Thrive in God: Beyond Religion, Into Relationship

Tagline: It’s time to stop knowing about Jesus—and start knowing Him.

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✦ Introduction: Seeking but Still Empty

In today’s world, faith has become a performance. Many of us:

• Attend church regularly
• Follow religious rules
• Know a few memory verses
• Even study Jesus’ life in depth

And yet—something is missing.

We’re emotionally moved in worship, inspired by charismatic speakers, and filled with fleeting spiritual highs. But then we go home… and we still feel distant, restless, and spiritually dry.

Why?

Because it’s possible to know about Jesus and still not know Him.

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✦ When Religion Becomes a Substitute for Relationship

Too often, we’ve replaced knowing Jesus with:

• Performing traditions
• Obeying doctrines
• Getting validation from spiritual leaders
• Seeking emotional experiences in church settings

We chase the feeling of being close to God, but avoid the raw truth of personal intimacy with Him.

We treat God like a distant figure to study, or a vending machine to ask blessings from, but not like a real Savior who longs to walk with us daily.

✎ Thrive Note: You can sing about Jesus, cry about Jesus, and still not be connected to Jesus.

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✦ Do You Know Jesus, Or Just Know About Him?

Let’s ask the hardest question:
Do I truly know Jesus—or just know what people told me about Him?

• Do I know His heart?
• Do I listen for His voice?
• Do I walk with Him when no one is watching?
• Is my faith mine, or borrowed from culture, family, or habit?

Because thriving in God doesn’t come from religion — it comes from relationship.

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✦ Signs You May Be Distant From the True Jesus

1. You Feel Spiritually Burnt Out
   You’ve been “doing the right things” — church, reading, giving — but feel no life, no connection.
2. You Look for Emotion Over Presence
   You chase worship songs, sermons, and conferences, but still feel empty the next day.
3. You Treat Jesus Like a Ritual, Not a Friend
   He’s part of your schedule — not part of your soul.
4. You Know His Stories But Not His Voice
   You’ve read the Gospels — but never felt Him speak personally to you in prayer or stillness.

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✦ Thrive in God: How to Know Jesus For Real

Here’s the good news: Jesus is always near. He wants a personal connection with you that isn’t filtered through religion, ritual, or rules.

✦ 1. Sit With Him in Silence

Turn off the noise. No music. No sermons. Just you and Him. Ask, “Jesus, do I really know You?” Wait. Listen.

✦ 2. Read the Gospels Like They’re Alive

Don’t just study the words — meet the Man in the pages. Ask: What does this show me about Jesus’ heart for me today?

✦ 3. Pray Like He’s In the Room

Because He is. Speak from your heart — no performance, no script.

✦ 4. Let Go of the Show

You don’t need to perform for God. He sees you. He wants you, not your image. Be raw. Be honest. Be still.

✦ 5. Follow Him in Real Life

Faith isn’t proven in church, it’s proven in the unseen: how you forgive, how you serve, how you listen to Him day by day.

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✦ Final Word: Thrive in God, Not Just in Religion

Religion can be beautiful — but it should point us to the Person, not replace Him.

Jesus isn’t looking for your perfect behavior.
He’s looking for your heart.
He’s looking for relationship.
He’s looking for you.

So today, ask yourself with humility and honesty:

“Do I truly know Jesus — or do I just know about Him?”

Because when you know Him, you don’t just survive the world…
You thrive in God.

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→ Reflection Prompt:
Take 10 minutes today. No distractions. Just ask: “Jesus, show me who You really are.” Then listen. Write what you feel.