When we fall in love, we want to spend time with the person we love. Falling in love with Christ should be no different, but believers often read the Bible in a hurry. The result is a superficial faith that is kept alive by habit rather than worship. To achieve lasting intimacy, we must approach the Lord with a sense of:

Purpose. 1 Chronicles 22:19 counsels us to "devote our heart and soul to seeking the Lord our God." Likewise, if we desire to relate to the Lord, we must intentionally approach spiritual disciplines. Before we open the Bible, for example, we can ask God what He wants to tell us. We can also pray to understand His ways, He loves to respond to this request.

Determination: Isaiah told God: "My soul yearns for you..." â€"Isaiah 26:9. Even when we don't feel like investing time in our relationship with Christ, we should. Those who seek the Savior, experience His presence as they worship Him.

Knowing Christ brings joy to the believer's life. By paying attention to God and spending time with Him, we show Him that we love Him. God gives us the best of himself, we must not give less in return.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, today I ask you to help me be aware of Your presence in me and in the details, both small and large, around me. Beloved Father, in every detail of nature, you tell me how much you love me. Let me be able to stop and delight in all that You have created and rejoice in Your presence. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

1.    Psalms 63:1 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.