Did you hear the news? Queried the Facebook-er nearby as I sat at my desk. Peanut Butter and Jelly (not real names) are in relationship. In relationship? For those who don't know in relationship is a Facebook saying meaning:

From a creational perspective most people prefer 'in' relationship to 'no' relationship. It's just the way we are wired. God said,It is not good that the man should be alone, I will make a helper fit for him. God made Eve to partner with Adam in perfect relationship, established from the beginning. Far, far greater however, created 'In the image of God' Adam and Eve were in relationship with the Lord. The parameters, the terms of this relationship, set by God, were terms of love, perfectly framed generation after generation by God's actions of mercy, patience, and care. Years later Jesus made the point with clarity when He said, God so loved the world.

Jesus also set the parameters for our part in this relationship; our response to our loving God, when He said,The first and great Commandment is: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.' Realize it or not, you and I and all mankind were created to be 'in relationship' with God.

Long ago God dramatically rescued His people from slavery and brought them out to Himself for worship. God spoke all these words saying, I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. In no uncertain terms God reminded them that having rescued them, He would set the parameters of the relationship; read in Exodus 20, expressed in Ten Commandments 'commands of love'. Just like Israel long ago, Christians today are the beloved children of God. God loves us 'jealously'. In other words, He will share us with no other god. We are to fear, love, and trust in Him above all things. But how is this to happen? What does it mean to 'fear, love, and trust' God?

Anyone seeking to be in relationship should know that communication is not only expected, it is essential. When it comes to being in relationship with God, it's even more so. The Father says of Jesus, 'This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.' And Jesus tells the disciples, 'Make disciples of all men, baptizing them and teaching them everything I have commanded.' The faith (relationship with God) that comes by hearing the Word of the Gospel, is sustained by the same Word. This year during Lent, we will focus on the Ten Commandments. Our goal is faith, that is to strengthen our relationship with our Savior. IT'S ABOUT LISTENING TO JESUS.

'Things I Know and Things I Think I Know' - Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

• What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
• What if we flipped through it several times a day?
• What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
• What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
• What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
• What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
• What if we used it when we traveled?
• What if we used it in case of emergency?

Finally - 'In a relationship' Is the relationship that comes to mind your relationship with God? Or is it that like many others, the relationship itself is god? This week comes Ash Wednesday. Knowing that Jesus will be present, will you? It's about priorities, unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Lord's Word being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.

~ Pastor Kelly G. Mitteis