THINGS ARE GOOD, LIFE’S GOOD, IT’S ALL GOOD, I’M GOOD…

WHEN THINGS ARE ‘GOOD’, do we desire more?

Do we tenderly nurture and grow our love for God daily or do get a little complacent when things are ‘good’?Growing our love for God has such an amazing impact on our lives and the lives of those around us…but do will we stop long enough to let this notion ‘take root’?

I’ve been nurturing a plant for months…no years. As I held it fondly the other day, admiring its health and blossoms, I sent off a little heartfelt appreciation to God over my joy in seeing its healthy beauty. And, I totally acknowledged it as a result of a lot of disciple and care. What I didn’t expect was affirmation and clarity from God…Almost as quickly as my satisfaction and praise went up to God he seemed to shoot back to me a challenge. Some insight, a nudge…

Yes, that is how it works… So how much care for, learning about, nurturing, carefully handling and appreciating do you give me?

Huh, I wasn’t expecting that. I’ve gotten into an awesome habit of talking to God all day long. Many of us do and I think it is a great thing, a critical part of building a relationship is spending time, even casual time, together. But, is time alone enough?

I don’t want to throw anyone off here but I answer this with assurance…

YES, it is enough…And no, in no way, is it near enough.

We have to remember, with Christ we are always enough. But, that doesn’t mean that is where God wants us to remain. He wants so much more for us. He assured us that we have access to true greatness, knowledge, power, and insight. However, He gave us free will because He doesn’t want us to be puppets that respond without conviction.

HE WANTS US TO WANT HIM AND TO WANT MORE OF HIM AND TO INVEST IN HIM…
BECAUSE WE DESIRE TO.

So what’s our goal? What’re your goals with your relationship with God? Have you ever even given that much thought? That is the question. Because, like my plant, I can just have God in my life to fix me up and lean into when I’m wilted and falling apart. Or, I can truly invest, with great discipline, into God like I invested when desiring to bring life to my plant. I can give God constant care, nurturing of our relationship, appreciation, and discipline in learning just how to grow healthy and strong in Christ.

His request wasn’t mean, harsh, or accusing, it was thought-provoking and it resonated much like a spurring challenge to consider.

Let’s each consider how much we invest in nurturing our relationship with God. We’ll do it in the way we consider life in my book. This process is one I hope we all learn to act on. When we are unsettled, doubting, seeking, angry, desiring to grow, hurt and so on…Do this. Stop long enough to truly figure out what is bugging you, then go check on what the written Word tells you about that topic. (Do an internet Bible verses search). Then, consider all the blessings that will come of following the written Word. (CLICK HERE to join my free Bible in a Year program) And last, step in and make a choice. *And, remember. Making no choice, is a choice.

Consider the Problem: Do I, and how can I,  nurture and desire to grow in love for God

Consider the Word:

1 Thessalonians 3:12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; (PRAY FOR THIS)

Matthew 24:12 “Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. (BEWARE OF THIS)

Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, (ASK FOR THIS)

Ephesians 4:15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, (SPEAK THE TRUTH OF THIS)

2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; (STEP INTO THIS)

Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, (EMBRACE THIS)

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more, (DO THIS)

Consider the Gift (If we so follow the Word): The verses above tell us we will then receive…

• Love
• Knowledge
• Discernment
• Growing more like Him
• Increases our faith
• Rooted-grounded in love (that’s strong…unlike the unpredictable unyielding ways of the world)
• Increases our love

Consider the Choice: It always comes down to choice now doesn’t it?

Blessings friends,

Let’s take a minute right now to look back on this week. How invested were we in God and building your love and relationship with Him? Do you go all in by praying, being cautious, asking, speaking truth, stepping in, embracing, and acting? No worries if you feel a little lacking here, it’s really quite typical to recognize how we could do better here. But know this, He has so much waiting for you. Let’s step in friends. It’s no accident that this post caught your attention today. And it’s no accident if you feel a nudge.

Faith Infused Living…Reaches Goals Higher,
Niccie Kliegl CLC, RN

Reading the written word is essential in growing your relationship with God. BUT it is hard, time-consuming and takes a lot of discipline and I want to help. So here it is 😉

Each day I send your Bible reading to your inbox. It’s short, starts in Genesis and works its way through the old testament and new. At the start of each book of the Bible, you will receive an awesome short video explaining that book in a scene drawn before your eyes. You could do this at night with your spouse or children or at supper before or after a meal, in the car, or even on your break at work. YOU CAN DO THIS!