father knows best

By Daneen James 

Our creator's love for us is incomprehensible. It's too big and wide to understand and there is nothing you can do to lose or earn it. What God wants is relationship. He wants you to extend to Him, the same faithfulness and love that He extends to you. You love Him by looking for ways to please Him. There is no better way to please Him, than to live like Him. 

Everything you do either builds a bridge or creates a barrier to right relationship with God. We can't expect to experience God's best unless we're willing to follow His direction. Our creator knows what we need to grow and live well, His word tells us. Countless scriptures outline what we can expect from God, when we do what He expects from us.  Let's explore a few examples. 

If you come close to God, then He will come close to you. James 4:8
God is a savior not a stalker. He won't argue or force Himself upon you. But when you invite Him into your life. Read His word and ask for understanding. Spend time talking to Him and make space to listen for and follow His direction. You create an environment of obedience, that He can't resist. The more time you spend with Him, the more He pours into you. The more He pours into you, the more like Him you become. The more you become like God, the stronger His presence (Spirit) within you and the closer He seems to you. It's His Spirit that gives you the desire and ability to resist sin and live out the principles of God in your life. 

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Matthew 6:14
We don't get to make forgiveness optional or even contingent. God is clear; we are to forgive. Not because the people who wrong us deserve it, ask nicely, or are really sorry. Forgiveness is not a free pass for others to abuse us. It doesn't discount what was done. Rather, it's an admission that God is the only one without sin. We hurt people, just like people hurt us, all sin hurts God. Yet, He forgives us even when we don't ask or intend to do differently. But we won't receive from God, what we are unwilling to give to others. 

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask anything you want and it will be granted! John 15:7
When you live like God, God lives in you. He guides your thoughts, actions and desires. You want what He wants and act to please Him in all that you do. If fact, pleasing Him is not only your desire, but it's your sole motivation. When you highlight God through who you are and what you do, you honor Him, He delights in honoring you. He hears and responds to your prayers and requests by giving you whatever you ask. God blesses you, so that others will be attracted to Godly living and be drawn into right relationship with Him.  

Right relationship with God requires a persistent pursuit and practice.  When we mess up and miss the mark, God doesn't disown or desert us. He remains available and waits. Waits for us to want Him, walk toward Him and ask His help to live like we love Him. 

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Daneen James is an inspirational author, speaker and develops uplifting
products and media through her company, SPARKSAFLAME. 

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https://www.daneenjames.com/blog/your-best-life-begins-here ​

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