how to have a personal relationship with god

#1  - READ HIS WORD:  
Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart.
Hebrew 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any two edge sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges through the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Stephanie and Peter were childhood pen pals from different countries through an elementary school program. They never saw or met each other, only wrote letters to each. Over the years, they fell in love through their letters, within each page, learning and revealing their teenage thoughts and darkest secrets, from school dramas to parental problems and more.

Mary chose a GI soldier’s mailing address (Alvin) to write letters of hope while he was in the war. They wrote to each other through the years, having never met. Mary says “You can say it was love at first write” They met, got married and had a daughter.

There are many more stories like this, where people wrote to each other, and learned about each other through their words and letters. Sharing in detail, who they are, what they’ve experienced and gone through, and have either fallen in love or became best friends.

The written word is a powerful connector for anyone. You can get to know someone through just the written word, and not have to see them physically in front of you.

Just like these couples, God left us love letters. A written word called The Bible. He is waiting for you to pick up his book, and read his words of love, wisdom and guidance - through all of the stories and experiences he shares about himself and about his children. You will find a story on any topic you need help with. To get to know God, the first thing you can do is - Read his word

#2 - LIVE IN HIS WILL
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
A woman named Linsday, weighed 220 pounds at 5’ 4” and was comfortable sitting on the couch and eating anything she wanted. Then she decided to change her habits and start living. For one year, she started to wake up each morning at 5:45am, ate a fiber rich breakfast and walked on the treadmill for one hour. She lost 40 pounds. She moved in with another woman who encouraged her healthy habits, started weight training, and lost another 35 pounds. She now weighs 145, is at a very healthy weight and is happy.

Jim Carrey talks about his father in a speech to college students, and how his father stayed in a comfort zone at his job, and after 20 years was fired. He said “Why fail at something you hate, when you can fail at something you love”.  

So many people take the safe route and stay in a comfort zone that isn’t giving them fulfillment, and is only getting them by.  If you break out of the comfort zone, and use your will to do something you love, you could possibly change your life and the direction it’s going.

We form our own habits of what we want and need in our lives. And those habits  tend to be our most immediate wants and desires out of our current circumstances. “I need more money, I need another job, I need to get married, etc..”

God sees the whole picture, where we see only what we think we need in the immediate. We can trust in God’s plan for us, and know it is bigger than we can imagine. By getting to know God through his word, he will let us know in our heart what his will is for our lives. His will is our heart’s desire, for he made us, each with a unique purpose. Living in his will, will provide you more than you can imagine today.

#3 - GOD’s REWARDS FOR YOUR LOVE
James 1:12 “Blessed in the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

We’re sure you are familiar with the countless stories of celebrities that gained everything in this world, from money to fame, riches and wealth, when in the end, they took their own life because they were so unhappy.

Many of us have followed these same celebrities, buying the things they advertise, thinking it will help fulfill our lives, just like they portray it will. When in truth, it doesn’t.
Having a comfortable home, and being able to share your gifts to help others is a blessing. God wants good for our lives in a way that is truly good, and not a false promise or comfort.

By getting close to God, you will gain PEACE, GUIDANCE and STRENGTH

• PEACE - through the knowledge that he is always there for you and will never give you more than you can handle.
• GUIDANCE - through his word and through his will for you, knowing how to navigate through challenging moments, and finding what actually makes you happy.
• STRENGTH - to endure and go through obstacles that may come upon you through your journey towards happiness, knowing God is there by your side through it all.

By reading God’s word, living in his will, and enjoying the rewards of his love, you will start a relationship with God that gives you understanding of a deeper love, a more committed relationship, and a peace you’ve never felt before.

Try these three tips. We’d love to know your personal journey towards having a closer relationship with God.

He is waiting for you.

Love,
Rachel & Michael
P.S - leave an anonymous comment here, by typing in “anonymous” for your name. No one will know who you are, and you will help start the conversation.