We always gain when we open our hearts and lives to God’s Word — and God has greatly used the kind of conference your friend is urging you to attend to bless His people and bring them closer to Himself.

Recently I was talking with some people who’d attended one of the Bible seminars at the conference center our ministry established several years ago (called “The Cove”). I was greatly encouraged by the way God had used it in their lives. When I asked why it had been such a memorable (and life-changing) experience, they pointed to two things. First, it had given them an opportunity to hear gifted Bible teachers open up a portion of God’s Word in a fresh and vital way. They had discovered the truth of the Bible’s promise: “The unfolding of your words gives light” (Psalm 119:130).

The second reason it made such an impact on them, they said, was because it gave them time to stop and think about what God wanted to do in their lives. Our lives are so busy that we seldom take time to be alone with God and listen to His voice. The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Ask God to guide you about this decision — and if it is His will for you to take advantage of this opportunity, be grateful. And even if you don’t attend this year, ask God to give you a greater hunger for His Word, and a greater desire to live for Christ.