*BUILDING A LASTING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.*(Series 6) *Scripture Reading:* Genesis 17:1-2, Joshua 1:8 *"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Me [with integrity, knowing that you are always in My presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Me]."*(Genesis 17:1 AMP) *"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful."*(Joshua 1:8 AMP) Glory to God in the highest for yet another gift of life. And as we conclude the series today, may our relationship be strengthen in Him in Jesus Christ name. *In our scripture today, God desired a relationship with him that he should before Him and be perfect. And in the second scripture, God instructed Joshua to keep His word and constantly meditate on it for a lasting relationship him and God.* A relationship with God happens most fundamentally by the Spirit through the word. Don't try to run away from the Bible to find a relationship with God in the woods or in some kind of aesthetic encounter with nature or with a great piece of art. Those are all supplementary. Yes, the heavens are telling the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). God does use great art and great poetry to awaken us. *But if we don't center on the Bible where he is speaking authoritatively and infallibly, then our relationship will become distorted by error and sin.* So let the Bible be the place where God meets you and speaks to you, and let the Bible be the place where you speak back to him. The relationship is in this communion: him to us, and us to him. And it happens all throughout the day. We remind ourselves when we get discouraged, "Don't be discouraged, Don't be dismayed, Fear not, I'll be with you wherever you go" (Isaiah 41:10). You remember those words and call them to mind, because they are from a promise in the Bible. Then you say, "Thank you Lord. I will take this next step of obedience." *And at that moment a relationship has been enjoyed and a communion has been experienced.* And that's how you walk moment by moment with God through this life. Good morning and do have a great day, peace. *Prayer point:* Dear Lord, let your word daily multiply in my heart for a lasting relationship in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN