Religion vs. Relationship

I received this revelation from the Lord. I found myself amused, and tears accompanied my amusement. I pondered, “What do I truly understand about relationships?” The reality was that my knowledge was minimal; my experiences had been marked by abuse. Nevertheless, I harbored an intrinsic belief that God would never treat me in such a manner. He corrects me with the affection of a loving Father, yet has never displayed disrespect towards me. Furthermore, He has neither forsaken nor abandoned me, nor has He betrayed my trust. Thus, I arrived at the conclusion that, regardless of circumstances, He is perpetually present. This is not a sentiment I can extend to people, for I am not inherently sociable. While I maintain cordial interactions, that marks the limit of my engagement. I possess a small circle of friends, and I find contentment in that.

I spent six months day and night flipping through the pages of His Word. Often, they felt like mere words to me, devoid of depth or meaning. I didn’t understand much of what I read. I grappled with the concepts. Many passages remained tucked away in the recesses of my mind. Romans 6:16 states, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves, you become slaves to obey that person. You are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” This message is clear and straightforward, yet profound, resonating with the complexities of our choices and their consequences. The light bulb finally illuminated everything within His Word—both the Old and New Testaments. Suddenly, the scriptures that once seemed cryptic burst forth with clarity, rich with truth and guidance for my life. The Universal Law of Inspired Action had started working. It reminded me that every thought and intention shapes my reality. I have never been one for small talk or superficial understanding; I’ve always craved a deeper connection with the divine. I’ve never forgotten this verse, even in my drunkenness, where clarity seemed most distant. This would float through my mind amidst the clatter in my head, an echo of truth in chaos. It was like God was poking me, “Hey, I’m still here with you.” In that moment, I realized something profound. Even in my lowest times, the wisdom of His message offered a way out. It lit a path toward redemption and understanding.

What or who are you worshiping? Is it alcohol? Is it your drug of choice? Is it food, gambling, pornography, or money? Is it the accumulation of material possessions? Who is your god? This is the essence of the Scripture’s message. For me, my god was alcohol, a means to numb the pain and escape reality. I found myself caught in a cycle of constant mental noise. It led me to stay intoxicated. I would pass out and then repeat the process. In retrospect, this only compounded my turmoil. When discussing “obedience,” I must admit I have struggled with it. In Greek, obedience is defined as attentive hearkening, indicating compliance or submission. It is obedience motivated by love. I am improving in this area, and I am grateful to follow a God who does not demand perfection. He understands that none of us are without flaws, as we exist in a broken world. We are here “for such a time as this” {Esther 4:14}. We must strive to navigate through it with the best efforts we can muster. One misconception is that God stands over us with a harsh demeanor. In reality, He observes my struggles with compassion. He gently asks, “My dear child, what am I to do with you?” My angels have worked tirelessly, facing moments of wanting to give up, but they have persevered alongside me.

I attended a few different churches. It seemed to me that God had been removed from them. God felt like an afterthought rather than the central focus of worship and community. Every time I stepped in, my spirit would cringe. I felt a deep sense of disconnection and loss in a place that was meant to be sacred. I don’t attend “churches” anymore because, quite frankly, I realized that God IS NOT in a box. God is not confined to organizational structures. He is not bound by man-made doctrines. He resides within each of us. He guides our paths from within our hearts. I expected a church to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It should be a vibrant and moving presence. This would invigorate both the congregation and the entire community. My first big mistake, then, was having these expectations that often went unfulfilled and left me feeling disillusioned. Number two, it seemed that the “churches” were conforming The Holy Word to fit their sinful behaviors. They twisted scripture to justify actions that strayed far from the teachings of love and compassion. Number three, the amount of hypocrisy is astronomical! What I observed was another gossip outlet. We ARE to Pray for people. NOT GOSSIP! The focus was less on spiritual growth and more on judgment and division. They betrayed the very principles they claimed to uphold. Witnessing such a disconnect between belief and behavior is disheartening. This disconnect prompted me to seek a deeper connection. I wanted a more authentic faith outside the walls of traditional worship.

I sing with Him in melodies that resonate deep within my heart. I soak in His Presence. I feel a warmth that envelops my very soul, like the sun breaking through the clouds on a rainy day. I dance with Him, allowing the rhythm of my spirit to guide my movements in joyful abandon. I talk to Him as I would to a dear friend. I share my thoughts, hopes, and fears with Him. It’s as if He were sitting right across from me. I eat with Him, inviting His essence into every meal, transforming the mundane into the sacred. I very seldom get lonely, for His companionship fills the spaces where silence might otherwise dwell. I step outside in the beauty of His majestic artwork. I marvel at the intricacies of nature that surround me. These include the vibrant colors of the flowers. I notice the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind. There is also the vastness of the sky that stretches above. I don’t care what people think, for their opinions pale in comparison to the intimacy I share with Him. If ever there was a time we NEED Him, it’s NOW. As the world spins on, chaotic and uncertain, I find solace in His unwavering love and guidance.

Above all, I thank Him, for the good, the bad, and the ugly experiences that shape my journey! Each moment, whether joyous or challenging, teaches me valuable lessons and helps me grow as a person. I’m grateful in ALL things, recognizing that every situation has a purpose and meaning behind it. He has provided me with everything I need. I receive strength in times of struggle. He gives me wisdom in moments of doubt. I also receive love from those around me. Through this abundance and support, I find hope and resilience. This allows me to embrace life fully with an open heart.

God/Universe transcends limitations. He desires a relationship with His children rather than being confined to a ritual. This profound connection is rooted in love and understanding. It encourages individuals to seek a deeper, more personal bond that goes beyond mere practices. It invites them to explore the divine presence in their daily lives. It fosters compassion and nurtures a spirit of community and shared purpose.

EVERYONE RAISE A HALLELUJAH!