Because Josh’s song affects me so much, I thought I’d share some of the lyrics and WHY they are so meaningful to me.

“Can you hear me when I’m calling out your name? I guess sometimes I get the feeling, that I’m all alone, that I’m doing this whole thing on my own…but then,

…you were right there when I need you the most, in the darkness when my hope is lost. I know, I know, that you hear me when I call.”

…and you tell me everything is gonna be OK, you’re right there, you’re right there, you’re right here…always!”

I think this song is so profound because I think of all the years I ran away from God…but He was right there ALWAYS. I had spent so much time running and denying Him that I was in darkness and couldn’t see. When I finally decided to seek Him it’s like the light switch was turned on and there He was…waiting for me.

God is like a loving Father who must be patient as he sees his child rejecting his help and trying to do it “all on my own”. He waits for us to swallow our pride and humbly ask for help. And then, instead of criticizing our pride or stubbornness, he embraces us in unconditional love.

Just like in Josh’s song, when I finally called out to God…He heard me and He forgave me. And now I have Him to walk with and talk with ALWAYS.

Do you ever feel like you are all alone, struggling to get through life all by yourself? Remember, God IS always there. He wants you to love Him just as much as He loves you. But because of His gift of Free Will, it’s a choice you have to make.

Even if you are a life-long Christian, I encourage you to seek Him with ALL of your heart…daily. When you feel like all hope is lost because of growing debt, a job loss, marital problems, or just life’s pressures…turn to God and He will be there.

If you’ve never heard Josh’s music, visit his page on myspace.

Thanks Josh for using your God given talents to bring Joy to my heart. God Bless.

With so many religions out there, how pompous is it of Christianity to think it’s the only true religion, and be SO exlusive…right?

I’ll save the topic of what makes Christianity different and special for a later post. I will say in summary…NOT all religions are true. Not all of them can be right at the same time. People who haven’t really studied the various religions look at that debate and say “look at all of the things these religions have in common; golden rule, the flood story, virgin birth, blah blah blah”. But its’ the differences that you have to look at when trying to compare them. If one religion says there is no heaven, and one religion says that there is…then one of them is wrong…end of story. I’ll talk more on that later. But for now, let’s talk about our exclusive little club shall we?

So, is Christianity exlusive and pompous? Hardly. Read on…

Let’s tear this argument apart, piece by piece.

1. Did Jesus die for just Christians (who didn’t exist at the time he walked the earth) or Jews? No. He died for EVERYONE, so that ALL could have eternal life with God.
2. Did Jesus put any restrictions on who could accept him…or difficult barriers between you and Him? Did he load you up with burdens that you must carry in order to be on His team? No.

   He said in Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
   ²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
   ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
   ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

3. If Christianity was a country club…what would you have to do to be a member? Answer: walk up and say “I accept your membership, that has already been paid for me by the owner…Jesus Christ”.

So, how can you call something exlusionary and intollerant…if all you have to do is ASK for it? Again, just say “Jesus, I accept your free gift. Instead of rejecting you…I accept you. Instead of putting up exuses and walking away from you…I want a relationship with you.”

The next time you hear someone say “Christianity is intollerant and exlusionary”…ask them to explain what is keeping them from accepting his free gift? Ask them to explain, specifically, what Christians are doing to keep them out of the club. The fact is that Christianity is the most open, tollerant, non-exlusive club on earth. ANYONE can join, ANYTIME in their life…and they will be accepted.

So what’s it going to be? Want in? All you have to do is ask. .