What about Church and Religion?

Since today is Sunday I thought I would talk about this. So today I woke up, made breakfast, and went to Memphis. My mom went to church and my dad went to the hunting and fishing show. I stayed home. After mom got out of church we went to Memphis with my aunt. You were probably expecting me to put something about me going to church in there weren't you? Well I didn't go this morning, but yes I do have a great relationship with God. Here is a short video describing what I am about to say. 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY&rdm=u49pb53j&hl=en_US&guid=&client=mv-google&gl=US&ytsession=Cn9kxBljFfxTkeiSxL1T0fsATERe_RgaaT5oui-XFZzWJHz5WKttka3m-iqxGgOYpueqF6RHLLUm_Yi7_t-xdutpoKN8RTLYBpMtIlI5z8FrMGMMUKY7_Mcm1Jn3u12Y26wf_PfLksnw6V28BrIn6YFJFi7Q1KZepd-yJvk0qS8FOcpmCXi3tG86hsIaSqP-G8N2pDHakhUrbRq4hsnHvtato8SwjScvTaS0FdUMXgkJ0VCky5ZvQJOUhJPC_NBH70-EK0-8stMAfZc911SDT_TDSAkcc2Je

In this video a few things stood out to me. "If religion is so great.... Why does it build huge churches but fails to feed the poor?" I want you to think about it for a minute, how big is your church? If you go to a big church do you have certain days you go out and give food to the shut ins? Does your church give food to food drives? I have the privilege to go to a church that does both of those, the church I go to has a okay community out reach program. We are continually growing in that. 

This one really stood out to me, "see the problem with religion it never really gets to the core. It is just behavior modifications like a long list of chores... Now I ain't judgin' but quit puttin' on your fake look. Because there is a problem if people can't tell your Christian by looking at your Facebook." 

One of the main reasons I don't like to go to church is I don't get s lot from the services. Don't get me wrong we have a great pastor. But I am a personal person, I get a lot out of deep conversations like in youth group. I can't stand being in the same room with a bunch of folks that think by the amount of money they put in the plate determines their being in the church. Like in the bible. This lady gave all her money to God, but these Pharisees were complaining because they gave so much more their and got little in return. 

This kind of thing really gets me going because I love God so much but I hate how people say, " oh I didn't see he or she in church on Sunday." Reality check people your relationship with God is between you and him. You do not have to be Methodist or Baptist to get in heaven. But don't think just because you do good all your life you'll get into the land of milk and honey. You have to go through hardships, and be in awe of Gods amazing power. You have to LOVE Christ and be humbled by him. 

Even though I do not go to church every Sunday, EVERY night I have a quiet time. Just me and God. No music. No anything. Pure silence. I tell him about my day. If it has been good or bad. No matter what I know he is there and he is listening. 

Everyday I try to challenge myself to do something new, and so I am going to challenge you to do it also. And if you've done something new or good thank God for letting you do that and have the opportunity to. 

I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and talk to someone new, ask them how they are doing, or just simply tell them God loves you! 

"And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly his faith is counted as righteousness." 

-Romams 4:5

Have a great Monday and do new things! 

-Charley