Knees

 I think I have a relationship with God, but it's not usually an experiential relationship.  Every kind of sense that God has equipped me with would indicate that I'm simply reading His word from time to time.  Moses had no Bible to read.  He had what could unquestionably be described as a relationship.  I probably would have at least a little more sense of God's presence if my conduct weren't so astray.  It's hard to know what people are talking about a lot of the time.  There doesn't seem to be anyone on this planet who can just tell it straight.  People everywhere say dumb crap like "run to Jesus". Or "lay your burdens at the cross".  I think Jesus is in Heaven. Do I need to merely run in the direction of the sky or go the entire distance?  Obviously it's not literal but a warehouse supervisor doesn't order his employees to "ride the corporate ladder" when he specifically has in mind for the employee to Pick up that box and move it 3 feet to whichever side.  The expression "running to Jesus" is probably more profound as a relating of personal experience.  A person who isn't already seasoned at doing that, on the other hand.... 

So how serious should I expect to take use of phrases like "You need a personal relationship with God" or "You need to have a personal encounter with God".??!    Reading The Bible and understanding most of what it's saying is not a personal relationship or encounter.  If anything, it's an indication that you have different things on your todo list than you once did; worship, praise and the pursuit of peace and sanctification, primarily.  If there's anything else I should be able to testify to, I'm either lacking it or unaware that I possess it.