picking Him...

The idea of a God who romances His people... reveals a God who wants to be chosen...

The treadmill read... affirms this thought...

As Joshua was about to enter the land God promised him, he met an angel with his sword drawn in front of him. Joshua must have had some lawyer in him because he asked the angelic warrior something I would ask: "Whose side are you on?" No doubt, Joshua was hoping that the angelic warrior was for them. That's what I'd hope for. I love the warrior's answer to Joshua's question. It was simple: "Neither. Take off your shoes." The angel wasn't interested in picking sides; he wanted them to pick God. The angel told them to take off their shoes because they were on holy ground, just as we are today. Perhaps God doesn't want us spending our time picking sides or teams and trying on jerseys either. He wants us to pick a fight, and He also wants us to pick Him.

--- Bob Goff, Love Does

Picking God... the One who romances us... means choosing to fight for the things He cares about... it means joining Him... in truth... righteousness... mercy... compassion...

If you have recognized the One wooing you... and come alongside Him... then it's time to choose what He chooses... do what He does... love... without compromise...

Maybe... this is the key to romancing our Creator...

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:1

romanced by Him...

The current study with sisters introduces a beautiful... but challenging... thought...

Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion.

---John & Stasi Eldredge, Captivating

God is a the Great Romantic... and He is pursuing you... and me... with a passionate love...

What is it that God wants from you?

He wants the same thing that you want. He wants to be loved. He wants to be known as only lovers can know each other. He wants intimacy with you. Yes, Yes, he wants your obedience, but only when it flows out of a heart filled with love for him. ...

You. You are meant to fill a place in the heart of God no one and nothing else can fill. Whoa. He longs for you.

 ---John & Stasi Eldredge, Captivating

This thought it challenges... How can God have a place in His heart for me...? He doesn't need me to be fulfilled...?!

But the Scripture... His Word... it says...

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

Ephesians 1:4-5 NLT

God carved out a place in His heart for us... even before He created the world...

He made the world... the universe... in response to His love for us... even before we were...

Quite a thought...

The sisters in study... we have been sharing the ways He has romanced our hearts... through creation... and gifts... help... and a new name...

So the thought today... How can we romance Him...?

How would you romance the One who made you...?

Think about how to run after Him... and do it...

I believe as you run after Him... you'll run right into Him... running after you...

Dear Lord... show me how to romance You...