Afternoon Thoughts-Who do you know?:

         
          James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
         
          I've known my wife for almost thirteen years and it would seem that I know her pretty well. But every once in a while, she says or does something that surprises me -- and I think to myself "Wow, I guess I didn't know her as well as I thought!" The more time I spend with her, the more I get to know her -- her heart, her character -- the more we become intimate.
         
          The same is true with any relationship but especially our most important relationship, that is, our relationship with the Lord.
         
          There's really no going around it. True intimacy doesn't come in an instant. It takes time. If we want to be close to the Lord, we must spend time with Him -- getting to know Him -- His heart -- His character.
         
          Do you feel distant from the Lord? Let's commit to spending some special time with Him -- not only making requests and telling Him about our problems, but maybe listening a little. Perhaps there are some things He'd like to tell us!          
         
          There is much work to do for the Kingdom! Let's make intimacy with our Father a top priority so that we are able to get that work accomplished! (George, Baht Rivka, Elianna & Obadiah)