RECAP OF TODAY'S DISCUSSION

Today Jeff Callender posed this question to the group: "Why is it some never seem to enjoy a close relationship with God? What are some things in our lives that hinder intimacy with God?" After some discussion, Jeff shared two reasons from Francis Chan's book:

1. Comfort (Some live their lives too safe, avoiding any discomfort) Chan wrote "From my own experience, I have felt closest to God when nearness to Him was a necessity. I have found that suffering drives us to God, whether it's physical or even things like a parent worrying about their prodigal. 

2. Volume (Maybe our lives are too loud). "In the craziness of our world it takes tremendous effort to find quiet time with God." When things are going really well, sometimes we tend to ignore our relationship with God. 

Francis suggested that each one consider doing this. "Ask the Holy Spirit to enable you to set everything else aside right now so that you can seek Him wholeheartedly. Tell God that you want intimacy with Him, no matter what it means on your part. When this relationship with Him is as it should be, there is nothing more satisfying or meaningful. 

The video allowed us to peek in on Chan's relationship with his kids. This brief video is really worth the view time. Click HERE. 

Next week we will discuss Chapter 6: "Forget About God's Will for your Life" 

In this chapter Chan says, "I think a lot of us need to forget about God's will for my life. God cares more about our response to His Spirit's leading today, in this moment, than about what we intend to do next year. In fact, the decisions we make next year will be profoundly affected by the degree to which we submit to the Spirit right now, in today's decisions.