I just wanted to take a second to apologize to everyone.
To anyone that was ever hurt by the Church.
Especially anyone that was ever hurt by me. I am a work in progress.
Anything hurtful, selfish, or impatient I've done is a result of me not allowing God to move and speak through me. This happens when I try to love people and make things happen in my own strength.
Anything I do that is of any value or worth is a result of allowing my Creator's love
and gifts to flow through me to others. Those are my favorite moments in life and as I grow the number of these moments increases.
We all have the choice to live on either side of the coin each day and sometimes we flip flop between heads and tails because no matter how hard we try,
we are flawed and imperfect- and that's okay.
Each day is a new day and a fresh start with God.
I've been thinking about the word religion.
Why does it have such a creepy connotation?
When someone calls me religious I usually feel generalized and misunderstood.
The problem with religion is that no one knows its definition.
Religion is not going to church every Sunday.
Religion does not have anything to do with being a democratic or republican.
Religion is not about what foods we eat or holidays we celebrate.
Religion is not about Judging, or Condemning others for their lifestyle choices,
but the opposite.
(Do not judge others and you will not be judged, Do not condemn others or it will all come back against you. Forgive others and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 NLT)
Religion is defined in the Bible:
Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air. Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world. –James 26-27 (The Message)
That definition is so different from the negative reputation often associated with religion or being a
"Christian."
Have you ever read a powerful, captivating novel only to be dissapointed by the movie loosely based on it? EVERY TIME right!? The movie lacks luster, truth is altered, random scenes are added that weren't in the book and don't fit with the storyline. The overall message is misconstrued and lost.
I feel people often miss out on what the Bible truly says because they may have had a bad experience with a "religious" person that is only a "fan" of the loosely interpreted definition of religion- not a follower of Christ. Maybe you have been hurt by someone that can be seen going to church but has not studied the original text for themselves to discover how the Bible truly calls them to live. Or maybe someone hurt you and you associated their hurtful words with this book. Please be encouraged that although people are human and make mistakes there are followers not just fans of the true, original, unaltered Holy Bible and you will know them by thier Love!
"All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”
John 13:35
I hope you will experience the freedom that comes from spending time filling your heart and mind with the wisdom and encouragement in this book. Don't let what someone else says about religion or the Bible ruin the power it could have in your life. It's the most inspirational material you will ever set your eyes on.
If you have already read a standard version of the Bible (NIV, NLT, ESV) and are looking for a fresh look at God's Word, I suggest "The Message" which is the version I quoted above in purple. It is a contemporary translation of the Bible using everyday terms and even slang. I find it touches the heart of my generation. If you want a copy, email me and I will get you one! [email protected]
