And now a little free form something.....

The Tug

Sit at my desk,
stare at the screen.
Punch the keys,
write the code,
think in ASCII.
Answer the phone,
lose track of time.

Then the Tug,
the pulling,
the knowing.
It sweeps over my soul,
bathing me in it's warm sweetness.
For a moment,
I'm not here.
Kneel at his throne,
gaze at my Lord.
Pray my heart,
give up my thoughts,
think Kingdom.
Answer the call,
lose myself in Him,
follow the tug.

Religion vs Relationship

Here are some thoughts culled from recent meetings together around the subject of religion and relationships.

• Religion is me trying to build something to reach God. Relationship is God pulling me into fellowship with himself.
• Religion uses hype, PR and strategic marketing to grow in numbers. Relationship uses humility, truth and divine wisdom to grow in love.
  
• Religion is obsessed with what people see on the outside. Relationship is passionate about what goes on in the heart.
• Religion demands obedience. Relationship draws me with love.
• Religion seeks to own and control people. Relationship seeks to love and set people free.
• Religion uses guilt to manipulate others. Relationship extends grace to build-up others.
• Religion loves to track numbers. Relationship values quality over quantity.
• Religion is very concerned about being right. Relationship is very concerned about you.
• Religion lectures. Relationship listens.
• Religion attempts to speak for God. Relationship let's God speak for himself.
• Religion teaches us to pray to God. Relationship teaches us to talk with God.
• Religion is centered on man's work for God. Relationship is centered on God's work in us.
  
• Religion is boring, overbearing, formal and stuffy. Relationship is intense, humbling, casual and messy.
  

Thanks to all the saints I meet with for these thoughts and insights.
What would you put in your list of Religion vs Relationship?