Currently Listening Disappear Here By L.A. Symphony Money Song see related

Going on a date...

Well, Andrea and I go on dates all the time.  It's my favorite thing to do.  Sometimes it seems like we communicate better when we're sharing mozerella sticks at Applebee's as opposed to sitting at our dinner table.  There are too many distractions at home.

I think it's like that in our relationship with God as well.  God wants to know us personally, like we would know our boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse.  He doesn't want religion or ritual or routine.  He wants us.

I kinda stumbled on the thought, but there is a 'dating sequence' with Jesus' relationship with people in the New Testament...try to follow here.

Dinner Date:  Jesus ate with people all the time.  He ate with the tax collectors and 'sinners' (outcast of society), he ate with religious leaders (the 'it' crowd), he at with sisters Mary and Martha, and he ate with his disciples.  There is a model of getting to know Jesus through a meal.  That's cool because I get to know Andrea best when we can sit across from each other and hear one anothers dreams, worries, victories, and heart.  Jesus wants that same kind of relationship with us.

Courtship (Long-Term Relationship):  Courtship is not a word we hear about too much these days.  Mostly is just dating.  Courtship is like dating, except one approaches courtship with the intent to marry.  Jesus' disciples went on a three year journey with him.  They followed him whereever he went.  They saw him perform miracles, heal the sick, raise the dead, and teach in synagogues.  By hanging out for three years, they developed a closeness that would help these disciples follow Jesus even when they were persecuted and put to death.

Marriage:  After a dinner date, and a courtship comes the marriage.  Throughout the new testament, Jesus is described as the bridegroom and the church (believers) are the bride.  Marriage is the most intimate of relationships that is catergorized by love, faith, trust, humility,and submission.  God desires that kind of relationship with us.

Not really preaching at ya, just wanted to share my desire and understanding of how God loves and desires to know us.  Let me know what you think!

Currently Listening The College Dropout By Kanye West see related

Under a week to go until the Super Bowl!!! 

I had a good weekend.  Last night at Fusion, we made a paper chain that was 8,000 links long.  This thing is about 1/3 of a mile long total.  We hung it up in the church.  Each link represents $1 of the $8,000 we plan to raise for the 30 Hour Famine. 

The Paraguay Mission Team is meeting tonight.  I finally got some more information.  I think we'll be able to move on this a little faster than what we were. 

An interesting scenario happened yesterday regarding Ft. God.  Don't know what to make of it, other than it's pretty crazy. 

Otherwise, I need to leave for my meeting...then it's 24!

Currently Listening Life By Andy Hunter see related

Psalm 40:6 says this, "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced..."

This is one of the verses from this weeks message.  David alludes to how God does not desire, but he desires offering ourselves up in total devotion and obedience.  In Exodus (21 I think), if a person had a Hebrew slave, the slave would work for 6 years.  In the seventh year, the slave could go free.  If the slave loved his master (which probably meant he was treated justly), then the slave could decide to stay with the master.  In this case, the master brought the slave before a judge, put his earlobe up on the door post, and pierced it with an awl.  This left a physical reminder that the slave had made a decision to serve and obey the master for the rest of his life.

We have the opportunity to, not just go through empty religious ritual, but to go to the door post and proclaim that we will serve God with our lives.  That is my desire.  Life is far better off in the service of God than outside of it.  Father God, pierce my ear, take me to your door this day...I will serve no other God. Amen.

Currently Listening Safe from the Losing Fight By Kids in the Way Hallelujah see related

Super Bowl Bound!

This brings much rejoicing in my heart as the Steelers are heading back to the Super Bowl for the first time in 10 years.  Ten years ago, I watched the game at Tom's house.  I think Gregg might have been there.  I believe I shed a tear or two as Neil O'Donnell threw three picks right to the Dallas defense.

As I saw the closing moments of the game, I was anxious as Denver was making a last ditch effort.  I noticed my own body language and I realized something...I care too much about this game! 

Spent most of my monday morning meeting with people at the church.  Now I suppose I should be on to other things.  Win One For The Thumb!

Currently Reading Searching for God Knows What By Donald Miller see related

Kinda tired and apathetic right now...so this will probably be short.  I am worn out from the show we did at the church last night.  Overall, it was good.  We had 5 bands from all over playing...and about 150 people out to the show. 

We pulled a coup with the show as Sarcasm came and played from Long Island, NY.  They were just voted #6 in AP Magazine's Top Ten Unsigned Bands of 2005.  And they played in Milford!  They were awesome.

Tomorrow's the big game.  I am too excited for words!  That's all for now.  Monday I will resume my normal blogging!  I hope you experience God tomorrow in worship!