By BEN Larson

don ’ t know if it ’ s part of being an adult , but it amazes me how fast time goes by . I feel like we were planning for Flame On , then it was hard to believe it was time for it . Now we are four months later ; how does that even happen ?

If you couldn ’ t attend this last year , I encourage you to start planning to participate this year . You missed out on a fantastic time together with over 500 other people . Add it to your calendar for December 29 through January 1 in Mena , Arkansas , to attend Flame On ; go on , we ’ ll wait .

Now that you have that added , go back to your calendar and add the Flame On Pre-Registration deadline for December 1 . Registering by this date will get you a discounted rate !

We have events just like Flame On all around the United States . To find the one in your region , you can scan this QR code , and it will take you to the Youth Movement events tab , where you will find all of the youth events available to you this year .

Proverbs 27:17 ( NIV ) says , “ As iron sharpens iron , so one person sharpens another .” This verse shows how surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers , like attending these events , will help build our relationship with God . When you come to one of these

events , you will encounter God for the first time or maybe for the onehundredth time . He will always be waiting for you . Outside the services , these events are also full of fun activities , and you will surely make new friends !

At Flame On this year , our theme was Revival Fire . You can go back and listen to all the messages using this QR code . The definition of revival is “ an instance of something becoming popular , active , or important again .” We believe that God is calling us all into revival and that we all , including myself , will become closer to God this year . God loves us all so much and wants nothing more than to walk in close fellowship with us .

Sometimes , I even frustrate myself at my lack of commitment to God . He gave it all for me , and what do I give Him in return ? Jeremiah 29:11 ( NIV ) says , “ For I know the plans I have for you ,” declares the Lord , “ plans to prosper you and not to harm you , plans to give you hope and a future .” God has such good plans for us if we will only turn to Him and ask for His direction . Revelation 3:15 ( NIV ) also says , “ I know your deeds , that you are neither cold nor hot . I wish you were either one or the other !”

This can be pretty convicting . I

often find myself failing in my commitment to Him . Think about your relationship with God . Are you in a healthy relationship with Him ? I want to put some definition to healthy . Think about the person you are closest to ; maybe it ’ s your friend , parent , or grandparent . Would your relationship with that person be the same if you gave them the same amount of attention that you give to God ? Speaking for myself , this challenges me .

It can be difficult sometimes to carve out time to spend with Him . Why ? Because it ’ s easy to forget about in our busy lives . It requires us to stop our “ have to do ’ s ,” slow down , and focus on what ’ s really important .

I don ’ t want this challenge to make you upset with yourself , but let it be a goal to strive for . May we strive to give God the same amount of time and dedication that we give to the ones that we are closest to and more .

God is seeking a close relationship with you if you are willing to take that next step to deepen your relationship with Him . Consider what this may look like for you . Does it mean getting up a few minutes earlier ? Maybe it ’ s taking some time before you lie down for the night . Challenge yourself to read , pray , and listen to God more . I promise you won ’ t regret it . CMA

Ben and Rachel Larson serve CMA as National Evangelist Youth Movement .

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