of joy and fulfillment. It brings a sense of completeness and satisfaction in recognizing and honoring Christ as the source of true joy and fulfillment.
   

Overall, the positive implications of praising and worshiping Christ encompass spiritual growth, gratitude, transformation, community building, inner peace, and a sense of purpose and joy in the lives of believers.

With the massive positive effects on your life, praise and worship should not be limited to Sundays and Wednesdays. How do you incorporate praise and worship into your daily life?