A Relationship

Greetings~
1 Peter 1:2 (in part) Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

Earlier this year I read and listened to a CD of the New Testament. (great way to spend your time when your driving). Then I went to Genesis and began reading the Old Testament. Now I'm reading in Joshua. 

As I've shared before, the Lord is speaking to me about 'digging in deeper', to not just read, but study.  To REALLY get to know Him and grow in my relationship with Him.  God's timing is so right on!  I receive a daily journal entry from Mike Clarke (Papi as he is known to the children at Casa on the Rock orphanage in Guatemala).  He shares what is happening with the children, and also shares a short teaching.  I just read his most recent entry.   I want to share a portion of it with you.

Joshua was told by God "As I was with Moses so I will be with thee". Wow! He was telling Joshua "I want a relationship with you!" That is what Christianity is supposed to be for all of us. It is not a religion, it is a relationship. It is His presence in my life. You know that Joshua must have been so scared! Felt so inadequate! Doubted his own ability!

When God was dealing with the heart of Moses He told him in Genesis 33:14 "My presence will go with you" and then He follows up in the same chapter verse 15 with Moses saying "If you do not go with me I do not want to go".
Moses had asked the Lord for 3 things. First, "Teach me your ways". We should all want to know His ways so we can follow Him wherever He leads. Second, "Let me know you". I cannot say that I know God if I do not know His Word. Third, "Let me live in your favor". Again without knowing His Word you cannot know Him and without knowing Him you cannot live in the favor of God. It is His favor to us that gives God pleasure.

If God is not pleased with us He will not be present in our daily lives. God shows the world the difference between His children and them is His divine presence. He is not in fellowship with the ungodly. To have church without His presence is to go through motions that do not change the lives of anyone. If God is not pleased with us then He demonstrates that by removing His presence.

How can I please Him? I will suggest some ways tomorrow morning.

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Visit http://www.casaontherock.org/newsandevents/mikesjournal/ to read more of Mike's journal entries.

I am settling in over here in Idaho.  It is still cool and rainy. This week the weather is suppose to warm up. I am so very looking forward to some warmth!
The church I am attending has small group bible studies, and many opportunities to serve in the church. I just finished the 'hi and welcome' 101 class that tells you what their foundational beliefs are.  I am pleased to say it is very similar to Calvary Chapel. (my home church of 14 years).
Every one here is very friendly, from church, to the grocery store (where the checkers actually look at you and talk to you, haha) to the local Harley dealership, to the fabric and shoe store.  I am amazed at what a friendly place this is. 
The dots are starting to connect at my new job. That's always a nice thing when it starts to make sense!!
My friend that I'm house sitting for, set me up a little sewing station so I can work on my grandsons quilt.  :)

Overall; things are good. God has given peace about being here, He is providing for my needs.  I enjoy the phone calls from my church family, and my friends in NC.  I think of them and look forward to seeing everyone again in Aug. before I go to Guatemala.

God had dealt with me for a few months now about stepping out in faith. I have done so, and He is faithful, (just like He tells us in His word)!! imagine that! LOL~ but it is truly an amazing feeling to know that the God of the universe, LOVES YOU, and CARES ABOUT ALL THE LITTLE DETAILS OF YOUR LIFE.....

WOW! No words can describe how FREEING a feeling it is to be IN HIM and allow Him to live and work in your life.
If you don't know Him, or if you've drifted away, He is STILL there waiting for you to turn to Him, repent (turn from your ways) and turn to Him. He WILL do all the 'house cleaning' in your life, you just have to accept His free gift of eternity with Him. 
Act 3:19 NIV - Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Jhn 3:16 KJV - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Rev 22:17 NKJV - And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

Rev 22:21 NKJV - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you all. Amen.

Kim