Joyce Meyer: Promises for Your Everyday Life - a Daily DevotionalSample

Give Relationship...Not Religion When you tell someone about your faith, do you give them religion...or relationship? The Bible says we must be born again (see John 3:1-8), it doesn't say we must be religious. Unfortunately, we as Christians often present the Gospel to people like it's a list of religious rules, not true relationship with God. But following "Christian" rules and going to church won't make you a Christian anymore than sitting in a garage will make you a car. Religious rules and regulations can be harsh, hard and pressing, but that's not what Jesus wants for people. Jesus wants people to live in relationship with Him. If someone asks us, "What religion are you?" we should talk about our personal relationship with Jesus instead of what church we attend. I like to answer that question by saying, "Thank you for asking. I don't have any religion, but I do have Jesus." We need to start asking people, "Do you know Jesus? Is He your friend? Do you have a personal relationship with Him?" Next time someone asks about your faith, give them relationship...not religion. Prayer Starter: God, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that someone needs to follow a list of rules to really be a Christian, but that's not the kind of faith You want from people. Empower me to share Your Gospel with others in a way that leads them not into a religious system, but into a one-on-one, life-changing relationship with You.