Feeling known by Jesus in a personal and intimate way means that he sees you in your entirety, including your insecurities and imperfections. This deep connection helps you understand that Jesus loves you just as you are and calls you to become the best version of yourself, rather than conforming to external expectations or behaviors.
Hosanna Wong grew up in the streets of San Francisco, surrounded by addiction and gang violence. Her father’s transformation through faith inspired her to use spoken word poetry to share the gospel, showing that God can use anyone’s real story and personality to reach others, regardless of their background.
Engaging with God’s word in a way that aligns with your personality helps maintain a fresh and vibrant faith. It ensures that your relationship with Jesus is authentic and not just a routine. For example, if you are social, try reading scripture with others or discussing it in a group setting.
Leaders and communicators can avoid the trap of people pleasing by focusing on the needs of the people they are called to serve, rather than trying to impress other leaders or heroes. This involves knowing the questions and challenges people are facing and addressing them with compassion and authenticity, just as Jesus did.
Representing Jesus well through our interactions and language is crucial because it shows the world the love and compassion of Christ. This can be a stark difference from the often dark and divided world, and it ensures that people who have never heard about Jesus see a genuine and welcoming example of what it means to follow him.
We can learn from the Pharisees that being obsessed with external appearances and rigid adherence to rules can lead us to miss the personal relationship with Jesus. The Pharisees were experts in religious disciplines but lacked a deep, transformative connection with God. Our goal should be to know and represent Jesus in a genuine, humble way.
To balance responsibilities and avoid feeling overwhelmed, start by giving yourself compassion and recognizing that it’s normal to feel stressed with multiple obligations. Adjust expectations and consider what you can realistically manage. Involving others, like family members or trusted friends, to share responsibilities can also provide relief and support.
Tailoring faith practices to our personal rhythms and experiences helps us stay connected and engaged with God. It prevents our relationship with Jesus from becoming stale or routine. By finding what resonates with our individual backgrounds and personalities, we can experience a deeper and more meaningful connection with God.
Previously Recorded
In this throwback episode, International Speaker, Bestselling Author, and Spoken Word Artist Hosanna Wong dropped by the podcast to chop it up with SJR. Known for speaking the language of the streets, Hosanna is proof that God uses EVERYTHING for His glory! She breaks down how we can radically transform, heal, and lead others into a deeper relationship with Christ without faking it. If you’re new to the Christian faith or feeling stuck in a routine, this episode will challenge you to veer into your God-given personality ‘cause Sis, He wants the REAL you!
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