GRACE
People always think that when you say you are a Christian it means that you think you're perfect. Far from it. We are simply those who admit that we are SO much less than perfect. A sinner, falling short of God. We repent (to change direction) ask Jesus to forgive, take over everything and begin to heal, cleanse, change and renew. God, the Creator of everything came as a man to die for OUR sin.
Faith, Not a church building or denomination. NOT religion,
It is, a personal relationship with God in the Person of Jesus Christ.
"Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.2Cr 5:17
I have experienced this, I am changed. I now strive to keep my heart, mind and actions in line with Gods will. This does not make excuse for all of my past actions and sin. I live with the consequences of my sin every day. If you're reading this because you know me and I have hurt or offended you in any way, please forgive me,Some of us go through most of our life without a true moral compass. I can not express how much JOY I have within, knowing that I serve a God who loves me. Knowing that when I'm called my soul will be with Him in heaven. My children will know God and He will live on through me. I believe that all people share a search for truth and I want to share my story and my heart with you. Thanks.
I thought I was free. And yet I was in bondage to so many things, my image of myself, my image to others, comfort, social position, libations. lusts, fear of death, fear of failure.
In the music business, and in life, Your career is boosted by the "names" you are associated with. I really am glad that I didn't become "famous". Of course, God gave me the gift of being too unorganized and undisciplined to be successful in that way...
Not that I wasn't a caring or generous person, it's just that each of us chooses to be "self" serving, or, God serving and give Honor to He who created everything in first place! (Bob Dylan said it: "It might be the devil, it might be the Lord, But you got to serve somebody")
Only now that I can look back, do I realize that God was sometimes keeping me out of harms way and at other times, allowing me to make the mistakes that would eventually make me a better man to be used by HIM, To help others.
The world, music, tours, travel, attention, ALWAYS SEARCHING (separated from God). I have experienced so many things. But using Gods gift of music for what? money, attention, trying to be understood... relationships... Unable to truly commit, empty inside. They say that you sell your soul to be "successful" I believe this to be true.
The bible calls this; "Living for the Flesh". (you can fill up your life with all kinds of things but at the end of the day, unless you know God, you are ultimately alone.)The devil is the ultimate liar, using our own fears and vanity to lie to ourselves. He will try to take away your HOPE...don't let him!
I was in relationships that were doomed to fail because the focus was on worldly, selfish needs. When I met my second wife, she thought I was prince charming, charming maybe, but destined to break her heart and her trust. And yet, she continued on in faith and brought me to a saving knowledge of the Jesus Christ. (not religion, relationship).
She has stayed with me through much growth.We seek the Lord above all else first and He has blessed us for it. He has sustained us through the loss of unborn children, the times of mistrust, and through many difficult seasons. We now have two beautiful children of our own, and two adult children from our first marriages. And I have a child from another relationship that I do not see, born a year after I met my wife . (do the math).
If we did not trust and serve God in everything we could not have such a strong and vital marriage.
Let me encourage you to ask Jesus to come into your life. Get to know Him. Just talk to Him, no one is watching...He is always listening.
Serve God, not man or money. Keep yourself pure in thought and deed, be a person of your word. Serve others, not yourself,Career is NOT the most important thing. Your relationship with God is. Your FAITHFULNESS to God and to your loved ones and friends. This is what matters!
It is really SO simple, and yes it really is true, Trust in Jesus. It's not all about you anymore, it's all about serving God. He made you unique and special, give HIM the credit and go out and be a light!