“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” (1 John 4:10)
The meaning of personal - of or concerning one's private life, relationships, and emotions rather than matters connected with one's public or professional career:
The word personal is referred to 121 times in the Bible.
But what does it mean? Many of us have been taught that each man, woman, and child has their own space. And unless you are invited in, you must stay out or be ready to defend your position.
(It could prove to be a painful experience)
Like me, many of you have heard over the years we must have a “personal relationship with Jesus” to reap the benefits of His gift of life and love. So, my question becomes ... How? Why? Where? And when?
1. How - Just how deep do you want to feel His LOVE?
2. Why - Because we will never be complete without Him.
3. Where - We think of a physical location! But it is a spiritual walk of the heart and soul.
4. When - I feel the sooner, the better. Like many, I have had a late start but now feel I am in the race.
I believe there are degrees of a “personal relationship” with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
I can only speak of my experience. And how my walk went from head knowledge to feeling Him stirring in my heart to a love I carry deep within my soul. I will simplify them into Personal Phases.
Phase 1
Over my many non-religious years, I knew the story of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; it was a clinical understanding derived from Hollywood Movies and the very occasional visit to some church for reasons other than learning about the Trinity.
I knew of Him on a superficial level.
Phase II
I had a Holy Spirit encounter that planted a desire in my heart to know more about Him, and the chase began. He became an important player in my daily activities. I began including Him more and more each day. I spoke to Him like a friend I have had all my life, and a trusting relationship began to grow as I discovered deeper details about Him.
My heart and mind began to open to the possibilities of a greater love. It's a love greater than I have ever known. I began to appreciate His beauty, grace, and unconditional love. As I study Him daily, I find He is teaching me more about who I truly am. He has freed my bound heart and given me wings to fly. I say I am a work in progress. And He is not finished with me yet. Isn't it a beautiful thought that our growing knowledge of Him will never end?
Phase III
Like any relationship, the more you invest in yourself, the more vulnerable you become and the deeper you let them penetrate your heart. At that very moment, you realize you are free to surrender your heart and fall in love. It's no different with God, but His love is not of this world. It's a love greater than you have ever known. It's HIM!
It’s a spiritual love greater than we have ever experienced. It’s a deep love from our soul. It’s when God becomes as important as the air we breathe. We will find that place of intimacy in our soul. We may be moved to tears of joy. We will feel this indescribable love, consume your soul. And life will burst into a beautiful rainbow of brilliant colors.
You will find that this intimate place is reserved for a party of two you and your Creator. He knew that one day we would find Him waiting there to love you on such an amazing spiritual level. He has instilled a hunger within us from birth. To crave an intimate communion with Him that only He can satisfy.
A friend asked me today who in the Bible had an intimate relationship with God and how we know that they did.
I will turn to a favorite quote by Nicholas Sparks.
The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever.
I believe that the ones we have grown to know in the Bible and in our lives have had or are in an intimate relationship with God. Are the ones that show it in their daily lives. With His strength, they forge the way for others. They openly speak of His greater love. They realize they are not perfect but walk in His mercy and grace. Even with doubts, they listen and act on His direction. They are a witness to Him by their actions, and they, above all, share His amazing love with anyone who will listen.
I found this quote spoke to my soul many months ago.
To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him is the greatest human achievement. St. Augustine of Hippo
It’s Him; it’s always Him.
The question becomes just how deep you want your
"Personal Relationship" with Him to be???
Design & Written by Lori Garner
Bible Verses From KJV, Easy / Sinners prayer
Inspiring Music: Beckah Shae - Overflow - Lyrics
