I was once a very strict religious person.  I was sure that I was holy and on my way to Heaven.  It was very easy for me to know whether or not others would go to Heaven by their outward appearance before I actually knew anything about their Christian life.  I was convinced that the more religious education, indoctrination, training and experience I received would naturally make me a more sober and solemn person thus stronger.  How fooled I was!  Some how none of that mattered when standing toe-to-toe in spiritual warfare.

I sat with world leaders in the international meetings, where everyone was to only appear solemn and full of wisdom to make decisions that would affect the rest of the church body.  Although the clothes, lack of accessories and make-up, the hair styles and talk were all just right, still something was missing.  I kept looking for God.  I kept feeling that He had not been invited, because all of the preaching and rejoicing was about “us”.  Yet it was supposed to be all about Him.

As I traveled through one country then another, seeing people take their meager items to lay before their stone, wood, and gold plated gods, I realized that my God was not like that.  As I looked upon a 30 foot tall monkey god that towered over an Indian village, realizing that the people were taught that it would beat them with its club if they didn’t worship it, I thought, “But my God is not like that.”  As we have entered many a beautiful and fancy church building while the pastors shining with much pride about “his” church, the thought stayed, “But my God is not like that.”

When seeing thousands of gods, I realized that I can’t see my God, but He speaks to me.  He blesses me.  He doesn’t demand, but loves me.  He doesn’t abuse me, but loves me.  He not only cares about me, but He loves me. God so loved the world that He sent His Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.  Jesus’ love was so great that He suffered the stripes so that I can be healed of any disease, sickness, or infirmity, even be healed mentally and emotionally.  He didn’t get upset with the people, but instead He went on to be crucified so that I would be redeemed by His blood being shed on the Cross of Calvary. 

God did not send His Son to fill us with sadness and heaviness from religion.  He sent Him because He loved us and wanted us to be freed from sin.  Sin means that we have been separated from doing God’s will.  A person may not have committed any of the lists of sins that have been written down, yet has refused to really obey God while still going to church and acting like a good Christian.  OOOOPS!  That disobedience is called sin.

According to the Word of God, based upon Nehemiah 8:10, ANY CHRISTIAN that does not have the JOY OF THE LORD is weak!   Yes there are difficult times in life, but the Word declares that He gives the oil of joy for mourning (Isaiah 61:3).  Romans 14:17 shows us that the kingdom of God is not about food or drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

BEWARE of anyone loading you down with do’s and don’ts in the Name of Religion.  Jesus came to set the captives free and give life abundantly.  Jesus said, “I have told you these things, that My joy and delight may be in you, and that your joy and gladness may be of full measure and complete and overflowing.” (John 15:11 AMP)