When I first heard of grace, I thought of this: Graceful movements of a dancer or ice skater. It took me a long time to fully understand what "grace" really was. In fact, I had to read a book about it. Why is grace so important to blog about? God is full of grace!
Here is an example of grace: Let say someone killed a family member and that person was caught. What would you do? Would you help convict and possibly execute the criminal? Or would you forgive him and help him in his defense, even achieving victory in court? The last question is an example of God's grace. That is how forgiving He is and how much He loves us.
Charles Swindoll wrote a book called The Grace Awakening (which is what much of this blog is based upon) of which I've had it for almost a year, and haven't finished it, but I was impacted by it within the first few chapters. Many think that because of Jesus, all before Him are not saved. That is not the case. Because the Lord has said many times, "I AM the Living God and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." To me, that means those men are with Him and that they are still alive. And, that was before the Law was given to God's Chosen through Moses.
So what does this mean to you? God's grace can forgive you of anything. Abraham didn't believe in God at first, but knew there was something out there. The Lord noticed this and made Himself known to him. This was before the Law of Moses with all of it's instructions and rituals, yet the Lord talked to Abraham. And from that day forward, God was active in this man's life. So what is the deal? Why did God do this? I thought Jesus was needed to be saved?
Grace. Plain and simple. God, with His infinite grace forgave Abraham and developed a relationship with Him. God even visited him and blessed Sarah with a child, even though she was very old. This boggles my mind! God, without Jesus, forgave a man that had never heard of Him, nor even really asked for forgiveness until much later in his life. I mean, God, the Father cannot tolerate sin, nor even look at it since He is so holy. Which leads me to believe something else, Jesus, even though He wasn't born yet, was with the Father. Because Jesus must have been able to look upon Abraham and forgive him of his sins. You see, Jesus, who died for our sins is able to look upon sin and can deal with it.
So, what does that mean to me? I am forgiven, even though I am not perfect. I still sin and I just ask the Lord to forgive me and move forward. Unless a sin is forgiven, Satan will assail you with shame and failure about the matter. He will even attack you after you have asked forgiveness, just to get you to fall. What can a person do? I have used this tactic, "Why are you attacking me with this? The sin is forgiven, because I know the Lord has forgiven me!" And let me tell you, it works, as long as you were honest with the Lord when you asked forgiveness. If you weren't, then the torment will continue.
-Dear Lord, I give so much thanks for Your awesome grace! I know without it, we wouldn't be here. Your grace has allowed us to love and worship You and to develop that close relationship You want to have with us. I know that love is the force behind Your actions, but it still takes grace to allow that love to flow. Thank You for loving me, regardless of my faults. Thank You for giving grace, regardless of my faults. Thank You for helping me regardless of my faults. I look forward to the wondrous day You have given and I will do my best to keep You the center of my focus today! In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Friday, February 03, 2006
A Loner...
Today, I discovered something about myself. Actually, I was told that I was this- I was being judged by a fellow believer, and I feel that she was right. I never really thought of myself as being this type of person.
I am a Loner.
I looked up the definition on a couple of online dictionaries and on Wikipedia.
A Loner is:
Now, reading the definitions, you can see that being a Loner really isn't an enjoyable label. I mean, being called a "troglodyte" isn't a very nice thing to say to someone. Now, I'm not bashing the person who said I was a Loner, and she probably didn't realize there was a connection between the words. So what is it about being a Loner and why does it bother me?
I started thinking about this and I discovered that being a Loner means, I deal with people on my own terms. And guess what else I realized? The term Loner can apply to just about anyone else in this world. Most people don't like to deal with others, unless it is on their own terms, or when they are ready to communicate. I realized that about myself tonight.
My church was having a function to help people get connected with a Small Group or Life Group. I am already involved in a Life Group and I love the friendship and the sense of family I get. Yet, I realize I need to be out of my apartment more often because I am becoming a troglodyte! So, I decided to look for another group to join that had only single people that are closer to me in age. And, I was there to take pictures for this ministry that runs the Life Groups. As everyone started to group up, I didn't.
At first, I didn't know what it was. I felt confused, shy (which I'm not normally), and just plain dumb. I wanted to run. I wanted to hide (which I tried to do a couple of times). Yet, I was able to walk around the room comfortably and took pictures, but I couldn't sit with a group. It wasn't until I was asked to join a table did I pick a group. Later, this experience got me to thinking about myself and how I have viewed and dealt with others.
I tend to be very giving of my time to the church, but there are times, I am very selfish with it. I get into these modes that I don't want to deal with anyone. I want to be by myself and I sometimes don't like to be disturbed. I decide I want to do something and do it, which usually means locking out the world. Recently, this happens a lot... well, this has been going on for sometime. You see, I forced myself to be this way. When I was a child, there was a period in my life I didn't have any friends- literally. I lost them all because of depression and lack of selfworth. I then turned to my imagination and toy models to keep myself entertained.
When I did find a friend, I had a tendency to burn them out from playing with them too much, then I would find another friend. Soon, I had friends of every shape and size. Some of them were total opposites of another set of friends and sometimes would fight. I then learned not to hang around them as much and that meant keeping them at a distance. It always hurt when I lost a friend because of my own selfishness and I reasoned this was the best way for me to survive.
I don't have a very big circle of friends and of those, I am only close to two (one of which isn't a believer). All the others, I basically have surface based friendships. I find myself not getting into deep conversations with people because I don't know what to talk about. Therefore, being a Loner means, having poor communication skills. I also didn't want to get hurt any more. Everyone that I have become close to has otherwise left or died. I don't deal well with mental pain because my mind just can't grasp how to solve it. All I can do now is give it up to the Lord.
-Dear Lord, today, You exposed a painful truth in my life. I am a Loner. I don't like it because it isn't a good trait to have if I am to be Your servant. If I am to be friendly to people, show love and compassion, and being there for those I love, then change that in me! I don't want to be a loner. I want to be like You, with a heart that enjoys talking and sharing with people, no matter who they are. Help me reach out to others and seek lasting, loving, and deep friendships. Help me develop a heart that wants to be around others and is a good communicator. Shape me into more of what You want me to be, so I can help others see You through me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I am a Loner.
I looked up the definition on a couple of online dictionaries and on Wikipedia.
A Loner is:
- A person who avoids the company or assistance of others. (wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
- One who avoids the company of other people; individualist; recluse; solitudinarian; troglodyte (Rawrr!) (www.thefreedictionary.com)
- Wikipedia had so much information on this subject, I will give the link, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loner
Now, reading the definitions, you can see that being a Loner really isn't an enjoyable label. I mean, being called a "troglodyte" isn't a very nice thing to say to someone. Now, I'm not bashing the person who said I was a Loner, and she probably didn't realize there was a connection between the words. So what is it about being a Loner and why does it bother me?
I started thinking about this and I discovered that being a Loner means, I deal with people on my own terms. And guess what else I realized? The term Loner can apply to just about anyone else in this world. Most people don't like to deal with others, unless it is on their own terms, or when they are ready to communicate. I realized that about myself tonight.
My church was having a function to help people get connected with a Small Group or Life Group. I am already involved in a Life Group and I love the friendship and the sense of family I get. Yet, I realize I need to be out of my apartment more often because I am becoming a troglodyte! So, I decided to look for another group to join that had only single people that are closer to me in age. And, I was there to take pictures for this ministry that runs the Life Groups. As everyone started to group up, I didn't.
At first, I didn't know what it was. I felt confused, shy (which I'm not normally), and just plain dumb. I wanted to run. I wanted to hide (which I tried to do a couple of times). Yet, I was able to walk around the room comfortably and took pictures, but I couldn't sit with a group. It wasn't until I was asked to join a table did I pick a group. Later, this experience got me to thinking about myself and how I have viewed and dealt with others.
I tend to be very giving of my time to the church, but there are times, I am very selfish with it. I get into these modes that I don't want to deal with anyone. I want to be by myself and I sometimes don't like to be disturbed. I decide I want to do something and do it, which usually means locking out the world. Recently, this happens a lot... well, this has been going on for sometime. You see, I forced myself to be this way. When I was a child, there was a period in my life I didn't have any friends- literally. I lost them all because of depression and lack of selfworth. I then turned to my imagination and toy models to keep myself entertained.
When I did find a friend, I had a tendency to burn them out from playing with them too much, then I would find another friend. Soon, I had friends of every shape and size. Some of them were total opposites of another set of friends and sometimes would fight. I then learned not to hang around them as much and that meant keeping them at a distance. It always hurt when I lost a friend because of my own selfishness and I reasoned this was the best way for me to survive.
I don't have a very big circle of friends and of those, I am only close to two (one of which isn't a believer). All the others, I basically have surface based friendships. I find myself not getting into deep conversations with people because I don't know what to talk about. Therefore, being a Loner means, having poor communication skills. I also didn't want to get hurt any more. Everyone that I have become close to has otherwise left or died. I don't deal well with mental pain because my mind just can't grasp how to solve it. All I can do now is give it up to the Lord.
-Dear Lord, today, You exposed a painful truth in my life. I am a Loner. I don't like it because it isn't a good trait to have if I am to be Your servant. If I am to be friendly to people, show love and compassion, and being there for those I love, then change that in me! I don't want to be a loner. I want to be like You, with a heart that enjoys talking and sharing with people, no matter who they are. Help me reach out to others and seek lasting, loving, and deep friendships. Help me develop a heart that wants to be around others and is a good communicator. Shape me into more of what You want me to be, so I can help others see You through me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Psalm Dated 2-1-06
My Lord, I fear.
I fear taking the next step.
I fear walking the next mile.
I fear eduring the next trial.
I fear.
You say, "Don't fear."
"Don't fear the next step because I am guiding you."
"Don't fear the next mile because I can see it for you."
"Don't fear the next trial because I will be with you."
"Don't fear."
I want You, my Lord, to be the focus of my mind.
I know it is a "want", but isn't it a desirable kind?
To have You as my Lord and King,
To rule over my everything.
To seek You out when I can
To place You on top of my throne again.
I bow before You and give up my life
Because I accepted Your holy light
Help me be less of me
and to grow more to be like Thee.
I fear taking the next step.
I fear walking the next mile.
I fear eduring the next trial.
I fear.
You say, "Don't fear."
"Don't fear the next step because I am guiding you."
"Don't fear the next mile because I can see it for you."
"Don't fear the next trial because I will be with you."
"Don't fear."
I want You, my Lord, to be the focus of my mind.
I know it is a "want", but isn't it a desirable kind?
To have You as my Lord and King,
To rule over my everything.
To seek You out when I can
To place You on top of my throne again.
I bow before You and give up my life
Because I accepted Your holy light
Help me be less of me
and to grow more to be like Thee.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Control
He is in control. God is in control. But why does it seem like everything is out of control? This is a hard question, and I hope to give as good of an answer as I can.
First, read my post on Godly Love and understand how "free will" affects many things in this world. Generally, I feel, God will not interfere with free will, but will try to influence decisions that could affect His plan for someone or something or the bigger plan for the whole world. Sometimes, as is the case with Pharaoh from the book of Exodus, God will actively want something done to affect a change He wants. When you get down to it, that is enormous power and control!
But, why does it seem like everything is out of control?
Well, the Earth orbits an irritated Sun and it's distance rarely changes. Science does know that if the Earth's orbit moves any more closer to the Sun (other than the normal wobbles we currently experience) all life on earth will end. If it moves too far out, all life will freeze to death. Many people feel that gravity is keeping us orbiting the Sun. But why doesn't the Earth move closer to the Sun? I mean, astronomy observers are constantly seeing stars capturing other stars and absorbing them or black holes pulling in other stars. To me, God is in control.
Plus, if you haven't noticed, God loves wild and dangerous environments. In our solar system alone, we have extremely hot planets to cold and frigid black orbs. Then there are the gas giants, with Jupiter's red spot storm that is larger than 20 Earths. What about those colliding stars or super novae? Or look at the wildness of our own Earth?
So back to the question, is God in control? Of course! We just have understand that. And the great thing is, He will never give us anything that we can't handle. I know, because I have experienced His compassionate love and help when I was at the end of my wits one period in my life. And literally, the solution was there before I had a chance to even think about failure. To me, I see that God is in control and He is far more active that you can ever imagine. Does that mean I never experience lack of faith or doubt? As I have said in the past, I am not perfect and those are two things I am not. Why? Because some things really test your faith and courage.
So, why does God test you? He wants you to have genuine, open, honest, love for Him. If you really love Him, then you might experience a life full of trouble. Or, if you have a life of trouble, He could make it stop and peace will be in your heart. Anything is possible with Him, because He knows all that is happening.
Well, if He is in control of everything and is a loving and compassionate God, why did that earthquake and tsunami occur in the Indian Sea?
My answer to that is this, I am not completely sure why. God is God and His ways are mysterious. I can say something, but I don't truly know.
I can tell you the outcome:
First, read my post on Godly Love and understand how "free will" affects many things in this world. Generally, I feel, God will not interfere with free will, but will try to influence decisions that could affect His plan for someone or something or the bigger plan for the whole world. Sometimes, as is the case with Pharaoh from the book of Exodus, God will actively want something done to affect a change He wants. When you get down to it, that is enormous power and control!
But, why does it seem like everything is out of control?
Well, the Earth orbits an irritated Sun and it's distance rarely changes. Science does know that if the Earth's orbit moves any more closer to the Sun (other than the normal wobbles we currently experience) all life on earth will end. If it moves too far out, all life will freeze to death. Many people feel that gravity is keeping us orbiting the Sun. But why doesn't the Earth move closer to the Sun? I mean, astronomy observers are constantly seeing stars capturing other stars and absorbing them or black holes pulling in other stars. To me, God is in control.
Plus, if you haven't noticed, God loves wild and dangerous environments. In our solar system alone, we have extremely hot planets to cold and frigid black orbs. Then there are the gas giants, with Jupiter's red spot storm that is larger than 20 Earths. What about those colliding stars or super novae? Or look at the wildness of our own Earth?
So back to the question, is God in control? Of course! We just have understand that. And the great thing is, He will never give us anything that we can't handle. I know, because I have experienced His compassionate love and help when I was at the end of my wits one period in my life. And literally, the solution was there before I had a chance to even think about failure. To me, I see that God is in control and He is far more active that you can ever imagine. Does that mean I never experience lack of faith or doubt? As I have said in the past, I am not perfect and those are two things I am not. Why? Because some things really test your faith and courage.
So, why does God test you? He wants you to have genuine, open, honest, love for Him. If you really love Him, then you might experience a life full of trouble. Or, if you have a life of trouble, He could make it stop and peace will be in your heart. Anything is possible with Him, because He knows all that is happening.
Well, if He is in control of everything and is a loving and compassionate God, why did that earthquake and tsunami occur in the Indian Sea?
My answer to that is this, I am not completely sure why. God is God and His ways are mysterious. I can say something, but I don't truly know.
I can tell you the outcome:
- It allowed people of faith to visit areas of the world that were previously closed to them.
- It offered people the ability to help those in need.
- To many, it gave hope of a brighter future, because so much help was given.
- To others, it angered them, because not enough help was given or they have yet to receive any help at all because their government doesn't trust anyone.
- I have heard stories of amazing faith in action that saved hundreds of lives.
- Orphans have been adopted into other countries, possibly giving those children better lives.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Godly Love
What is God's love? Well, God is love. It is the most powerful aspect of God. Everything He does is because of love. In fact, the Bible and the Torah are God's love in action. He wants us to know, He loves us and will do anything to take care of us.
I once saw a program from Showtime that featured Penn and Teller (magicians/comedians/entertainers) and the name of the program was "Bulls***!" This episode was focused on the Bible. I had a hard time watching it because of their attitudes (mocking/scoffing/cynical), but it did get me to think. One point they mentioned was this: If God was a loving and compassionate God, why did He kill the first born in Egypt?
