Intentionally Choosing Christ

0:00 Ralph: Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has grown cold or distant? Do you long to reconnect, but aren't sure where to start. In today's episode, we'll explore practical ways to recenter our lives on Christ. And intentionally choose to pursue him daily. Get ready to ignite your spiritual fire.

0:47 Welcome back to the show today on this spiritual Sunday, as we celebrate Easter today and the resurrection of our living savior. The grave couldn't hold him, my friends. And today we celebrate his victory over death. Today, we're diving into the important topic of intentionally. Choosing Christ, the midst of busy-ness of life. I think I made up that word, but it's true. We are so busy. It's so easy to let our relationship with God, take a backseat to work to family, to hobbies. And other demands of our time Slowly, but surely he gets pushed out of the center. Maybe we still pray before meals and go to church on Sundays. But the daily connection starts to fade.

1:28 Before we know it our spiritual fire has grown cold. I've got good news today, folks, it doesn't have to stay that way. By being purposeful and making Christ a priority, we can get back on track. It's an absolutely beautiful morning here on the farm with the sun shining brightly. And today I am blessed to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with you. Our listeners. And don't forget to subscribe to our show and join our email list. You can do that at askralphpodcast.com . You don't want to miss tomorrow's show. When we'll discuss five ways to help you get out of credit card debt. I'm going to give you five practical ways to get a hold of that credit card debt and put it down once.

2:09 And for all. Let's start with a relevant Bible verse on this resurrection Sunday. Jesus said to her. I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me though he die. Yet, shall he live? That's from John chapter 11, verse 25. This verse affirms, the resurrection as the core truth of Christianity. It testifies Jesus indeed. Rose from the dead. And it highlights, the significant and hope. And that's what we need folks hope. That his resurrection brings to all believers. So let's start with some practical ways to recenter our lives on pursuing God daily. I like to give you action items.

2:51 The first thing you can do is start your days with intentional time in God's word in prayer. The book of Psalms chapter 1 43, verse eight says, let the morning bring me word of your unfailing. Love. For I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go. For to you, I lift up my soul. When we seek the Lord first thing in the morning, it sets the tone for our entire day. What does your quiet time look like? For some it's reading of chapter in the Bible or journaling. For others, it might be listening to praise music while praying and meditating on scripture. You got to find what works for you. The key is consistency.

3:32 Make that daily time with God non-negotiable. The next thing you need to do is look for opportunities to cultivate your relationship with Christ throughout your day. Not just in the morning. For example, you can listen to sermons or worship music on your commute. Take prayer walks over your lunch break. Or engage in spiritual conversations with Christian coworkers. Share that good news. First Thessalonians chapter five verse 17 says pray continually. This means developing an ongoing dialogue with God as you go about your daily tasks. Include them in the little choices you make. And be aware of his ever presence.

4:14 Something that has helped me stay focused on Christ during work, is displaying, encouraging, verses and Christian quotes around my office. The book of Philippians chapter four, verse eight says whatever is true. Whatever is noble. Whatever is right. Whatever is pure. Whatever is lovely. Whatever is admirable. If anything is excellent and praiseworthy. Think about such things. I surround myself with uplifting reminders. It helps me intentionally shift my thoughts. When I'm having one of those tough days back to the Lord. The next thing you need to do is you need to be selective about the content you consume. What we feed our mind shapes our thoughts.

4:56 It shapes our attitudes and it, most of all shapes our actions. It's important to limit time on social media and secular TV. Instead read books that challenge and inspire your faith. Listen to podcasts. Listen to this podcast from godly teachers. And others. The book of Proverbs chapter four, verse 23, reminds us to above all else. Guard your heart. For everything you do flows from it. And that is the truth folks. Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. If you are filling your mind. And your thoughts with garbage.

5:37 I guess what's going to flow from it. Garbage. Another thing you must do is assess, your closest relationships. Are the people you spend time with the most encouraging your walk with Christ or leading you astray. I hate to say it that way, but it's the truth. We've got to be wise about who influences our lives. The book of Proverbs chapter 13, verse 20 says walk with the wise. And become wise. For a companion of fools suffers harm. You've got to seek out friendships with those who build up your faith. Not tear it down. If they're not encouraging you. Then find someone else to spend your time with.

6:17 And finally. And this is important. Serve Christ or your local church community. This will fill your life with godly purpose. That might be a small group Bible study. Volunteering with youth ministry. Look for ways to use your gifts God has given us all gifts. If you're not finding ways to use them, then do that. As Ephesians chapter two verse 10 states. For we are God's handiwork. Created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Which God prepared in advance for us to do. He asked us to do these. This is what your divine mission is.

6:59 You have a unique kingdom purpose. Ask yourself. Am I doing those things? Now, before we wrap up on remind our listeners to visit our podcast page, that's at askralphpodcast.com . There you can leave us a review, share your thoughts, or even send a message. I would love to hear from you. Tell me about how I can help you find that relationship and intentionally choosing Christ. Or maybe you've got a question you want to ask. While you're there. Make sure you join our email list to enter in to our weekly $25 Amazon gift card drawing. And listen folks. I encourage you to share this program. If you know someone who's struggling with their faith. First of all, encourage them and pray for them.

7:41 But share our program with them. Maybe this is a way for them to break free. And help them endure that struggle. Maybe they can get back on that right path. So let's pray. Heavenly father, we come before you humbled and grateful. Lord. We want to honor you with our time. With our talents and resources, but often the distractions of this world pulls away from pursuing you wholeheartedly. Forgive us for our divided hearts, Lord. Fan the flame of our faith into an unquenchable fire. Give us wisdom to intentionally walk with you daily. Remind us of your constant presence and unfailing love. We commit our lives, anew today to glorify you.

8:23 In Jesus' name. Amen in closing. Remember. It takes intentionally keeping Christ at the center of our busy modern lives. But it's absolutely worth the effort. Walking closely with God each day fills our lives with the meaning. It fills our lives with. Peace. And purpose. His presence transforms even mundane tasks into holy callings. I hope today's episode has provided some motivation. But more importantly, some practical tips for intentionally choosing Christ. Amidst that busy-ness of life. So let's recap. What do we cover today?

9:04 We covered starting your day in prayer and God's word that is so vitally important. We talked about cultivating your relationship with him through each day, being selective about your influences. Surrounding yourself with other believers and serving through your local church. So again, I remind you to visit our podcast page at askralphpodcast.com to access all of our episodes resources and more. And remember. Keep seeking God first above all else. Stay financially savvy. And may God bless you on this Easter Sunday. Abundantly.