Barnes family: Easter 08

How fun! Great time painting eggs with Miles, Adella, Tia, and Braya at our house. Went to Aunt Jill's house on Easter. Had the Easter egg hunt and fabulous food. The kids and I spent a relaxing 5 days at Aunt Lisa's house. I think it's a great idea to use plastic eggs filled with candy, money, stickers and whatever else will fit in an egg. I got a kick out of watching Keena open those eggs...hilarious. What a great Easter.

Relationship, not "religion"

I feel sometime that "religion" is killing people. In 2nd Corinthians 3:6, Paul said, "The code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive."

There are so many precious people who seek a relationship with God, and the religious community continues to tell them they need to "do" something else in order to be acceptable to Him (Jesus).

Do not be offended by my use of the word "religion." I realize that it has been popular, spiritual-sounding word for centuries. I am only trying to present a clear difference between an impersonal set of rules and regulations and a personal relationship with the living God.

Jesus talked of His personal relationship with the Father, and the religious leaders of His day persecuted Him. I am amazed when I encounter certain people who are opposed to hearing others talk about God in a personal way or about feeling empowered by God. Obviously, Satan hates a personal relationship with God and the power it makes available in the life of a believer.

In certain religious circles, if you and I were to talk about God as though we know Him, we would be judged and criticized. People would ask, "Who do you think you are?" Religion wants us to picture God as being far away-- somewhere up in the sky--not approachable by anyone except the "elite" of the church. And, furthermore, they want us to believe that He can be reached only through rule keeping and good behavior.

This "religious spirit" was alive in Jesus' day, and He died to put an end to it and bring people into a personal relationship with Himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. That same religious spirit still torments people to this day if they do not know the truth.

The Law was given in order to show people their need for a Savior. We try to keep it until we realize that we absolutely cannot, and then hopefully we humble ourselves and ask God to help us, which He did in the person of Jesus Christ. As you walk with God, remember to keep your relationship with Him at the center and to keep "religion" far from you.
- Joyce Meyer

Thank you God, for loving me so much that you gave up Your only Son so that if I believe in Him, I will not perish, but I will have everlasting life. I know that You did not send Your Son to condemn me, but that I might find salvation through him.

Easter 08

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