So I prayed about this and the answer came. Pharaoh was given many chances, to let the Israelites go. He was asked repeatedly by Moses to free them, and he refused. Each time, he was warned that the calamities would get worse and that he, and the people of Egypt, would pay a horrible price for his arrogant willful hardened heart (Exodus 12:29-32). Read the book of Exodus, Message //Remix or New Living Translation editions. They are very easy to read and will allow you to understand them better.
Now, to many, that would not seem like a God of love, but if we read Genesis chapter 17, we read of God's promise and covenant with Abraham. He promised Abraham that he would be a father of many nations and that Canaan would belong to his children. Now, if anyone knows anything about God, He keeps His promises. So, looking back to Exodus 12:29-32, I can see someone taking it completely out of context, but if you read all of Exodus, then you would see how the Israelites had suffered and God heard their cries. Do you see what I am trying to point out? God's love and His complete trustworthiness to keep His promises.
God made a promise to the father of the Israelites, Abraham, and He was keeping that promise. And the Lord will do what it takes to keep that covenant and He continues to keep it today. I know some will say, "Why did He allow it?"
The Lord gave us a gift called Free Will. This gift can seem like a curse to some and a blessing to others. Free Will allowed sin into our lives, through Adam, but Free Will allowed us to be redeemed, through Jesus. God gave Pharaoh the choice to "Let My people go!" and was warned of the consequences many times if he didn't comply. So you see, Free Will can get us in trouble with the Lord if we outright refuse to obey Him. Read the book of Jonah to understand what obeying God means.
Jonah flat out didn't want to do what the Lord asked of him. God chased him and told him to "...[Go] to Nineveh! Preach to them. They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer." Jon 1:1-2 MSG
It isn't until the end of the book that we see what the Lord wants to show us. If we don't do what He wants us to do, when He wants us to do it, the consequences of our choices will be evident. In Jonah's case (Jon 4:5-11), the Lord used a tree to represent Nineveh and the worm was the destruction He promised would happen if this great city didn't repent. Now, the people of this city wouldn't have known they were in danger if Jonah didn't obey and they would have been destroyed. So, Jonah saw the worm moving towards the tree and could have stopped it, but didn't and the tree died because of his willful inaction.
Finally, what is my point? Pharaoh could have saved his son, and all of those first born in Egypt, if he would have let the Israelites go. The blame isn't on God, but on Pharaoh.
I once saw a program from Showtime that featured Penn and Teller (magicians/comedians/entertainers) and the name of the program was "Bulls***!" This episode was focused on the Bible. I had a hard time watching it because of their attitudes (mocking/scoffing/cynical), but it did get me to think. One point they mentioned was this: If God was a loving and compassionate God, why did He kill the first born in Egypt?
So I prayed about this and the answer came. Pharaoh was given many chances, to let the Israelites go. He was asked repeatedly by Moses to free them, and he refused. Each time, he was warned that the calamities would get worse and that he, and the people of Egypt, would pay a horrible price for his arrogant willful hardened heart (Exodus 12:29-32). Read the book of Exodus, Message //Remix or New Living Translation editions. They are very easy to read and will allow you to understand them better.
Now, to many, that would not seem like a God of love, but if we read Genesis chapter 17, we read of God's promise and covenant with Abraham. He promised Abraham that he would be a father of many nations and that Canaan would belong to his children. Now, if anyone knows anything about God, He keeps His promises. So, looking back to Exodus 12:29-32, I can see someone taking it completely out of context, but if you read all of Exodus, then you would see how the Israelites had suffered and God heard their cries. Do you see what I am trying to point out? God's love and His complete trustworthiness to keep His promises.
God made a promise to the father of the Israelites, Abraham, and He was keeping that promise. And the Lord will do what it takes to keep that covenant and He continues to keep it today. I know some will say, "Why did He allow it?"
The Lord gave us a gift called Free Will. This gift can seem like a curse to some and a blessing to others. Free Will allowed sin into our lives, through Adam, but Free Will allowed us to be redeemed, through Jesus. God gave Pharaoh the choice to "Let My people go!" and was warned of the consequences many times if he didn't comply. So you see, Free Will can get us in trouble with the Lord if we outright refuse to obey Him. Read the book of Jonah to understand what obeying God means.
