Do you ever think, “Why bother? Why bother studying the Word, praying, reading the Bible, meditating on God’s Word, worshiping and/or fasting?” Have you decided that none of these individually or collectively bring you a sense of peace, joy, or a knowing that you are drawing closer to God?

 

Have you spent a few minutes here or there performing your spiritual duty and wondering why your prayers have yet to be answered? Is time spent with your Creator drudgery or one of anticipation? Is it routine or spontaneous? Does this time bring you joy or is it one more item on your to-do list?

 

Now think of a relationship that is very important to you. Think of someone who you long to be with or look forward to seeing. Perhaps it is a very dear friend, a grandparent, a child, a spouse, or someone you are dating. How did this relationship develop? Did the bond of intimacy and trust blossom overnight? Or did you invest time and self in growing this relationship?

 

How much time are you spending in prayer, reading the Bible, or worshiping? In our fast-paced, multi-tasking culture are you looking for a button pushing or otherwise easy to obtain relationship with the King of kings? Do you desire the instantaneous results in your interactions with our Lord that you get at an ATM machine, instant messaging, or texting?

 

This Lent, why not consider a different approach? Meet your Divine Friend over a cup of coffee, tea, juice, or cocoa in the morning and have a chat. It could go something like this: “Good morning my Friend, I’d like to get to know You better. I usually do most of the talking - asking You for things. What would You like me to do today?” Then wait with hopeful anticipation.

 

Or meet God in the evening. Instead of spending hours in front of the TV before bedtime, try something a bit different. The scenario can be much the same as the one above or take Him with you on a walk, bike ride, or even as you cook a meal. You may find that if you include God in the ordinariness of your life, taking time to bask in His loving presence, your life will become a richer walk on this earth - or even in your neighborhood.

How often do we treat God as if He were a genie - just a rub of the lamp and our wishes are granted? Why not try something a bit different today? Seek Him with all your heart and He will be found (Jeremiah 29:13).

 

Let’s do ministry together!

 

You are loved,

Pastor Karen