The Story of The Spiritual Religious Type

What is our Purpose? Rejoice always, Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is Gods will for your life in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice Always: Rejoicing always doesn't mean faking happiness or putting a smile on your face during the hard times. Although, this is a great thing to do, for your mental well being. Faking a smile actually produces endorphins in your brain that lead to longer term happiness. But, God wants us to celebrate him, worship him and love one another. In Philippians 4:4-5 it says "Rejoice in the Lord always... Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." He wants us to celebrate our small victories and learn to love ourselves, each other and obviously the most important one, Him. Therefore confess your sins to one another that you may be healed, the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16 Prayer: Prayer is a gift God has given to us where we can ask for provision, guidance, acc...

  Alcohol and Spiritual Connection Many, even religious, people consume alcohol without a second thought of what it is doing to them physically or spiritually. We drink socially, to relax, to have fun, but how does it effect our connection to the Holy Spirit? In my experience, as a recovering alcoholic, I've found that I hear God more clearly when I haven't partaken in drugs or alcohol, especially for a long period of time. In my opinion, staying away from alcohol brings you closer to God. Here is why: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 (NIV) I researched "Debauchery", it means to indulged in sexual acts, alcohol consumption, smoking and drug use. I'm sure we can all agree that drinking is a stepping stone to sinning. Not that drinking is a sin itself, but it leads us to do irrational and regretful things. I'm sure you can remember a time you woke up from a night of drinking and felt shame an...

Surrendering            I've never been the type to "Live in the moment". I've always been trapped in the future or the past. When we get that way we get stuck and it usually it spirals into anxiety and depression. When we focus on futuristic events we get bombarded with anxiety, and when we focus on the past we are plagued with depression. We have to find a middle ground and I have only found it though my faith in the Lord.                Trust in the LORD with all heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6               Its taken me a long time to come to terms with the fact that I can't control things that are out of my hands. But When I found God, I knew I could lean on him when I felt like life was out of control. I used to do everything I could to take control back in my life. I ha...

  Why I am Christian               I became Christian because at first I believed it was a second chance at life. I had no idea how much I'd learn and grow on this journey and there is still an extensive amount to learn. Like everyone, I've made mistakes. But mine were eating me alive. I couldn't function properly because of regret and guilt. It honestly took a lot of Bible study on the topic of forgiveness and love for me to overcome my pain that I was going through. It took me a long time to understand that God forgives ALL and forgives us no matter what we do. That's why I love Christianity.                We are about growth, love and forgiveness. Being a baby Christian I can say, it took me almost a year to understand that forgiving myself was essential to forgiving others. When I am in a constant battle with myself, I can't focus on forgiving or helping others. The turmoil takes over and its all I...