I think the Lord has answered our prayers big time! The group has really started off on the right foot for the new year.
My wife and I came home from vacation to a message on our answering machine. It was a couple that we had talked to at a Christmas party in 2007. They expressed interest in joining the group. Now they've been to a few meetings and it seems like they have always been a part of us. What a blessing they are.
We have another man who we had not seen in a long time show up at a meeting. He has really blessed us too. I always enjoy when folks show up and jump right in.
It also appears that the "veterans" of the group have renewed energy. The conversations have been challenging and most of all encouraging. I think that the few weeks off at the end of last year did a world of good.
Our direction is starting to come into focus. The Lord is encouraging us to draw closer to Him. In drawing closer to Him a bond is starting to form in the group. We are no longer content with head knowlege of God, we want a relationship with Him.
This past week we talked about being more than religious. God doesn't just want a part of our lives, He wants the whole thing! Matthew 10: 37-39, " “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it."
"But if you give up your life for me, you will find it." In giving up our lives for Him we find life in Him. It's a paradox, it's truth, and it's encouraging.
