I must tell you of the most wonderful experience I just had.  We have been in Costa Rica looking for a home to possibly buy and retire down there.  It is so beautiful.  The people are so friendly and it is just a different – slower lifestyle.  They call it the Pura Vida (the pure life) and it truly is.

I went out on our balcony to do my quiet time with the Lord and I had the most incredible feeling of His presence.  It was overwhelming.  Tears began to run down my cheeks and I was filled with joy and peace.  I couldn’t stop praising Him for all His glory and beauty. I was so aware of His goodness and mercy. It was the most precious feeling.  I felt completely loved and could almost reach out and touch Him.  I will never stop praising Him for allowing me that time with Him.  It was so precious, my encounter with God.

As I reflect on it now I want to feel that way again.  I want to be so close that I can lean back on His chest as the Disciple John did at the Last Supper.  My experience may be a once in a lifetime thing.  I don’t know, but I am going to spend more time with Him each day in prayer and studying His Word in hopes that I can feel that way more often.  James 3:8 says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

We must spend time with Him to truly know Him.  He has given us His Word so that we can actually spend time with Him.  We can begin to know Him on a close, personal relationship.

I pray you will take this to heart and spend more time with Him.  I am going to do so.  I loved my encounter with God and I want to be able to feel that close again.