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Relationship Over Religion: My Journey to Knowing God

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1/10/202510 min read

Happen to grew up in a Christian family, so Christianity was just part of my identity from the start. But honestly? It felt more like something I inherited than something I actually believed in. I went through the motions – reading the Bible, praying, and attending church – mainly to keep my parents happy and fit in with my community.

For years, I was just checking off the boxes. My heart wasn’t in it. Over time, the pressure to keep up the religious act felt exhausting. I started questioning everything – especially God’s existence. Eventually, I gave up trying so hard and kind of drifted into this agnostic mindset. I wasn’t sure if God was real, and to be honest, I stopped caring.

Then life threw some really hard stuff my way. I was completely overwhelmed, and my mind felt like it was stuck in this dark, lonely place. That’s when my dad shared a verse from the Bible with me. He said, “ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”* (Matthew 6:26).

I don’t know what it was, but that verse hit me differently. It wasn’t just words anymore – it felt personal. It felt like God was talking straight to me, reminding me that He cared, even when I felt invisible.

That moment changed everything. Suddenly, the Bible wasn’t just this old book full of rules – it started to feel alive. I began to talk to God, not in rehearsed prayers but real conversations. And as I did, I realized I didn’t need to try so hard to be perfect or religious. I just needed to let God love me.

What I Learned: Relationship Over Religion

If there’s one big takeaway from my story, it’s this – religion can only take you so far. Real change happens when you stop trying to impress God and start actually knowing Him.

Jesus even said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.” God doesn’t want robots who follow rules; He wants friends who know Him personally.

So if you’re feeling stuck or weighed down by religious expectations, maybe it’s time to take a step back. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”* It’s not about performing – it’s about connecting.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I’m actually thankful for the struggles I faced. Without them, I might have stayed stuck in religion and missed out on the relationship God wanted to have with me.

Now, I live in the peace of knowing I’m loved – not because I checked all the right boxes but because God is my Father, and I’m His child. And that’s what really matters.

If you’re searching for something real, I’d encourage you to start there. Talk to God, even if it feels awkward at first. You might be surprised by how much He’s been waiting to talk to you too.

Post written by Priyanka Martin

THE JOURNAL

DEVOTION & EXEGESIS

10 MIN READ

31 DECEMBER 2024

Who Is Your Master? Rethinking Our Allegiance

The question of who is our Master, runs deeper than we often realize. It shapes not only our actions but also our identity, attitude, and the fruit we produce in life.

PRIYANKA MARTIN

Founder & Contemplative Author

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)

he question of who is our Master, runs deeper than we often realize. It shapes not only our actions but also our identity, attitude, and the fruit we produce in life.

T

Now, before you say, “Wait, I don’t have a master! I’m my own boss!” — let’s be real. We’re all serving something. For some, it’s career success. For others, it’s social media likes, approval, or even that endless pursuit of the perfect avocado toast. But Jesus cuts through all that noise and says something radical: Jesus made this clear when He said:

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:5–6)

Without Him, we’re just decorative branches waiting to be tossed into the fire. Harsh? Maybe. True? 100%.

Your Master Reflects in Your Life

Every tree is known by its fruit. A good tree produces good fruit, while a bad tree produces bad fruit. Similarly, the person or thing you align yourself with — your Master — will determine the kind of fruit your life bears. If your Master is Christ, your life will display the fruits of the Spirit:

On the other hand, if your life is dominated by worldly influences or personal desires, the fruits will reflect those sources — anger, lying, selfishness, cheating, jealousy, and the like.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Abiding in the True Vine

Jesus invites us to abide in Him, the True Vine, so that we may bear lasting, life-giving fruit. Abiding means a constant, daily connection — remaining in His Word, trusting His guidance, and allowing His Spirit to transform us. Without this connection, we are powerless to produce anything of eternal value.

But here’s the challenge: Are there branches in your life that do not bear fruit? Relationships, habits, or attitudes that are disconnected from Christ’s will? Jesus calls us to examine these areas and allow Him to prune away anything that hinders growth.

“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (John 15:2)

Let’s get honest. Who’s steering your life? Is it Jesus, or is it the never-ending to-do list? Maybe it’s fear, insecurity, or even that inner critic who never shuts up.

Jesus doesn’t want to be just a co-pilot; He wants the wheel. (And let’s face it, He’s a much better driver.) He wants to lead, guide, and transform us into reflections of His character. But that only happens when we let Him.

Who’s Sitting in the Driver’s Seat? 🚗

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46)

Oof. That one stings a little, doesn’t it?

Make Jesus Your Master 💖

If you’re ready to make Jesus your real Master, it’s not complicated. No rituals, no jumping through hoops. Just start here:

Admit You Need Him (Spoiler: We all do.)

