Relationship - Most important

So I called my sister tonight and talked for like 2 hours! We talked about some pretty deep stuff on the phone but also some pretty light stuff too (LOL), I told her that through taking this art class that I have been inspired to create some art... she then reminded me it has been a while since I updated my blog. WOW it has hasn't it?? So I sit here and wonder what to say... well....

God is Good... or have I already mentioned that a time or two? I could make a list a mile long, but I think the most important one on the list is "relationship". See... too many people put so much into denomination and doctrine that they move into vain repetition and stage performance worship. What happened to the good 'ole one on one relationship with the lover and savior of our soul? Isn't that salvation and service what God is looking for? I mean don't get me wrong... doctrine and denomination is important in guiding us to do what is right and helps direct us down straight paths, but if you have examined your life, accepted Christ as your savior because of the sins you have, are and will commit, repented and turned your life over to Christ... isn't the relationship with him what matters most?

When we are hurting, he is our friend and comforter. When we are scared, he is our protection and shelter. When we are happy, he is a friend walking side by side laughing with happy heart too. He is our everything. Anything you could ever want in a person, he is.

Brandon and I were witnessing to one of our little bible buddies on Sunday night (1st grade) and he was able to repeat the things we said, and he understood... but he doesn't have that deep understanding yet for the need of salvation. Should we continue to talk to him? I think the answer is no, we shouldn't "convince him", because he may falsely think he is saved when he doesn't. We have planted that seed, now we should pray for him, water the plant... and feed him with more scripture, and ever so often hint on the need of salvation. But to "convince" someone of something they haven't come to know by questioning their heart isn't them giving over to God... it is them giving over to man. That is not what should happen.

I challenge you to view your own heart. Do you have the "Mighty Messiah that Manifests Miracles down in the depths of your heart"? (Veggie Tales Song). When you die, where will you go? If you said heaven... think and answer why do you deserve to go there? The bible tells us we don't deserve heaven... our sin deserves hell and the bible also tells us we are all sinners and that is our destiny... but because he loved us so much, he sent his only son to take our sin and for him to BECOME sin, Christ was forsaken by God (because God doesn't "know" sin). But wow... so many people think that is the "end" of the story... the glorious thing is that it isn't. 3 days later Christ was risen (He is risen indeed!) and is now alive in the believers hearts as well as the right hand of the father.

He gives us a choice of heaven or hell. The path is so easy! John 14:6 (by Jesus) "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, and NO MAN comes to the father but by ME". In other words... he is the only way to get to heaven... there are not many paths.

I challenge you my friends to review your own lives and search within your own heart...

Do you have the "RELATIONSHIP"?

Distracted

So, I am sitting here wondering why it is that every time I sit down to read my history lessons my eyes want to SLAM shut, but as soon as I move away from it I am awake. I am distracted. But what am I distracted about? Nothing in particular... my mind just wants to wander... it continually wanders towards heaven. What do I mean by that? Well... I just start thinking about God and his creation. All of these things he has created for his glory and my enjoyment, Oh wait, is it for me? When I look up in the sky on a cloudy day, I think of my sister telling me "All clouds have flat bottoms" and it makes me smile and laugh and remember all the good stuff. When I see a butterfly it reminds me of how short life is, but the beauty it becomes in the end. When I hear the wind outside, it reminds me to be thankful for the shelter provided. God really does care for me. What a wonderful feeling. I am so blessed. I went for a short walk today at work outside and the sun shone on my face, the wind whispered through the air, a cool breeze passed by me, the clouds were beautiful and all I could do was say "Thank You God"... What more could I say?