Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Throughout our journey of faith, we often wrestle with the concept of truly knowing God and understanding the potency of His Word in our lives. As we dive deeper into this relationship, several biblical passages resonate profoundly with the notion that following Jesus requires both an intimate knowledge of the Scriptures and a personal relationship with the Living Word.

In John 5:39-40, Jesus reminds us, “You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” Here, Jesus warns us not to become so engrossed in religious duties that we overlook the essence of knowing Him.

Similarly, in John 10:10, He states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This invitation is clear: Jesus does not desire a mere transactional relationship; He yearns for us to experience life abundantly through Him.

As we turn to John 15:7-8, we find the key to a fruitful relationship with God: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” The integration of His Word within us fosters genuine prayer and connection.
However, one might wonder, what does the act of praying look like without the presence of God? Unfortunately, it can become a monotonous duty, devoid of passion and life. We’ve all had moments in our prayer life where it may have felt dry, like a religious exercise that lacks authenticity and fervor.

Reflecting on the Pharisees during Jesus’ time, we see how engulfed they were in their religious pride and the “rigid practice of godliness.” They failed to recognize Jesus because their hearts had become hardened. They were entrenched in empty rituals, neglecting the very relationship that God desired with them. Could we, too, fall into the same trap? It’s a difficult question, yet certainly, an important one.

Even in our modern faith journey, it is possible to participate in the right actions—reading Scripture, attending services, and engaging in prayer—yet still miss out on a personal, transformative relationship with God. Without this deep communion, we risk walking the fine line of pride and religious performance rather than enjoying the vibrant connection that God offers.

The truth is this: without a living relationship with the Almighty, the Word becomes lifeless. Revelation becomes obscure, and prayer can feel like an arduous task. However, every moment spent in fellowship with His Spirit nurtures our hearts and ignites the living Word within us. As we open ourselves to God’s presence, we will find ourselves more receptive to the truths He desires to impart.

His Word is alive, active, and full of power. When we connect deeply with the One who authored it, we begin to witness the miraculous unfold in our lives. Communion with God transforms our prayer life, invigorates our daily existence, and enriches the way we engage with the world around us.

So, let us lock arms with our Savior today. Step into your identity as a covenant child of God, embrace the privilege of being in His presence, and tap into the divine power source that the Blood of Christ provides. Your journey toward a deeper relationship with Him is just beginning!