Drawing Near To God? Hebrews 10:22-25

Oh No. Please don't ask me the "How's your relationship with God?" question!
I guess that's how a lot of us feel when we talk about drawing near to God, at least I do anyway (unless I've had a particularly good week!). Still, better to be honest when it comes to these things. Apparently if you do something repeatedly for thirty days it becomes a habit (I'm sure it's less for nose picking, spot squeezing etc) and so one thing that has worked is to have a daily devotion for thirty days as a start.
Another tip this morning was to keep a journal of the things that stand out to us in our devotions, it's surprising how these times can add up. We also thought about all doing the same devotions as a group so that we can encourage one another more readily (I think Jim said I need to go to a church in Hawai to investigate further).
We also mentioned all that we're missing out on by not studying more deeply. The verses that we take at face value (or gloss over) can contain a message that we miss out on.
An important observation was that society doesn't program us to spend 'quiet times' listening to God. It's not really very efficient use of our time, not very Alpha male. A bit like the Pledge 'I owe everything to him. I will do anything for him. Everyday'. It's not always easy to hand over control and yet this is the privelege that we have if we want to.

"I don't know what I believe....... but I know that Jesus died for me"

I hope everyone has managed to see Carls story and hear his words that I've used in the title. Words he spoke when he first came to know Jesus.

The verses that really spoke to Carl soon after were Heb 13:5 "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" and Rom 8:15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Knowing God will never leave us can bring amazing confidence. He is there in all of our situations (it was also pointed out in our group that it can be awkward sometimes when we know we're not doing Gods will!). For some knowing God as our Father isn't always straight forward as we have many different experiences of fatherhood. Some people reflected more on their experience of God the Father helping in their role as a parent.

Thinking about the importance of the Chritian faith not becoming a set of rules and with Easter fast approaching I was reminded of Jesus's promise before he was crucified.

Luke 22:20
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Jeremiah 31:33
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the LORD. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

Food for thought.....?