Intentionally Choosing Christ

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Ralph: Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has grown cold or distant?

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Do you long to reconnect, but aren't sure where to start.

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In today's episode, we'll explore practical ways to recenter our lives on Christ.

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And intentionally choose to pursue him daily.

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Get ready to ignite your spiritual fire.

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Welcome back to the show today on this spiritual Sunday, as we celebrate Easter today and the resurrection of our living savior.

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The grave couldn't hold him, my friends.

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And today we celebrate his victory over death.

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Today, we're diving into the important topic of intentionally.

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Choosing Christ, the midst of busy-ness of life.

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I think I made up that word, but it's true.

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We are so busy.

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It's so easy to let our relationship with God, take a backseat to work to family, to hobbies.

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And other demands of our time Slowly, but surely he gets pushed out of the center.

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Maybe we still pray before meals and go to church on Sundays.

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But the daily connection starts to fade.

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Before we know it our spiritual fire has grown cold.

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I've got good news today, folks, it doesn't have to stay that way.

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By being purposeful and making Christ a priority, we can get back on track.

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It's an absolutely beautiful morning here on the farm with the sun shining brightly.

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And today I am blessed to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with you.

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Our listeners.

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And don't forget to subscribe to our show and join our email list.

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You can do that at askralphpodcast.com . You don't want to miss tomorrow's show.

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When we'll discuss five ways to help you get out of credit card debt.

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I'm going to give you five practical ways to get a hold of that credit card debt and put it down once.

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And for all.

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Let's start with a relevant Bible verse on this resurrection Sunday.

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Jesus said to her.

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I am the resurrection and the life.

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Whoever believes in me though he die.

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Yet, shall he live?

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That's from John chapter 11, verse 25.

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This verse affirms, the resurrection as the core truth of Christianity.

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It testifies Jesus indeed.

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Rose from the dead.

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And it highlights, the significant and hope.

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And that's what we need folks hope.

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That his resurrection brings to all believers.

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So let's start with some practical ways to recenter our lives on pursuing God daily.

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I like to give you action items.

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The first thing you can do is start your days with intentional time in God's word in prayer.

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The book of Psalms chapter 1 43, verse eight says, let the morning bring me word of your unfailing.

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Love.

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For I have put my trust in you.

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Show me the way I should go.

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For to you, I lift up my soul.

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When we seek the Lord first thing in the morning, it sets the tone for our entire day.

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What does your quiet time look like?

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For some it's reading of chapter in the Bible or journaling.

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For others, it might be listening to praise music while praying and meditating on scripture.

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You got to find what works for you.

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The key is consistency.

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Make that daily time with God non-negotiable.

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The next thing you need to do is look for opportunities to cultivate your relationship with Christ throughout your day.

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Not just in the morning.

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For example, you can listen to sermons or worship music on your commute.

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Take prayer walks over your lunch break.

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Or engage in spiritual conversations with Christian coworkers.

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Share that good news.

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First Thessalonians chapter five verse 17 says pray continually.

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This means developing an ongoing dialogue with God as you go about your daily tasks.

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Include them in the little choices you make.

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And be aware of his ever presence.

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Something that has helped me stay focused on Christ during work, is displaying, encouraging, verses and Christian quotes around my office.

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The book of Philippians chapter four, verse eight says whatever is true.

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Whatever is noble.

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Whatever is right.

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Whatever is pure.

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Whatever is lovely.

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Whatever is admirable.

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If anything is excellent and praiseworthy.

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Think about such things.

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I surround myself with uplifting reminders.

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It helps me intentionally shift my thoughts.

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When I'm having one of those tough days back to the Lord.

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The next thing you need to do is you need to be selective about the content you consume.

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What we feed our mind shapes our thoughts.

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It shapes our attitudes and it, most of all shapes our actions.

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It's important to limit time on social media and secular TV.

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Instead read books that challenge and inspire your faith.

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Listen to podcasts.

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Listen to this podcast from godly teachers.

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And others.

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The book of Proverbs chapter four, verse 23, reminds us to above all else.

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Guard your heart.

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For everything you do flows from it.

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And that is the truth folks.

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Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it.

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If you are filling your mind.

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And your thoughts with garbage.

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I guess what's going to flow from it.

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Garbage.

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Another thing you must do is assess, your closest relationships.

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Are the people you spend time with the most encouraging your walk with Christ or leading you astray.

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I hate to say it that way, but it's the truth.

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We've got to be wise about who influences our lives.

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The book of Proverbs chapter 13, verse 20 says walk with the wise.

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And become wise.

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For a companion of fools suffers harm.

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You've got to seek out friendships with those who build up your faith.

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Not tear it down.

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If they're not encouraging you.

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Then find someone else to spend your time with.

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And finally.

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And this is important.

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Serve Christ or your local church community.

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This will fill your life with godly purpose.

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That might be a small group Bible study.

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Volunteering with youth ministry.

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Look for ways to use your gifts God has given us all gifts.

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If you're not finding ways to use them, then do that.

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As Ephesians chapter two verse 10 states.

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For we are God's handiwork.

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Created in Christ Jesus to do good works.

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Which God prepared in advance for us to do.

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He asked us to do these.

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This is what your divine mission is.

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You have a unique kingdom purpose.

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Ask yourself.

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Am I doing those things?

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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.

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I would love to hear from you.

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Tell me about how I can help you find that relationship and intentionally choosing Christ.

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Or maybe you've got a question you want to ask.

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While you're there.

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Make sure you join our email list to enter in to our weekly $25 Amazon gift card drawing.

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And listen folks.

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I encourage you to share this program.

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If you know someone who's struggling with their faith.

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First of all, encourage them and pray for them.

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But share our program with them.

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Maybe this is a way for them to break free.

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And help them endure that struggle.

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Maybe they can get back on that right path.

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So let's pray.

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Heavenly father, we come before you humbled and grateful.

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Lord.

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We want to honor you with our time.

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With our talents and resources, but often the distractions of this world pulls away from pursuing you wholeheartedly.

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Forgive us for our divided hearts, Lord.

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Fan the flame of our faith into an unquenchable fire.

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Give us wisdom to intentionally walk with you daily.

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Remind us of your constant presence and unfailing love.

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We commit our lives, anew today to glorify you.

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In Jesus' name.

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Amen

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in closing.

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Remember.

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It takes intentionally keeping Christ at the center of our busy modern lives.

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But it's absolutely worth the effort.

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Walking closely with God each day fills our lives with the meaning.

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It fills our lives with.

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Peace.

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And purpose.

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His presence transforms even mundane tasks into holy callings.

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I hope today's episode has provided some motivation.

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But more importantly, some practical tips for intentionally choosing Christ.

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Amidst that busy-ness of life.

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So let's recap.

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What do we cover today?

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We covered starting your day in prayer and God's word that is so vitally important.

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We talked about cultivating your relationship with him through each day, being selective about your influences.

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Surrounding yourself with other believers and serving through your local church.

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So again, I remind you to visit our podcast page at askralphpodcast.com to access all of our episodes resources and more.

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And remember.

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Keep seeking God first above all else.

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Stay financially savvy.

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And may God bless you on this Easter Sunday.

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Abundantly.