I love a quip I recently read that said, “Religion is a man sitting in church thinking about fishing.  Relationship is a man fishing thinking about God.”  There is so much truth in that simple thought! Let’s explore it together.

One thought about the contrast between ‘religion’ and ‘relationship’ is that the two can clearly indicate whether we are living “God’s way” or “man’s way.”  Consider that ‘religion’ is essentially man’s attempt to reach God.  It focuses on self-determination, self-motivation, self-control, etc…  Contrastingly, ‘relationship’ is God’s way of reaching man.  When we enter into a relationship with God through Christ, we are essentially emptying ourselves, no longer being self-focused but daily living Christ-focused.

Let’s reawaken our relationship with God through Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit!  Let’s continue growing as a ministry leaders known for their love of Christ and others.  You may ask, “Pastor Gary, what is the best way for me to revitalize my relationship with God?”  My answer is simply, “Go beyond in the Word and Prayer!”  Make a commitment to reach new levels in His Word and prayer!  It will change your life now and forever!  Consider this quote from Leonard Ravenhill.

“No man is greater than his prayer life. The pastor who is not praying is playing; the people who are not praying are straying. We have many organizers, but few agonizers; many players and payers, few pray-ers; many singers, few clingers; lots of pastors, few wrestlers; many fears, few tears; much fashion, little passion; many interferers, few intercessors; many writers, but few fighters. Failing here, we fail everywhere.”

Be determined not to fail!  Grow your relationship with God through new levels of the Word and prayer!

-Pastor Gary

On Another Note, Alisa and I constantly rejoice of how God works through the CMT sites to bless leaders all around the world.  It is truly amazing that we can connect, share, and empower each other in ways that weren’t available just 20 years ago.  Early this past Saturday, I received an email letter from a leader who had just discovered the many resources at http://childrensministry.org/estore.  She was overly thrilled with all of the KidMin download possibilities available to her.  Throughout the day, she downloaded free resources and also took advantage of the 50% Off special we are featuring for CMT’s 19th Anniversary online for the remainder of this week.  Our hearts’ desire is to be available for God to use this in blessing you and your ministry!  We love you and pray over you!