#BETHEGIFT Someone Needs TodayPrøve

It’s All about Relationship Relationships are a vital part of who we are and why we exist, yet they are among the most difficult aspects of our lives. In an effort to find our way, we often enlist others to help us approach God. Unfortunately, when we do this, we are falling into the same pattern that kept the children of Israel from a restored relationship with God. As we read Exodus 19, we see God was seeking a direct relationship with His people. But the Israelites were afraid, and they made Moses their mediator. This is the bitter inheritance handed down to future generations until the arrival of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to restore us back to a right relationship with the Father; we don’t need a middleman. He modeled an unhindered relationship with the Father and showed us how to relate to Him first and to one another second. As Jesus neared the end of His earthly ministry, He gave His disciples and us a new command, “Abide in me.” This is an invitation to a much deeper relationship. Jesus teaches us we have direct access to the father. No middleman is required. Through salvation and grace, we have access to the Father when we choose to be in a relationship with Jesus. Once we have our eyes focused on Him and an established relationship, God will utilize us in each other’s lives. He wants us to speak words of encouragement, strength, and comfort to one another. God wants people who are willing to hear Him, who are trusted and who are in a relationship with others. We need God, and we need each other.