Concerning Religion

You are right when you say we should give up on religion. Religion is man reaching up to God in desperation to please Him by devising his own systems and "spiritual" nuances. The religion of God can be summed up by the last verse of the book of Ecclesiastes: 13 ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Each religion has an element of truth attached to it. But over time, men have added to that truth and that is what creates "religion". Man bends over backwards to try to please God in any way that he can, often oblivious to the fact that God has already told us how to please Him. The religion of man says the same thing that the serpent said in the garden, "God didn't really mean what He said when He told us how to live and worship Him. As long as we are sincere, surely He is a flexible God that will accept this form of worship or that..." The religion of God has this line of thinking: "I will attempt to find out how the Almighty wants to be worshipped and regardless of how I feel or the consequences, I will run to that end, even if I be alone in my offering."

So, is there a true religion? Yes. But it is the religion that is from God's perspective and not ours. To often we try to please God in ways that we THINK He will appreciate because it has the appearance of being "spiritual". True love loves someone in the way that THEY want to be loved. True love and devotion is putting self aside for the sake of another. In the same way, true religion is putting our selfish ambitions of servitude aside and seeking what the Father alone desires.

Proverbs 30:6 says, "Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." The religion of God gets twisted into the religion of man when man adds to or takes away from the already written Word. This was the problem in the first century. The religious leaders of the day had added so many rules to the Law of God that the people could not bear them. Jesus spent most of His time tearing down the man-made "fences" so that the people could serve God with no burdens. Today, man spends most of his time putting those fences back up without even knowing it. It is my opinion that it is high time that we step back and evaluate all that we DO and BELIEVE and find out what is of God and what is of man. 
As far as what you mentioned about the Jews not believing in hell...you are right. They do not believe in it the traditional way that the Christian church teaches it. And that is because the traditional Christian view is incorrect and needs to be adjusted in the light of scripture. If you have read the article "Where Do We Go When We Die?", then you are familiar with the biblical teaching on hell.

So, what is the conclusion of it all? "Fear God", and seek to know how HE wants to be worshipped and served. That is "whole duty of man". 
Jim Staley

http://www.passion-for-truth.com/Articles-New/is-there-a-right-religion.htm

When There Is Silence...

So the past few days have been kinda crappy. It stinks when the inspiration runs out, the revelations silence, and it feels like I'm right back where I started. I have no profound thoughts or views to offer. Just the everyday, mundane of the walk. When the excitement wears off, when there is silence, it makes this road feel that much more lonely. I don't feel abandoned this time around though. And I'm not angry anymore. I'm still making an effort to stay on the path; but maybe I'm not doing enough. Maybe my focus is off. All too often we get so excited to be back where Yahweh wants us, and we are reminded of His promises to us. It's all too easy to shift our focus back onto those promises. I know I have that problem all the time.

I'm still not out of the dry barren wasteland, but at least I'm walking and not camped out there. I'm exhausted though. I'm weary with the same sights everyday. I'm ready for a change. The problem with having been in the desert so long is that you lose sight of the Promised Land. It's hard to believe it even exists anymore. It's hard to believe that all those things Yahweh promised will ever come to pass. I know I have been struggling with my disbelief lately. Yet, even in my disbelief, I'm still pursuing those things. That's the problem. We get our sights set on the gift than the Giver, even when we have lost hope of the gift. Does that make sense?

So... those are my mundane ramblings for the day. I wish things were back where they were a week ago. But it's time to stop looking backward and start looking forward. :)

Fed Up With Religious Judgments

What happened to the fact that Yahweh is first and foremost LOVE?! No wonder people don't want to come to Him! All they see are religious people condemning them to hell for this and that. "You're showing too much boobs. You're showing too much butt. You're having sex with your boyfriend and you're unmarried..." the list goes on for the judgments. Yes, these things are wrong. But when you're constantly telling everyone what they're doing wrong, why in the world would they ever listen to you about a "loving God"?!

This has been the truest thing I've ever learned: Love a person to God. Don't condemn them, don't chastise them, LOVE THEM! And when they experience the love of Yahweh, they will WANT to change to please Him! They will want to be more like Him. Newsflash people: Sinners sin. Stop trying to change them. Instead, change yourself. