RUSSJONES.US

Wow - faithSKILLS had a great class this morning. Don't forget that we start a new class next Sunday! Praise and Worship was awesome - Deanna did a great job with us this morning. It was great to have the Sisk family with us from Taiwan today. The skit but Betty, Anneka, Deanna, Maria and Samantha was great! Thank you guys! Tim did a great job with the BBQ shrimp and pasta. They are already planning next month! What a day!

A great faithSKILLS class on how to overcome fear. Sunday School classes for everyone! Great music and worship for service. Missionaries John and Joy Sisk from Taiwian - We LOVE missionaries. A great skit about going back to Egypt. A wonderful service Tim is cooking lunch - Shrimp pasta / chicken pasta / shrimp kabobs

This morning I am headed down to Loxahatchee to meet with 30 or so of our ministers. Bill Illnisky. pastor at Lighthouse Christian Center in West Palm Beach, is teaching the first hour about longevity in ministry. He should know he's done it for 54 years now! This guy knew Lester Summerall. Did you know that Lester married Betty's parents? Then I'm going to do an hour on stress and burnout. Can you be stressed when teaching about stress? Hmmm. Then Max Yeary, pastor at Christian Life Center in Ft. Lauderdale is going to teach on conflict resolution. This guy is one of my heros and I am extremely humbled to be teaching in the same seminar with him. We are going to have a great day! Be back this afternoon. Will try to twitter more. Go to www.twitter.com and my account name is russ_jones.

I heard this on the radio the other day. So what are your thoughts. It's a British reality TV show where a group of non-Christian volunteers work with a Reverend George Hargreaves and his team of mentors. Their goal is to teach them a more 'Christian' way of life. The Reverend and his team hope it can help halt the country's moral decline. I don't know if this is such a good idea. First of all there is no such thing as reality TV. It's still edited and scripted. Usually, successful TV shows in Britain make their way to the US. So what are your thoughts?

I am still in Romans 8. What a rich chapter for Christians to read. In verse 15 Paul says, "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear,..." Here he points out that salvation isn't the same as living as a sinner. This short phrase makes that clear. Fear is no longer your master motivator. But here is my thought. We spend a great deal of energy and time trying to convince people that Jesus is real and His message is truth. According to Paul, these people are a slave to fear. Shouldn't we work on helping them over come their fears (or perceived fears) about faith, Jesus, the Church and Christians? When I talk to people I can hear their fear in their voice. Most of them are seeking a solution and when one is offered they approach it with suspicion. Some would say that would be a prudent action to take. I would agree as long as it is motived out of wisdom, not fear. There is a fine line between suspicion and paranoia and it is determ

How many of you guessed that I am in Romans 8? Well you are right. " 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." I believe that Paul was trying to convey a message of hope rather than just stating a fact. However, it depends upon your perspective doesn't it? If you are condemned, being released is wonderful! If you have already entrusted your life to Jesus, then it would seem that this scripture is a bit anti-climactic. But not so. Read on. "And so he (Jesus) condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us,..." Jesus, who now lives in our hearts, condemned sin for us! If your not getting this yet keep reading. The Old Testament Law was powerless to forgive people of their sins because the sacrifice needed for that couldn't be offered. As great as Abraha

When life happens it doesn't seem to care whether it fits into your schedule or not. An accident or even a lingering illness can cause your to fall behind on a number of goals and responsibilities. Trying to "catch up" seems almost impossible. The question you have to ask yourself is, "Is this worth it?" I have fretted and fussed over things that as I look back were nothing more than a waste of time. I really thought that they were important, but in the end it didn't matter. So, what matters? Are the kids really going to end up in therapy if you don't take them to Disney World? What are the neighbors going to think about me if I don't mow the law today? When time is short and goals are long, ask yourself what will make a difference. If your going to make the sacrifice and "crunch it" then make it worth something. Set your heart and mind to please God, not men. When you do that then you will know what to do and how to do it every

The Barna Group has recently done a study on morality in America. I think you will find some of the stats very interesting. What are your thoughts? • 28% of adults cussed 64% of Mosaics (ages 18-25) 60% of Atheists 33% of Men 33% of Non-Christian Religions 24% of Women 19% of Baby Boomers (ages 44-62) 16% of Evangelicals • 20% of adults gambled (including purchased a lottery ticket) 25% of Catholics 23% of Men 18% of Protestants 15% of Women 2% of Evangelicals • 19% of adults intentionally viewed pornography 50% of Atheists 33% of Mosaics (ages 18-25) 32% of Non-Christian Religions 30% of Liberals 16% of Baby Boomers (ages 44-62) 12% of Evangelicals 8% of Conservatives • 12% of adults gossiped 34% of Atheists 26% of Mosaics (ages 18-25) 17% of Liberals 10% of Baby Boomers (ages 44-62) 9% of C

There are different definitions for this term and all of them relate to how you got yourself into the situation. Some people wait to the last minute and then it's, "crunch time" to get a project done. Sometimes life comes in larger doses than you can handle and again, "crunch time" is necessary to deal with it. Some times we choose to make the sacrifice and do what it takes to achieve a certain goal. I never like the first one, I am all to familiar with the second one and I enjoy the last one. This week is crunch time for me. Mostly from some of life's LARGE doses I had to deal with last week and some of them are certain goals that must be achieved. For Jesus, it seems that the first "crunch time" never happened to Him. That he was never late for an appointment or pressured to finish a project before a deadline. That's because he was always on God's time, never anyone elses. It isn't that the disciples didn't try to put pr

Have you ever had one of the moments when the light bulb goes off in your head and you get it? Well, this evening I was thinking about this past week (I have to admit it was a challenging one) and wonder, "Why is this happening?" (if you don't know, one zapped computer which resulted in lost time and work. I am now on my second power steering pump. Various other events that were quite challenging and to top of this evening either the our ipod or the sound system is having some kind of major issues.) Last Sunday some of you might remember that I talked about 90 Days to Make A Difference. Launching a number of ideas and possibilities to accomplish in the next 90 days. Is it no wonder that Satan would do all he can to try to stop these things. I don't know about you, but I am praying that not only we will accomplish what we set out to do, but that Satan will have to reimburse us for all the stuff he broke too!

What a week. First the computer now the car. The belt has been squeaking on the car and it has been getting worse. So Tom Rogers and I took a look at it. We fiddled with it and discovered the pump was bad. Replaced the pump - still squeaks but I think that will pass soon. (We got power steering fluid everywhere).

Over the years I have continually been amazed how some Christians approach sin and sinners. Paul, again in Romans 7 shows us something that we need to pay attention to in this regard. He points out that the law is powerless to save but that the Gospel is our only hope. I have watched many Christians over the years fail to seal the deal on some great personal evangelistic efforts because they will not ask the right question. It isn't that they don't ask a question at the right time - most Christians have pretty good timing when led by the Holy Spirit. It's that they ask the wrong question at the right time. After helping someone discover that Jesus loves them, that He can help their lives, that He does want to forgive them of their sins, that He does care about them. They ask us, what should we do? And we say (drum roll please) "Go to church." Survey says? (Bzzzzz!) Wrong answer. Now before pick up the phone or write an email to me, read on. How many pe

Have you ever heard anyone say, "I just want to be honest here." In the back of your mind your going, "uh,oh". That's because being transparent is a real and honest way is a Christian quality. Once which the world cannot duplicate. Paul, in Romans 7:21-25 is being very transparent with us. If you read it carefully you will hear the pain and anguish of his struggle. He is stressed over the face that there is a war going on between sin and God. His flesh wants to do what is wrong and his heart wants to do what is right in Gods will. It isn't easy, is it folks! Yet, many of us would never admit these kinds of struggles because it presents us a weak and frail. To admit something like this has to be humiliating for Paul. He indeed was one of the greatest Christians we have ever known and he struggles with this? It is comforting to know that in our struggles we are in good company. However, some still don't get it. Paul never used his struggle to

Did you ever think we would see the day when you couldn't work without a computer? What did we do before these things? Some of you have been asking what I got. A Mac of course, but think about it. I've used one for 27 years. Do you think that I am going to convert all those files to windows format now? Really. It's a MacBook Pro.

Well you will have to excuse me for the next few days. The logic board in my mac fried. When I told them it was 2 and a half years old - they didn't seem to surprised. Considering how much I used the thing I decided to sit down and figure it out. 2 and a half years a 8 hours a day (yes that would be a safe assumption) equals 6,424 hours I got out of it before this happened. I don't know, do you think that's good? Anyhow I should be up and running in the next 3 - 5 business days.

