Devotional writer Henri Nouwen wanted people to know God intimately through Jesus Christ. Once, when participating in a conference on art and the spiritual life, Nouwen was at a table where a woman complained that she had quit going to her church because she disagreed with its policies.

Henri leaned over and said to her, "All that is distraction. I don't mean to denigrate or even dispute your complaints, but those are beside the point. The only thing that really matters is your relationship with Jesus."

Nouwen knew the importance of a personal relationship with the Savior. Although He is invisible to our eyes and our hands cannot touch Him, that doesn't mean He's not there. Electricity is invisible, but it is a source of vast power. So it is with Jesus. We keep in touch with Him through prayer, diligent study of His Word, and the guidance of His Holy Spirit.

Nouwen advised, "Just take 5 minutes a day every day for 2 weeks to sit quietly and ask to be with Jesus, and ask for His presence. And then come and tell me what's important."

The heart of Christianity is a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you take 5 minutes today to seek His presence?  — Vernon C. Grounds