Ask Him to Take Over Hand over the keys, the plans, and yes, even the worries.

Stay Connected. Read His Word, talk to Him (prayer counts!), and hang out with people who also love Him.

Bear Fruit. Let His Spirit produce love, joy, peace, and all that good stuff in you.

Final Thoughts 💡

So, who’s your Master? The fruits of your life will tell the truth. If it’s not Jesus, maybe it’s time to change that. Ask Him to prune away what doesn’t belong and start growing something eternal.

“ Choose this day whom you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)

And remember, life connected to the True Vine isn’t just about rules and rituals it’s about freedom. The kind of freedom that fills your soul with joy, your heart with peace, and maybe even your fridge with real fruit to celebrate. 🍉😉

Ready to make Him your Master? Let’s do this!

A Prayer of Surrender

Lord Jesus, I want You to be my Master. Forgive me for the times I have followed other voices or relied on my own strength. Help me to abide in You, the True Vine. Prune away anything in my life that does not bear fruit, and fill me with Your Spirit so that I may produce fruit that glorifies You. Amen.

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I Am Honored to Pray For You

If my blog has encouraged you or if you have any questions or prayer requests, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out.

SEND PRAYER REQUEST →

True Master.

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THE JOURNAL

DEVOTION & EXEGESIS

10 MIN READ

09 September 2025

.

Relationship Over Religion: My Journey to Knowing God

If you’re searching for something real, I’d encourage you to start there. Talk to God, even if it feels awkward at first. You might be surprised by how much He’s been waiting to talk to you too.

PRIYANKA MARTIN

Founder & Contemplative Author

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I

SEND PRAYER

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”

Mathews 6:26

H

appen to grew up in a Christian family, so Christianity was just part of my identity from the start. But honestly? It felt more like something I inherited than something I actually believed in. I went through the motions – reading the Bible, praying, and attending church – mainly to keep my parents happy and fit in with my community.

Then life threw some really hard stuff my way. I was completely overwhelmed, and my mind felt like it was stuck in this dark, lonely place. That’s when my dad shared a verse from the Bible with me. He said,

I don’t know what it was, but that verse hit me differently. It wasn’t just words anymore – it felt personal. It felt like God was talking straight to me, reminding me that He cared, even when I felt invisible.

“ Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”(Matthew 6:26).

That moment changed everything. Suddenly, the Bible wasn’t just this old book full of rules – it started to feel alive. I began to talk to God, not in rehearsed prayers but real conversations. And as I did, I realized I didn’t need to try so hard to be perfect or religious. I just needed to let God love me.

What I Learned: Relationship Over Religion

If there’s one big takeaway from my story, it’s this – religion can only take you so far. Real change happens when you stop trying to impress God and start actually knowing Him.

Jesus even said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.” God doesn’t want robots who follow rules; He wants friends who know Him personally.

So if you’re feeling stuck or weighed down by religious expectations, maybe it’s time to take a step back. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” It’s not about performing – it’s about connecting.

Final Thoughts

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

(John 15:15)

Companion Garment

I Am Honored to Pray For You

If my blog has encouraged you or if you have any questions or prayer requests, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out.

SEND PRAYER REQUEST →

And remember, life connected to the True Vine isn’t just about rules and rituals it’s about freedom. The kind of freedom that fills your soul with joy, your heart with peace, and maybe even your fridge with real fruit to celebrate. 🍉😉

Scriptural Anchor •

Looking back, I’m actually thankful for the struggles I faced. Without them, I might have stayed stuck in religion and missed out on the relationship God wanted to have with me.

If you’re searching for something real, I’d encourage you to start there. Talk to God, even if it feels awkward at first. You might be surprised by how much He’s been waiting to talk to you too.

Make Jesus Your Master 💖

If you’re ready to make Jesus your real Master, it’s not complicated. No rituals, no jumping through hoops. Just start here:

Admit You Need Him (Spoiler: We all do.)

Ask Him to Take Over Hand over the keys, the plans, and yes, even the worries.

Stay Connected. Read His Word, talk to Him (prayer counts!), and hang out with people who also love Him.

Bear Fruit. Let His Spirit produce love, joy, peace, and all that good stuff in you.

Now, I live in the peace of knowing I’m loved – not because I checked all the right boxes but because God is my Father, and I’m His child. And that’s what really matters.

For years, I was just checking off the boxes. My heart wasn’t in it. Over time, the pressure to keep up the religious act felt exhausting. I started questioning everything – especially God’s existence. Eventually, I gave up trying so hard and kind of drifted into this agnostic mindset. I wasn’t sure if God was real, and to be honest, I stopped caring.