As with any book, you wait and read with the hope that it is as least as good as their last one. Mark will not disappoint you in the least. Wild Goose Chase answers some questions for me like, "Why are Christians who claim to be Spirit filled and empowered so weak and useless?" Because they don't follow the goose! Life isn't boring for Mark - if you don't believe me follow him on Twitter for a while. At some point your going to say to yourself - "I wish I was where he is right now." If you are struggling in your own walk with Christ, if your trying to get to the next level in your relationship with Him. Then Wild Goose Chase is a must read for you. The cages he describes are real and must be avoided at all costs. His illustrations, again, are awesome. Your going to love Wild Goose Chase and the Wild Goose is going to love you. Call you local Christian bookstore or go to www.chasethegoose.com and get your copy today.

Sitting at my computer . . . Electricity goes off for one second . . . Computer goes off . . . Electricity comes back on . . . No computer - GRRRRRR! Will be at the apple store tomorrow at 1:20 p.m. Pray it isn't anything major.

Resistance is a good thing. There I said it out loud. I have to admit that in a healthy environment, resistance helps to bring the best (or worst) out in people and circumstances. It's under pressure that we discover who we really are. This week I have been meeting some resistance - personal stuff. It isn't the end of the world - normal things that I have to deal with. Deadlines missed and projects pushed back. Minor disagreements with people and stuff like that. But it happens. My point is simple. If your going to get rid of the bad stress that is dragging your hope down the drain, you are going to meet some resistance. Don't think that for a minute the Devil is going to let go of any hold he has on you easily. Remember that if you submit your life to God you can resist Satan with the authority Jesus has given you and he must flee. I forgot that this week - but I promise you I am not going to forget it this week. So create some friction and do something differ

It's late, as you can tell from the time stamp on this entry. I just read day 7 of 10 days to less stress and I had to count my blessings. Some were obvious, some were painful. I appreciate even the tough things that God gives me to do. Sometimes I look at this stuff and say, "God, what were you thinking?" Then I realize not only the idea is crazy, but the fact he entrusts it to me should have Him certified. Can I get an amen? Following God is an adventure. It may be tough and sometimes painful - but it is never boring. Don't ever let that happen to you. When your relationship with Jesus is boring, there should be some alarms and bells going off. This is dangerous because there is nothing boring about God. So what about my blessings? Their not boring either. Oh some of them are aggravating, annoying and downright stubborn, but not boring. Thank God - I feel alive! I feel good! That's better than stress anyday of the week.

The question was, "What can you praise God for?" After all we can gripe, complain, mummer, whine and carry on about anything, anyone, anywhere. But can you praise God for . . . . ? Thank God for something right now - anything! Make it a good one too! Don't just grab the first thing that comes to mind. What are you truly thankful to God for!

Tomorrow I am going to make an announcement that you don't want to miss. Really it's a bunch of announcements that you don't want to miss. But I believe that you are going to really be impacted and excited about what God is doing here at FFWC!

Burnout is an awful thing. You feel awful and misery loves company. It's more than exhaustion and you need more than a vacation to get over it. I have a good friend who is a colonel in the armed forces. He's a doctor in psychiatry and is currently working in a very important position. I asked him recently his thoughts on this subject. His reply was that most people will not seek help or reach out to others. Instead people tend to find greater comfort in remaining professionally and personally isolated. What ensues is a decrease in the quality of ministry (or quality of life) and a sense of "entitlement" which sparks all kinds of aberrant behavior. Now we were talking about pastors in general. But I can identify this in everyone else. That last line really caught my attention, "a sense of 'entitlement'". We feel justified to do whatever because we just don't care anymore. We are burned out - so we sing Que Sera, Sera Whatever Will Be, Will Be. Tha

As you can see from the time of my entry that it's late. Tough day today - but it was good. I am tired but I feel alive. That's what has been happening to me day by day as I have chose to quit griping and complaining. I like it - I hope you do too! So after reading todays entry in your handout - what can you do to change your day today? I was wondering what to write and then something happened that can only be a God thing. Betty sat down in my office and told me something I didn't know. Each night, before Anneka and her go to sleep, they have a ritual that they do. They tell each other 3 things that happened today that they are thankful to God for. Doesn't seem like much, does it? Betty tells me that since they started doing it, both of them have been having a better, more restful sleep. It works on 4 and 44 year olds. Imagine that. So what three things are you thankful for that happened today?

My copy of Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson is here. If you remember, a few weeks ago they put out a call to all bloggers across the nation who would write a review of the book on their blog. I was one of the 300 chosen. I can't tell you if 10,000 applied or just 301 - sorry. Wow, I've got to have this done by Tuesday!

I am a sweet freak. I love anything sweet. I have really cut back on how much I use to eat. Probably need to cut back some more. But it is soooooo gooooood! When I know that there is something in the kitchen I like. I mean I really, really like. Forget the rules! Eat it! Don't let it go to waste! It was made for ME to eat! Key Lime pie with a tall glass of milk? Oooooo! Paul, in Rom. 7:5, tells us that our sinful nature is aroused by the law. Just like the person who says, "Now Pastor, you know that you shouldn't eat all those sweets." I'm thinking! "Oooo! Thank you for reminding me, I forgot, where's that cheese danish now?" The law offered no strength to keep you from doing what you shouldn't do. All it did was point out what was right and wrong. Therefore, when it did, just like that piece of Mississippi Mud, you had to go have it. Now can I say no to those sweets Yes I can and have done so very often, thank you very much

So for the next 24 hours your not going to try to complain. Some of you need to quit rolling your eyes up at me like that. Really, the next 24 hours. Listen to yourself. Now I've been doing this myself and I can tell you two things. 1 - I didn't like what I heard. 2 - I complained about how much I was complaining. I know that the last one sounds a little weird, but trust me - it will happen. What has come of all of this? I quit stressing as much as I have been recently. Bottom line is this. The person causing the most stress in my life is - ME!! I have a suspicion that this truth applies to you also. Don't wait for people to line up with your way of thinking. Don't waste time trying to get others to do what will make you happy. At some point you have to turn this stuff over to God and let Him deal with it. Think about this today - God NEVER stresses! Hmmmm! Interesting! Those of you who read this blog entry, will enjoy Sunday's video. It will be

I have been following the Olympics just like everyone else and still I am amazed how the unlikely and improbably rise to the occasion and do the unlikely and improbable. These athletes have one goal in mind. Gold. They see themselves doing what it takes moment by moment so they can stand on the podium and receive the highest honors in the land. In Rom. 6:15 - 23 Paul reminds us that we will be a slave to sin or righteousness. Sin leads to death but righteousness leads to eternal life. I don't know how many people have told me, "I want to go to heaven!" They work and strive to achieve that goal for themselves but forget the goal. "Hold it? I thought the goal was heaven, pastor?" No, that's the reward! (Matt 5:12) The goal is righteousness. Just like an olympic athlete see yourself moment by moment, day by day doing the unlikely and improbable. Paul tells us plainly that faith leads to obedience, obedience leads to righteousness, righteousness lead

So the whole F+A=B may be new to you. I first used it over 15 years ago when I was pastoring in Coral Springs. Using the text from James that says faith without works is dead - I desired to help people understand that God wants to bless us - we just have to want the blessing. Now you might think here, "I want it! I want it! I believe you and I think that God does too. But do you see the blessings that God gives you? The blessing of doing something for someone today is one of the greatest blessings of all. First of all look at people the same way God does. He created them and He loves His creation. Sure they do rotten things, but He still loves them and sent His Son to die for them anyway. So purpose in your heart to treat someone extra special today. This isn't hard now, just follow along here. #1 Smile at someone. A big grin from ear to ear. See what they do. Most people grin in response! #2 Do something kind for someone. Buy them a candy bar. Tell them you th

I don't like commercials. Very few of them hold my attention. They are loud and some offensive. They will do anything to get your attention and if it wasn't for the FCC, believe me we would be shocked. In reality the only commercials I know that people want to watch are the ones shown during the Superbowl. So imagine my surprise when I found a commercial in the Bible. Rom. 6:1 - 14 Paul tells us that if we are dead to sin, then we are alive in Christ. No "dead zones" here people. We have a NEW life! Our ability to sin can die! Death frees us from sin. Sure when we die and go to heaven we are free from sin. But Paul wants us to understand that when we die to sin right NOW we can be alive in God through Jesus right NOW! That they key to NOT sinning is to offer your body as an instrument to God for his purposes and plans. So where's the commercial? Vs. 14 "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." Ok

