Relationship, Not Ritual

Develop a relationship with the Lord. We sometimes use the term 'ritual' when you follow a routine out of obligation but without engagement of the heart. Relationships aren't built with hollow actions and words. Routines are valuable, but only when the heart is alive.

God is not a punch card. He is not a lifetime membership you paid for years ago. He is not a mile marker on the road, nor a checkbox on a form. Jesus came to reconcile us to the Father; our creator. No so that we could get a credential and continue to live a life distant from Him. He is real, he feels, and he wants to know you. To walk with you. To talk with you. To have a real relationship with you. To love and be loved by you.

You don't have to carry your burdens alone, or react to them in a worldly way. Talk to the Lord about spiritual things, yes, but, also talk to him about the mundane. The problems you are facing; all of your hopes and all your concerns.

The Kingdom is real and it exists here as it does in heaven. We are to bring it here. To bring glimpses of His glory by loving, serving, giving, helping, lifting burdens, forgiving; all the beautiful things of God. Its not for one day, nor someday, its for now and ever after.

Spend Time with God

The most important factors in who you become close to are proximity and time.

If you have been out of school for a while, you may look back to the friends you were very close to back then. But, life takes you in different directions, so now you don't or barely keep up with them. After years of not seeing someone and spending time with them, would you say you are close? Or, would you say you used to be close?

God wants real relationship with you. He is not distant. He loves you. He wants to hear from you and for you to hear from him. And, like any other relationship, it grows with time spent and grows faint with time apart.

So, if you want to be close to God. If you want more, dedicate time to your relationship with him.

• Pray
• Read
• Listen and Be Still
• Worship
• Give Thanks

He'll show up if you show up even when you feel dry and distant. Know he is important and make time to show up.

Don't just try to fit him into your schedule. Although, I'm sure he would love for you to spend a few spare minutes with him in your busy day. But, really only in addition to dedicated quality time alone with Him.