"My story is important not because it is mine, God knows, but because if I tell it right, the chances are you will recognize that in many ways it is also yours. Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I,of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories, in all their particularity,as I have long believed and often said, that God makes himself known to each of us most powerfully and personally." -Frederick Buechner



Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Living With God

It's one of my favorite times of the year, Okoboji Lakes Bible and Missionary Conference time. This year marks our 10th year here. Each year amazes me.  It is such a mix of old time tent meetings and yet is totally "up to date."  I'm sitting in the "tabernacle" at this moment. It's a building with a roof and floor but two of the side walls are huge garage-type doors.  They open and we put out the awnings and everything that goes on inside is open to all the passers-by.  Yet as I look at the stage it's full of musicians practicing at the moment. They have lights and sound. The words are on screens.  But in the last 1/2 hour I've heard hymns that are my parents favorites and contemporary christian music as well. We've already met missionaries from around the world and been taught by some local favorites.  Why am I telling you all this?  Because although the theme for this year is "Restored Rejoice" (Psalm 23:2-3) there is another theme going on here. Simplicity - focused life.  Life is about relationships. (period) We were created for relationship - with God.  He made a way for us to get to know Him and live with Him eternally.  We can use big words. We can write long dissertations but it all boils down to the fact that God loves us.  He loves us enough that He sent His one and only son to die on the cross for our sins.  Jesus' blood was shed so that we might be made clean. The Bible says we are made "white as snow". Why? So we can have relationship with Him. He did the "work" but we have to accept it. It's up to us how much of this relationship we will choose to accept/allow into our lives.  Our morning Bible teacher, Skye Jethani made the comment this morning that "the gospel"is not how we get to heaven. It's how we getto God.  There is a difference.  God didn't send His son, Jesus just to save us from eternal damnation. He saved us to give us life as well as freedom from eternal damnation!

Are you saving your relationship with God for heaven? Why? Living life with God is AMAZING! I can testify to this!
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