Jonah flat out didn't want to do what the Lord asked of him. God chased him and told him to "...[Go] to Nineveh! Preach to them. They're in a bad way and I can't ignore it any longer." Jon 1:1-2 MSG
It isn't until the end of the book that we see what the Lord wants to show us. If we don't do what He wants us to do, when He wants us to do it, the consequences of our choices will be evident. In Jonah's case (Jon 4:5-11), the Lord used a tree to represent Nineveh and the worm was the destruction He promised would happen if this great city didn't repent. Now, the people of this city wouldn't have known they were in danger if Jonah didn't obey and they would have been destroyed. So, Jonah saw the worm moving towards the tree and could have stopped it, but didn't and the tree died because of his willful inaction.
Finally, what is my point? Pharaoh could have saved his son, and all of those first born in Egypt, if he would have let the Israelites go. The blame isn't on God, but on Pharaoh.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Freedom
What do I mean by freedom? Is it freedom related to the U.S.? Or freedom related to doing what I want? How about freedom of life, related to religion? It's that last question I am referring to. Everyone, who has ever been born and will be born has been given freedom, because of God's awesome grace.
To be a true Follower of Christ, you must understand we have freedom. Freedom to worship the Lord in any way you choose. Freedom to love Him any way you choose. Freedom to trust Him any way you choose. Freedom from lists. Freedom from religion. Freedom from rituals. Freedom from sin. Freedom to read His word. Freedom to be with Him.
Your relationship can be as stiff or as personal as you choose. Of course, all actions affect things when we go to be with Him, but I hope you get the point. If you don't, then let me explain: Many Christians think that drinking alcohol is a sin. I have news for you- nowhere does it say in the Bible that drinking is a sin. Even Jesus drank wine! But, drinking TOO MUCH alcohol will generally lead to sin because it breaks down barriers we normally put up help us think about our actions.
It is anyone's choice if they drink and it isn't my place to tell them not to because I might "feel" it is a sin. But, if it's my brother or sister in Christ, and they are getting sloshed and making life hard on themselves, then I will step in. Why? Because, we should help fellow believers not to sin.
There are some who feel that smoking is a sin. Again, the Bible doesn't say that it is, plus, smoking isn't even mentioned. So, what is sin? Sin is something that takes control of you. Sin is something that removes your focus from what is important in life. Sin is something that takes you away from the Lord. Sin causes a person to defy the Lord. You see, some sin isn't global, i.e. drinking, smoking, gambling, video games... "Whaa? Video games? How can video games be a sin?", you might say. Let me explain, a dry alcoholic knows of the horrors of alcohol, but also knows that everyone isn't affected by alcohol like they would be. The same is true for video games, some people can play and leave them, while others are hooked on them like some sort of drug!
A few years ago, I was a junky when it came to video games. I was playing online, and would be involved in epic campaigns to slaughter thousands of "men or creatures" in massive multiplayer games. I was good, not great, but good enough that I could join a game clan and be counted on to help them win. I felt powerful when I won, almost prideful. Then there were times I would be raging mad... no red rage angry when I would loose or catch someone cheating. All I could think about was getting my game fix. It consumed me to the point it affected my relationships with people, especially my wife. One day, I clocked over 14 hours in a single sitting (that week alone, I did four days of solid game play), killing thousands of men in these virtual wars. I was also just starting to go back to church, after being away for almost 20 years.
Then one day, as I was floating my pride over a huge win, something inside of me said, "Why are you playing this game? Why do you gloat over the death of a soldier in a battle re-enactment from World War II? Look at all of that death! This isn't fun, and it is consuming you, which isn't what I planned for you!" I had never heard that voice before so I ignored it.
The next day, the voice was back, and again I ignored it, but kept on talking I become more soured to the game I was playing. Then I started to become soured to all games. Then it dawned upon me, "The Lord considered this to be sin, because it was taking my focus off of Him." The next morning, the desire to play games that was there every morning, was gone. In fact, I detest playing them most of the time.
