The evening of Thursday, November 6, 2008 brought another first to Eastpoint Family Church--the beginning of our midweek service. With praise on our lips and worship in our hearts, we began a six week study on John Bevere's book Drawing Near. The challenge of the evening came when we were encouraged to study those issues and habits that keep us from true intimacy with God. As Christians, we carry worldly "baggage" around that can weigh us down and distract us. We get so caught up in our daily issues, that we forget to let God "check our bags".
In addition, we learned how valued we are as one of God's children and how He passionately wants a relationship with us. The bible gives numerous examples of people God has drawn near to, people like Moses, Enoch, and Samuel. In the book Drawing Near, John Bevere makes a profound statement that really brought the evening's teachings home. If we were worth one cent less to God than Jesus, He would not have ransomed Jesus for us. God does not make bad investments.
As the service came to an end, each of us were encouraged to pray and ask God to take the "baggage" we carry that is keeping us from true intimacy with Him. As we prayed, we were instructed not to pick that "bag" back up, but instead ask the Holy Spirit to help us if were are tempted to grab and run with that "carry-on" during the week. Next Thursday looks to be another wonderful service as we learn how to protect our hunger for the Lord. We look forward to seeing you at 6:50.
