I think my faith has come from association with many people but actually is not something I have worked for. I am basically self centered and selfish like everybody else and have tried to "maximize" my earthly experience in this body by finding something great and then being a pig with my appetite. I have tried to be a "good person" and "do unto others as I'd have them do unto me" but there have been plenty of lapses into plain old selfishness. I'm learning the lesson taught as the parable of "sowing and reaping" by experience and continue to be selfish, but would like to think there is some progress<g>.

    While many "religions" approach the One and ONLY true GOD have the common truths to share; it is only through God's initiative, plan and provision through JESUS CHRIST that I've been able to overcome my own intellect and proclamation that I am the center of the universe<my universe>. I remain in debt to Him forever and gladly lift up His name as the only way man can free himself without using an unclean instrument="how can anything clean come out of the unclean?". The great teachings of the Hebrew scriptures are brought to life by the living Spirit of God whom He gives freely to those who ask.

Don't take my word for it. If God is, let Him prove himself-open yourself up to the greatest gift in all of creation. Read the Word of God in the Holy Bible, pray and ask Him for understanding. If He didn't respond; I wouldn't worship Him either<g>! Wouldn't it be a darn shame to leave this experience without reading the instruction manual, if there is one?

Bottom Line Faith-gets me through..  

<goto: Main page>

    You know this really "sucks" in a way,  I am obliged to share the faith which has brought me through some difficult times; yet a poor ambassador by my own example.  I guess I relate well to the little guy who had the loaves and fishes which he offered to Jesus; it wasn't much but in His Hands it was sufficient.  My own life it seems, is a struggle between doing the "right thing" and doing the thing which I think will maximize my pleasure; I don't always choose the good way.  My gratitude comes from the love which I beleive we have, as a father to a son, no matter what.....and then some.  Jesus said<para dave> that your earthly father wouldn't give you bad things if you have a need - how much more love your heavenly father has.  I've made mistakes, oh so many, and have regrets but if I had it to do over knowing what I knew then-SOS.  Paul in his letters did not claim to have "arrived" at some spiritual excellence but simply told of the love of God expressed in his giving his only begotten son that we might know of his love for us and be freed from condemnation (John 3:16).  So that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.  Life is funny and we often forget who we are and how short our time is.  Truly we are all like sheep who have gone astray, and every one has fallen short of the "glory of God".  How can I love God with all my heart and mind and strength and my neighbor as myself and do my neighbor anything short of giving my own selfish desires up for him?  I don't know but seem to be pretty selfish and self centered sometime; not too spiritual and loving.  There is no excuse, but there is Grace <the undeserved, unearned love and favor of God>.  May the world find that love for themselves individually and for each other.