It's our choice

hey guys, I just remembered that I was meant to get back to you with that verse I was looking for during our last lifegroup--- and I found it =)

It was Deut 30:11-20
I'll take some bits out from it-but its good to read the whole thing
God says "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach... No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it.... This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.... "

and also Josh 24:15- the Israelites were told to chose for themselves who they would serve

its very clear- God gives everyone the choice whether to follow Him or not- we all have to face that question that Jesus asked Peter: who do you say that I am? Matt 16:15
even Jesus did not force anybody to stay with him - John 6:66 'you do not want to leave too, do you? ' he asked his disciples...

and it made me think that there is something really amazing about knowing God and Jesus- that people choose to follow him- and give up their personal dreams and ambition for the sake of His will... even enduring all sorts of persecution... even dying for their faith- Hebrew 11:35-38

so - asking myself: do I really KNOW Jesus in this way?... after being brought up in this for so long?... I believe that I do- and chose to follow him for myself a while back already- but I'm asking God to refresh my heart- and renew my love for Him in a new way... and so I'm real excited about our series at Oxygen now- it's going to be great =) ... not just for ppl that haven't met God, but for all of us!

=) ant