Monday, February 6, 2012

Relationship or Religion?

Henry Blackaby may be the most spiritually sensitive person I have ever known.  I met him long before he became well-known as the author of Experiencing God.  He spoke at some of our regional college retreats when he was a pastor in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

I love reading the devotional thoughts that he and his son, Richard, wrote for Experiencing God Day by Day.  They are short but pithy.

Here is what they said in a recent devotional:  "Christianity is an intimate, growing relationship with the person of Jesus Christ.  It is not a set of doctrines to believe, habits to practice, or sins to avoid.  Every activity God commands is intended to enhance His love relationship with His people . . . Religious activity apart from fellowship with God is empty ritual . . . Don't settle for a religious life that lacks a vital relationship to Jesus Christ.  When God is present, the difference will be obvious." 

If that made you think, maybe you should get a copy of the book.  Or, you could access it online at http://www.blackaby.net/.