READ: Mark 14:32-36; Romans 8:15-16

THINK: The above reading from Mark recounts an emotional time in the life of Jesus. He knows that the time of His death is near. As He is praying , he refers to our Heavenly Father as "Abba". The most accurate translation from the Greek to English is "daddy." This is not the word that Jewish worshippers used for God. It is the term of endearment that Hebrew children still use today for their fathers.

For those of us at Timberlake Issaquah we heard Pastor Rusty speak about his son standing next to his bed and stating ,"Daddy, I just want to be near to you " I had a glimpse into the heart of God. How He must rejoice at the sound of our voices as we choose to be close to Him! There are so many distractions in life.

We feel pulled in all directions and measure our success in terms of accomplishments and items checked off the to do list. How do we pursue stillness with a sense that it is ok? How do we sit in God's presence waiting to hear His message to us through the Bible, prayer or silence? We just chose to do it. All of us find time to do the things we find important. Maybe that is the hard question... Do I desire to have a close relationship with God? Am I willing to make life changes conducive to growing closer to God?

If, I answer YES to that question, then my next step is to start connecting with God on a regular basis. That connection is considered worship - "to have intense love or admiration". Pastor Rusty gave a challenge for us to think about the five  areas of worship he discussed and pick one that we need to focus on for personal growth.

Here are the Five: Making Music, Dancing, Giving, Lifting my hands, Stillness and Meditating.

DO: Pick one of the areas of worship from the above list and ask God to grow you in that area.

I have chosen one and will start today. The best accountability is to tell another what you plan to do then ask them to remind you.

PRAY: Thank you dear Heavenly Father for loving us first. Forgive us for times of forgetfulness and fear. Lead us into deeper relationships with You. May we desire to know You more deeply every day and demonstrate true affection towards You. AMEN.