I worked for a pastor who gave me 7 days off in 2 and half years. Lived in a neighborhood where the ambulance would not come without a police escort. Totaled 2 cars and had 1 accident. Almost got a divorce. Worked for another pastor, who as it turns out was an alcoholic in the making. I have been through 3 church splits. Had one treasurer steal from the church. Had my life threatened I don't know how many times. I've been electrocuted by lighting via a typewriter. I've been called a racist, a bigot, incompetent, stupid, immoral and a number of other words I would never repeat here. I've been told by people close to me that I am a disappointment, a failure, that I could have done something great with my life and that I should quit the ministry. I have lived in trailers, rv's, cabins, apartments, condos and slept on air mattresses and even couches. Been robbed 3 or 4 times. That's the short list. If I focused on all of this stuff, I would get depressed. If I lived

Have you ever been in the car, with your family, and you're going out to eat. You're not really that hungry for anything so you ask, "Where do you guys want to eat?" You hear, "McDonald's! No, Burger King! How about pizza! Yech! Chick-Fil-A! No!" Then the thought crosses your mind that you should stop the car in the middle of this intersection, get out, walk away and don't look back. So, you make a decision, BBQ! "Oh no! Why here! Oh can't we go someplace else!" Now that you have made a decision, you have rebellion on your hands. Solution? They can eat at another table. The problem is simple. There was no purpose or reason for eating together as a family. The question was asked in such a way that individuals, not the family would answer it. There was no leadership, therefore, anyone stepped up to the plate and took charge. So when you finally make a decision no one wants to yield their position of new found authority and civil war ensue

What to know what tomorrows question will be? What do you have to praise God for?

I've said before, "Sin is fun.", in a worldly twisted kind of way. But sin leads to death. Death isn't something any of us are rushing to, if anything we are running away from it. There is no getting around it though. Sin - leads - to - death. Let that soak in a moment. There is nothing, I mean nothing, on earth or in heaven that is going to change that. Now isn't that stressing? So while sin may be fun - it is going to stress you out! Let me explain. Recently I have been made aware of or noticed how other people destroy their marriages and relationships. Now follow along here and read carefully. Marriages and families are destroyed by infidelity. Relationships are destroyed by the couple committing an acts of sin together. Then they stand around and are genuinely surprised. After this happens a few times it's not wonder that they start having emotional problems connecting with others. Details are not necessary, but you get the picture. Then we

This morning as I was reading some of my blogs I kept seeing a reoccurring theme. "I've been depressed." "I'm hurting." "I need help." These comments are from pastors and leaders. Depression, as one mental health specialist defines it, is the common cold of mental health. Everyone gets depressed, the question is, are you going to stay that way? All of us have had our ups and downs. Some are minor while others feel like the first drop on a big roller coaster. This doesn't mean that your bi-polar, it means that you are alive. Satan would have you believe that once your down you can't get up. I've watched a few prize fights and if there is one thing that amazes me it's when a fighter gets up after getting hit so hard they can't stand up. Doesn't seem like a good idea at the time, but fighters don''t quit - they fight for the prize. When Paul tells us to fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12) it leads me to

I just got conformation today that I am one of 300 bloggers across the country that will be reviewing the new Mark Batterson book, Wild Goose Chase .

Remember Sunday's question? Am I free? Well, are you? Stress can come from being bound to something or someone else. We choose who or what we are bound to. Recently I discovered that I am bound to yelling a people who can't seem to make a decision while driving in the middle of the road, especially while in front of me. I really just need to get over it - who cares? Recently I watched a good friend lose his wife to cancer. That's stress people. But his love for his wife bound him to the end. He misses her deeply and it hurt. But he will rebound and God will bless Him for his faithfulness again and again. Who or what you are bound to really determines if you are free doesn't it? Doesn't make any sense you say? I know. But I've discovered that I am free when bound to Jesus.

I just wrote my previous entry and then Deana sent this to me. Perfect! Thanks D.

