RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS, RELATIONSHIPS!
By Rev. Dave Pagni
An outstanding supervisor once told me in reference to being successful in my job, "Relationships, relationships, relationships!" Of course, the meaning was very clear to me. Without partnerships and friendships (relationships) with others, I would not be able to do a good job in helping needy people in our community.
I soon learned that "just knowing about someone" in the business was not the same as becoming friends with that person, and having a respected relationship with them. Just knowing about an agency, its work, and its director was not enough to provide the help and assistance I needed.
But with some time and sincere effort, I became friends with dedicated and likeminded people. We showed respect, kindness, encouragement, and trust for one another, and because of our friendship and relationship, were able to greatly assist one another in our work!
Most people can relate to my "relationship" experience in the business world, but for many, it just doesn't "click" for them when it comes to faith! You see, faith is about RELATIONSHIP, RELATIONSHIP, RELATIONSHIP with God! Just "knowing about" God will not get you to heaven. God's Book says we must have a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Him through faith in Jesus, His Son!
On Judgment Day, many will say to Him, "Lord, Lord, have we not preached in your name, cast out devils, and done many wonderful works?" Certainly, they assume they deserve to be in Heaven! The Lord's reply, "I tell you, I NEVER KNEW YOU...depart from me..." They knew "about God," but never really new him in a loving and personal way!
Do you have a personal, loving RELATIONSHIP with the Lord Jesus?
Do you know Him intimately as your Lord and Savior and best friend? Do you talk with Him daily in prayer? Have you experienced for yourself His great love, forgiveness, and goodness in your life? You see, that is what a RELATIONSHIP is all about, and without that real, loving friendship with Jesus, no one can make it to Heaven!
YOU CAN experience this type of relationship with the Lord. A simple prayer is all it takes to begin your own loving relationship with Him. GOD LOVES YOU! And wants to have a friendship with you and me so much, that He gave His only Son to die on the cross so our sins could be forgiven, and we could enter into relationship with Him.
Pray this prayer with all your heart, and you will begin the most awesome Relationship of all!
