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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
A RELATIONSHIP, NOT RELIGION
John 10:27-28, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
In this passage, Jesus speaks of His followers as sheep who hear His voice and are known by Him.
The emphasis here is on a personal relationship, where Jesus knows His followers intimately, and they respond to His voice by following Him.
Eternal life is given to those who have this relationship, and it is secure because of Jesus’ love and protection.
In Luke 19:1-10, we find the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was disliked by society due to his corrupt profession.
Despite his reputation, Zacchaeus longed to see Jesus.
When Jesus came to town, Zacchaeus, being short, climbed a tree just to catch a glimpse of Him.
Jesus noticed Zacchaeus, called him by name, and invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ home.
Moved by this personal encounter, Zacchaeus repented of his sins, offering to make restitution to those he had wronged.
Zacchaeus’ salvation was not about religious rituals, social status, or good deeds—it was about a personal encounter with Jesus that changed his heart.
Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus, and in that moment, his life was transformed.
This story reminds us that salvation is not achieved through outward practices but through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Salvation is about knowing Jesus personally, not just attending church or following religious traditions.
It’s easy to get caught up in religious routines—attending services, reading the Bible occasionally, or even serving in church.
But these activities, while important, should flow out of a relationship with Jesus, not replace it.
Ask yourself: Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus, or are you just going through the motions of religion?
Knowing ABOUT Jesus isn’t enough; we must seek to KNOW Him.
Like Zacchaeus, who took extraordinary steps to encounter Jesus, we too must be intentional in pursuing a relationship with Him.
When we do, Jesus will transform our lives from the inside out, giving us purpose, joy, and the security of eternal life.
Think of someone who is obsessed with a celebrity—they know all the details of the celebrity’s life: their birthday, their favorite food, their accomplishments, and their life story.
But if you ask them whether they know this person personally, they’ll admit they’ve never met.
This is how many people approach Jesus.
They may know the stories about Him, attend church services, and read about Him in the Bible, but they’ve never truly had a personal encounter with Him.
Just like knowing facts about a famous person doesn’t make you their friend, knowing about Jesus doesn’t equal knowing Him personally.
He calls us to something deeper—an intimate, personal relationship where we hear His voice and follow Him.
PRAYER
Jesus, I want to know You more deeply and personally. I don’t want to just go through the motions of religion. I long for a real relationship with You, where I hear Your voice and follow You every day. Help me to grow in my faith and trust You with every part of my life. Transform me as I seek to know You more. Amen.
Assignment
Take time today to reflect on your relationship with Jesus.
Spend a few minutes in prayer, asking Him to reveal Himself to you in a deeper way.
Write down what it means to know Jesus personally.
How can you move from simply going through the motions of religion to cultivating a vibrant, personal relationship with Him?
What steps can you take this week to grow closer to Him?
WEDNESDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
James Parker
Kim McClain
June Davis
Danny Jarrard
Amy Garner’s Mom
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Daniel Cooper’s Mother
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother in law
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sandra Graham’s Family
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher