Stepping Stones: Intimacy Needs Receptivity and Attentiveness

Transformational Tip
We love a number of people in life for many reasons, usually because we are related to them....by blood, marriage or spiritually. But really loving them, whether romantically or platonically, means developing real intimacy. Two key elements are willingness to open up and share our core, everything, be vulnerable with the other, and also openness and awareness of what the other is communicating to us. God searches for those who are able to receive His gifts and blessings in full measure...those who truly yearn for and will actively pursue an intimate relationship with Him. Two traits that increase our intimacy with God are receptivity and attentiveness. Receptivity here is opening up our innermost being to be filled with God's abundant riches. Attentiveness is directing our gaze toward Him; searching for Him in all our moments to receive His communication, instruction, and provision for us. God has done His part... opened Himself up to us through His word, sacrificed His son, and died for us. He is always attentive to our needs, thoughts, and feelings, as well as caring and providing for all our needs. Now it's our turn.
Today, take time to reflect on the area of your life that you haven't been receptive to God's grace, love, forgiveness, instruction. Why? What would you have to give up to let Him in that area and for you to change? How would your life be different if you were attentive to all He has to give for that particular area of your life? Try and focus on these two attributes; Receptivity and Attentiveness.

Prayer
Dear Father God,
You are truly a God who gives and gives and gives. When Your Son died on the cross, He held back nothing; he poured out his life like a drink offering. I know that giving is inherent in Your nature; thank You Father. I pray that You help me increase my receptivity and attentiveness...knowing that both increases my ability to receive You and have the intimate relationship with You that I desire.
I pray in the name of my most attentive Savior, Jesus - AMEN!

The Truth
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
Philippians 2:17
I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
Mark 10:15
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 26:3