Relationships dont come from following rules they come from conversations.

God I feel like we’re not having enough conversations – just talking back and forwards like this?

Mark we’re talking heaps.

Really God??

Really. Relax.

Ok, so what are you saying?

I’m saying don’t worry. This isn’t a religion. There aren’t any rules and ‘must-dos’. I just want a relationship with you. I don’t want a slave I want a friend. Relationships are NOT built around rules and obedience. Not the sort of relationship I want. The sort I want is built on communication. And anyway, if I ever DO ask you to do something, I want to be able to ask you direct. That’s how it works between a real father and son. Isn’t it?

God I know but I think I feel the lack of conversation with you sometimes. Like even though I’m doing it, I want to do it more.

You do feel the lack. And THAT’S good. But don’t let it become something you feel guilty for. I don’t want you feeling as though you’ve done wrong in the times you haven’t conversed with me. I’m going to say it again – this ISN’T religion – there are no rules other than listen to me. My voice sets you free from rules, but you need to hear it to be set free. And by the way, I don’t condemn you when you don’t listen. He does. You’re doing well. But yes you feel the lack of conversation with me, because the more you do it the more hungry you become for it.

God there must be so much more to hear from you? So much more to learn? I feel sometimes that I’m not pushing you hard enough for more answers and more truth the way I did when I first learned to have a conversation with you.

Actually you are. You underestimate the amount of time you spend asking me what to in so many situations

I’m not convinced God. It doesn’t feel like enough to me. I find I still want more.

You do. That’s good. As I said, it’s intoxicating and addictive – the more you do it, the more you want to do it, and miss it. Wonderful! I’ve put that need in you, all of you. You’re designed so that you won’t be feeling yourself unless you’re conversing back and forward with me. And when you do stumble across the miracle of conversation, having tasted it, you never want to go back.

So you want me hungry for conversation with you? But there aren’t any rules? No need to feel bad when I don’t? I don’t get that.

Mark imagine someone places rules on your relationship with the person you love. Suddenly there are times of the day when you must talk to her. Suddenly you get asked by others how many of her letters you are reading each day, how often you sing to her. What if there was constant pressure to get together with her family every week. Rule after rule after rule. How would that feel?

Terrible.

Yes. Instead of building the relationship it would destroy it. And what about to her? Can you imagine she would enjoy that?

No.

And yet you all think that I enjoy a rule-bound relationship with you. You have this silly idea that I want to put you through all sorts of obedience training before I’m ready to talk. The only god who enjoys seeing you having to follow lots of rules is the prince of the powers of the air. The dark one. The god of this world. Religious rules are his lies. That great spirit Religion, come to tie my people up in knots. You should read the gospels again Mark. Have a wee look at the Jesus you meet there – that’s me – I haven’t had a personality change since then. This idea that I want to dominate you didn’t come from me. I don’t dominate – I don’t push and poke ‘my burden is light’ - but I’d love you to push and poke me.

‘Ask and it will be given to you; SEEK [zéteó: Demand]and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. MATT 7:7 NIV