Gimme five!

 Many of us (of a certain generation) have plenty to say about all the texting, instant messaging and facebooking, etc. of another generation. Seems flat somehow. Barely two dimensional. It just seems highly unlikely that a true relationship can deepen and grow just by reading about one another and “unfriending” with an impulsive click of a button when you read something you don’t like. But hear me out – I’m going somewhere with this.

Think about a relationship you have had, for example, it may be a sibling… but a relationship that you couldn’t “get out of” per se… but you learned to live together through good times and bad and your bonds became stronger and despite all the teasing or whatever, you still love that brother /sister… you worked through, lived through,  some tough times together. You have matured. You “know” each other better than ever because you experienced much of the same stuff that happens in life. Along with all that time of actually being together, you grew in trust as well. And comfortable with each other. The same can be said for many couples who invest a lot of time in their marriage… or life-long friend...

Now, with these two visions of relationships in mind…

How many of us of trying to build a relationship with God by just reading about Him in His Word? And by attending church on Sunday to hear His Word and sing words about Him? Reading the bible and being involved in church ARE good things – and I’m not saying we do these things without heart - but like texting, it is one small facet to building a wonderful relationship. You also need joint, shared experiences.

So, are we treating God as risen Lord? A Person? A fully, alive, though invisible Presence? In good times and bad…living all of life – in His presence.

This Lenten season, I invite you to give up, sacrifice, “fast” from all external distractions – and for five minutes – every day, seek Him with all your heart… Close the door to your office, or your bathroom, or your wherever – close your eyes, breathe, and open your hands, and repeat in your mind one of the scripture verses below…

I’d be curious to know where you are in your relationship with God in 40 days…

• Come near to God and He will come near to you. – James 4:8
• But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul. – Deut. 4:29
• Be still and know that I am God… - Ps. 46:10