online - everettfamilychurch.org | mail - 15317 73rd AVE SE #2, Snohomish, WA, 98296 | phone - 425 387-1975 Guidelines for Intimacy by Pastor Mike Thoughts of the Ten Commandments have two common responses. We can be marinated with guilt or puffed up by a feeling of self-accomplishment. The Big Ten can be like a magazine quiz and after a quick perusal we give ourselves a grade. With a high enough cumulative GPA and SAT scores we might get a full ride scholarship into God’s graces. But what did Moses deliver to the Israelites in the desert and what did Jesus teach concerning these ten rules? The Ten Commandments are comprehensive addressing our relationship heavenward and earthward. They are like the preamble of the U.S. Constitution, laying out the fundamental values of our future living together as a community under the benevolent leadership of Yahweh God. These could better be described as “Guidelines for True Intimacy with God.” It is not by accident that they parallel the basic tenets of intimacy in marriage. Here’s how I would restate these from God’s perspective. Faithfulness. “Let there be no one else who violates the sacred relationship we share. I want to be your one and only.” Authenticity. “Let your worship of me be sincere and heartfelt. Let it exalt me rather than confine me. Do not cheapen our relationship or let it be self-serving.” Honor. “Let your words be kind and uplifting, not flippant. Cherish my name and mean what you say.” Time. “Let us spend regular time together every week. Quality and quantity of time matter to me.” As I have meditated on the Ten Commandments in this fresh way I have been attracted all the more to my loving Father. He longs for intimacy and this was made possible through his Son. Our relationship is sure but intimacy is fostered. I love intimacy. It fills my deepest desire. I have a Father so desiring to be near me that he has taught me how I can know Him and be fully known. What does it stir in you? This coming Family Gathering I will share more about the next six guidelines for true intimacy with God. EFC FOCUS MARCH201 5 EFC FAMILY GATHERING SATURDAYS @ 5PM Join us for a time of family worship and age-graded teaching. We call our service the Family Gathering. It’s a time when the EFC gathers as a family for worship, music, Bible teaching and age- graded breakouts followed by a simple dinner. Our study of the Bible book of Exodus and the life of Moses continues as we discover why God has saved us and for what purpose we were rescued! EFC BIRTHDAYS: March 5 Linda ...................... March 6 Phoebe ...................... March 8 Kevin ...................... March 9 John ...................... March 12 Perry, Angelique .................... March 14 Michelle .................... March 15 Kayla .................... March 20 Shawn .................... March 26 Lisa .................... TACO TUESDAY - March 10th @ the Family Tree Apts Join EFC as we serve dinner for the residents in south Everett. We provide a free meal and space to build relationships and experience a sense of family together. Dinner is served 6-7pm. Sign-up online to contribute to the meal or attend. EFC Weekends in March Talk to your Community Pastors for more on your Community Group location. More info is online. Mar 7 Family Gathering (at Hope) Mar 14 Family Gathering (at Hope) Mar 21 Family Gathering (at Hope) Mar 27 Community Groups (in homes)