Ten Suggestions for Keeping a Close Relationship Between You and God

If I was ever given the opportunity to meet someone "famous", and I mean someone that I would really like to meet, I think I would act starstruck. I would be a little lost for words, but I would eventually figure out how to actually talk to them like anyone else. A question for you is "would you act the starstruck or like your normal self?"

If given  more chances to talk to them, how would you act more normal? You would probably develop a set of guidelines to have yourself go by. Maybe you'd say "Don't say 'I can't believe I'm getting the chance to meet you" over and over again. Or, you would not ask all kinds of questions about them, and just treat them like you would any other person you met for the second or third time? 

That takes us into thinking about what we would do if we had the chance to meet God.  If you're like me, you've got a lot of questions to ask.  Why this? Why that? How this?  How that?  Would you think to just ask about Him?  Would you ask questions that showed you cared about Him or just questions that benefited you and your curiosity?  

Yesterday we looked at another lesson from the Tulsa Workshop, also by Randy Harris, titled "Ten Suggestions for Keeping a Close Relationship Between You and God".  Here are some applications to choose from to use this week...

1. Appreciate ~ When you first start praying or talking to God, let Him know the things you appreciate, first, before you start asking
2. Enjoy the Journey With Each Other ~ The family of God is more powerful when we're together.  When we're splintered, we're weak.  When we're at odds with each other, we're being splintered...hence we're weaker.
3. Risky Business ~ That is a description of being a Christian.  Are you willing to take the risks?  Will you take the risks that are associated with this lifestyle? The best part of it is that you will develop a closer relationship with Him!
4. Slow Down ~ Life is too short not to enjoy the journey.
5. Find the Dark ~ Let your light shine in a place or with a person that needs it.  You don't need light in the light; but in the dark. That's where your light can shine!
6. Invest ~ Are there things in your life that you have committed too much time toward?  Maybe you need to think about what is taking you away from being an invested Christian.
7. Enjoy Now ~ What can you do right now, where you're at, with what you have to make a difference for God?  Depending on Him will draw you closer to Him.

You want to have a closer relationship with Him?  Take one of the applications to see if it fits in your life. A complete list of the ten suggestions are listed below.

#1 - Quit Whining, #2 - Form Covenant, #3 - Memorize the Sermon on the Mount, #4 - Take a Risk, #5 - Walk (vs. Run), #6 - Relocate, #7 - Calm Down, #8 - Simplify, Materially, #9 - Commit, #10 - Be Present

Let's work together in making our individual relationships with God stronger, which will make our entire relationship with Him stronger.

Seven Characteristics of a Fully Mature Christian - James 3:5-10

Maturity is something that most people rarely desire to be lacking in. They would much rather want to have the most maturity as possible. However, we all have our moments when our emotions get the best of us and maturity flies out the window.

As a Christian we should be becoming more mature in our faith with each passing day. Things should grow more solid in our faith as time moves forward. If it is not then we have work to do; which is comforting and frustrating simultaneously.

Yesterday, I shared a sermon based on what I heard at the Tulsa Workshop. This yearly series is what I call "Words of Wisdom From the Workshop". The sermon was titled "Seven Characteristics of a Fully Mature Christian", by Randy Harris. Here are some additional applications to choose from to use this week...

1. For a plant to become mature it goes through processes - These processes could be too much or too little sunlight or moisture. The interesting thing about too little moisture is that it causes the roots to go deeper to find water. When we go through drought then our roots should go deeper instead of quitting. Don't quit!
2. Practice, practice - I remember as a sports participant not being too fond of practice. I wanted to be in the game, not go through the prep that gets me ready for the game - physically and mentally. However, proper practice is invaluable to game performance. Spiritual practice may not be heavily desired either, but it gets us ready for the "game". Use the prep times to your advantage and let it prepare you for your upcoming "game".
3. Yield is awesome - From a grain perspective people want to have the biggest yield as possible. The points between planting and harvesting don't matter a whole lot if the yield is good. Whether there was good or poor conditions, if the yield was good that's what counts. So continue to press on to look forward to the yield and enjoy the journey in between.

If a Christian is not progressing toward maturity they are either stagnant or digressing. Hopefully you are not in either of the last to categories.

Make up your mind to be ever acknowledging where your maturity lies in one or more of these categories...1) Talking Less and Listening More, 2) Constantly Mindful of God, 3) Able to be Submissive & Obedient, 4) Able to be Humble, 5) Have Communitas, 6) Have Personal Spirituality (A Relationship), & 7) Hope.

Reaching toward maturity...