So what is freedom? Having faith in the Lord and loving Him with all your heart, mind, and strength and loving others as well as you love yourself.
-Lord, I pray that someone will read this and understand something You would like for them to know. Your wisdom comes in special ways and it can help others see You in a different light. Your love for us and Your amazing grace, gave us freedom to love You and worship You. Lord, you want a personal relationship with us, with nothing in between. I know that many religions or denominations have rules or regulations to control their believers. But I now know, You don't need that to enjoy a life full of abundant joy and peace. You have been so good to me as I have struggled with life and I should have trust in You to change me to be the man You want me to be. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
To be a true Follower of Christ, you must understand we have freedom. Freedom to worship the Lord in any way you choose. Freedom to love Him any way you choose. Freedom to trust Him any way you choose. Freedom from lists. Freedom from religion. Freedom from rituals. Freedom from sin. Freedom to read His word. Freedom to be with Him.
Your relationship can be as stiff or as personal as you choose. Of course, all actions affect things when we go to be with Him, but I hope you get the point. If you don't, then let me explain: Many Christians think that drinking alcohol is a sin. I have news for you- nowhere does it say in the Bible that drinking is a sin. Even Jesus drank wine! But, drinking TOO MUCH alcohol will generally lead to sin because it breaks down barriers we normally put up help us think about our actions.
It is anyone's choice if they drink and it isn't my place to tell them not to because I might "feel" it is a sin. But, if it's my brother or sister in Christ, and they are getting sloshed and making life hard on themselves, then I will step in. Why? Because, we should help fellow believers not to sin.
There are some who feel that smoking is a sin. Again, the Bible doesn't say that it is, plus, smoking isn't even mentioned. So, what is sin? Sin is something that takes control of you. Sin is something that removes your focus from what is important in life. Sin is something that takes you away from the Lord. Sin causes a person to defy the Lord. You see, some sin isn't global, i.e. drinking, smoking, gambling, video games... "Whaa? Video games? How can video games be a sin?", you might say. Let me explain, a dry alcoholic knows of the horrors of alcohol, but also knows that everyone isn't affected by alcohol like they would be. The same is true for video games, some people can play and leave them, while others are hooked on them like some sort of drug!
A few years ago, I was a junky when it came to video games. I was playing online, and would be involved in epic campaigns to slaughter thousands of "men or creatures" in massive multiplayer games. I was good, not great, but good enough that I could join a game clan and be counted on to help them win. I felt powerful when I won, almost prideful. Then there were times I would be raging mad... no red rage angry when I would loose or catch someone cheating. All I could think about was getting my game fix. It consumed me to the point it affected my relationships with people, especially my wife. One day, I clocked over 14 hours in a single sitting (that week alone, I did four days of solid game play), killing thousands of men in these virtual wars. I was also just starting to go back to church, after being away for almost 20 years.
Then one day, as I was floating my pride over a huge win, something inside of me said, "Why are you playing this game? Why do you gloat over the death of a soldier in a battle re-enactment from World War II? Look at all of that death! This isn't fun, and it is consuming you, which isn't what I planned for you!" I had never heard that voice before so I ignored it.
The next day, the voice was back, and again I ignored it, but kept on talking I become more soured to the game I was playing. Then I started to become soured to all games. Then it dawned upon me, "The Lord considered this to be sin, because it was taking my focus off of Him." The next morning, the desire to play games that was there every morning, was gone. In fact, I detest playing them most of the time.
So what is freedom? Having faith in the Lord and loving Him with all your heart, mind, and strength and loving others as well as you love yourself.
-Lord, I pray that someone will read this and understand something You would like for them to know. Your wisdom comes in special ways and it can help others see You in a different light. Your love for us and Your amazing grace, gave us freedom to love You and worship You. Lord, you want a personal relationship with us, with nothing in between. I know that many religions or denominations have rules or regulations to control their believers. But I now know, You don't need that to enjoy a life full of abundant joy and peace. You have been so good to me as I have struggled with life and I should have trust in You to change me to be the man You want me to be. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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