During the Renaissance there was a man who coined this term in one of is classic "Canterbury Tales." Geoffrey Chaucer was his name, and yesterday as 24%7 discussed ideas and shared thoughts about becoming "Dangerous" this topic in my head once again came up. Christians have an uncanny knack for ignorantly, foolishly, becoming familiar with God. Commonly, this is seen in making the greatest love letter ever written, into the Solemn and Holy Bible, good for research and rules but not relationship. Reading through, you may have each chapter broken down in your mind as you read it, or maybe you read and something truly speaks to you, but you end Bible to Journal and not Bible to Heart.

Why does this happen?
Where is the adventure?
Where is the passion?

I believe we have forgotten that we know one half of a square centimeter of the universe and that in order to move forward and rediscover our First Love we must see it as Paul saw it. An unsearchable mystery, yet a glorious, profound adventurous mystery that he will spend the rest of his life sharing and searching.

 "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

"Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning."

"I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.  In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

I want to push out into the ocean of God. There is everything to find and discover. He is more wondrous today, and I am in wonder.

Andy

How thankful I am to Christ Jesus my Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve Him.

There are so many things bouncing around in my head right now, I post this only for clarity. These are simply thoughts, and should be treated as such.

. It's not so much we don't know how as much as we're not willing. If we aren't willing at least we can admit that we aren't willing, then we will have a chance to change it.

. I am tempted to take matters into my own hands often. This usually brings a need to make something happen right now, or else it can't happen or won't happen.

. relationship isn't relationship if I engage in it on my terms only.

Relationship is relational. It's relational not transactional. This taking and giving exchange of memories, stories, thoughts, and ideas if not motivated by love is ALWAYS rooted in selfishness, and therefore, false. This translates into hidden motives and agendas  that prevent true vulnerability. I myself have attempted to keep myself from being vulnerable under the guise of being a "man." Ideas like "Don't let them know what you are thinking." "Don't let them see you cry." These thoughts are poison to authentic relationship.

. Influence without accountability damages that potential lasting fruit.

. Desire dictates Direction.

.up is down. still.

Andy