Religion? What is that?

Sometimes I am asked questions on religion. I have to admit, I don't know much about religion. I only know about relationship. I know some about relationship with my my wife, my daughter, my friends. I know about my relationship with Jesus. I don't consider it religion. I am also still learning on a daily basis. This blog is listed in a category: religion/Christianity. It was the closest I could get to the truth, but it was not the full truth. A true listing would be: Jesus/relationships/personal.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12) KJV

You know, there is enough wisdom and knowledge in the opening verses of John's gospel that I could blog for a long time, and still not tell everything I want to say. I will reflect on being a child of God today. This is an awesome verse! If you are a Christian, this is a wonderful fact! I have prayed with people to receive Christ and they would tell me: "I don't feel any different." That is because it is a fact, not a feeling. Our feelings are deceptive at best. Just ask someone that has been through depression. Facts are facts! They are unchanging from day to day because they are true day after day. If you mean it with all of your heart when you pray to receive Christ, it will be reflected in you soon enough. At this point, you become a child of God and you enter into a family relationship with Him. God takes care of His own. He leads His own. It is a lot like that post I had about my father. My dad said for me to do something and I did it. He took care of me the best he could. I loved my dad. I love my God! It is not religion! It is relationship. God was there when I got saved. He was present for my baptism. He was there when I witnessed to someone for the first time. He was there when I got married, and when my daughter was born. He is family. He wants to be a Father to you just like He has been to me. Won't you give Him the opportunity?

Father, I thank you for the opportunity to share this. I know that I cannot do this subject justice on my own. I know that you can. I ask that you would do so, and give people the desire of a relationship with you. You do this daily. Show yourself to those that read this the way you have shown yourself to me. Bless them I pray, in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Father

I remember, when I was very young, nothing could harm me as long as my dad was around. I really felt so safe and secure. He gave me confidence to do things that I would not have done on my own. He was there for my first fishing trip, hunting trip, and my first day of school. I was, and still am, a terrible hunter. :) I lost my father when I was 17 and I miss him very much. I still have all of those memories that he left me with though. Thinking of him reminded me of something.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14) KJV

Being with my father brought out the best in me. The faith I had was pure and undefiled. My heavenly Father, through Jesus, brings forth that same pure faith. The faith of a child. When I am walking in communion with Jesus, all is right with the world. I can attempt any task, and He gives me the confidence and assurance that He is right there with me. I personally try not to over think this with a lot of theology. I want to keep my faith in Him like that of a little child. Simple and pure.

Father, I thank you for being my father. I thank you for Jesus and the fact that I can come to you with anything that is on my mind. For the fact that you are there with me through all of the things I face in life, the good and the bad. Help me to keep my heart pure before you like that of a child. In the name of Jesus, Amen.