What get's you going? I mean what really motivates you? What is it that lights you up and gets your blood pumping? When you hear, see or read about it, it gets your attention. Now is whatever, "it" is positive or negative? In other words, is what motivates your life something that excites you or depresses you. For many people much of their life is motivated by what is negative around them and/or about themselves. Stats show that we as Americans are becoming more negative about life and their future everyday. That it is showing up in our productivity and in how we relate to others. Now this isn't the, "What goes around comes around." speech because I don't believe in karma and we're not Hindus. But there is a difference between a person who chooses to be motivated by what is good, pleasing and in the perfect will of God (Rom 12:2) verses the person who chooses to be manipulated by this worlds opinions, actions and decisions. So? What gets

According to Fox News Tyson chicken negotiated a contract with the Shelbyville, Tenn. plant that trades Labor Day with Eid al-Fitr, the last day of Ramadan. Apparently 250 of the 1200 employees at this particular factory are Somali Muslims who entered the United States as political refugees.

Denny's is not closed. It's hard to tell and you have to look really, really close, but it's open. No one inside and as far as I could tell there was only one waitress. This is just strange, but I'll keep you updated.

It's funny how you pay attention to things that you have not noticed before. Buy a certain car, or just think about buying it and all of a sudden you notice them everywhere you go. Stress is a part of life, but until you think about it you just don't know how much you deal with. That was what I was thinking last night as I screamed (no, I didn't lose my religion) at my computer. What should have been a 1 hour project turned into 6. Grrrrr! But with patience and work I finally reached that place in the internet known as the Promise Land. Then I was reminded of Deanna Shrodes blog from Sunday. After I had preached on how not reaching your Promise Land is a big reason why Christians are stressed out. This is what she had to say. "FOUR KEYS TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T GO INTO THE PROMISED LAND: 1) Fix your eyes on the obstacles instead of the goal. 2) Compare what you lack with what others possess. 3) Allow fear to take control of your situation. Your desire for re

Shortly after my last entry, Google apparently had a prayer meeting and decided to fix whatever was driving us all crazy this evening. Because they are in California, they don't have to deal with the 3 hour difference. So while it is just 11 p.m. to them, it's 2 a.m. to me. Why did I stay up and do it? I had done so much work to the site that there was nothing left to it. It took me this long just to get the basics back up. I will work on it some more tomorrow, errr I mean today, later. At least vote on the poll and tell me what you think about it.

Blogger, who is the host of this blog, is apparently having a meltdown. I am trying desperately to get things back up and running. If all else fails, I'll find a new host.

Am I free? That's the question. If you were not here this morning, I preached how we we can be Christians but still be in slavery to the ways of sin. Remember when you lived in sin and how you thought like a sinner? Sometimes we can still think that way, can't we? So are you free from you old way of thinking and is God helping you discover new, less stressful, ways to live.

Remember that our question last week was. "How has God changed you?" So how did you do? What did God do in your life this week?

Denny's in Stuart is closed. I have to say it. Praise God! Not that there weren't some good waiters and waitresses in there. Or that there wasn't some good cooks. There were more bad ones though that went along with more bad food and wrong orders than I could count. I would wait about 6 months and try again. I can't understand how one place could hire so many people with a bad attitude. All you had to do was listen and WOW would you get an earful. How it stayed open this long I have no idea. But when times got tough apparently peoples pallets got an education and started spending their money on better food. When I would meet someone who use to work there I would ask them, "Are you glad that you left there?" The responses I got are a little too colorful for this blog. Negative attitudes are contagious, aren't they? Being in a place where there seems to be an epidemic is torture! Now bow your head and thank God that He doesn't have that ki

That's a good question. Why do we want to know Him? What are the reasons that we want Him in our life? As I read Rom 4:13-14 I see where Paul points out that Abraham and his kids didn't receive the promises of God just because God said so. They received the promises because they were in a right relationship with Him (righteousness). Abraham and his children wanted to have a relationship with God and because of it they received His promises. I have known people who came to church, prayed and did good works so that God would bless them. That if they were good then God would have to keep His promises because, "He said so!" As you can guess they were disappointed. Do you have a relationship with God so you can reap the benefits? Or do you know Him because you want Him to be the center and focus of your life? There is a huge difference between the two. Some would say, "Well if I have the right relationship with HIm, then I will be blessed anyway." Ma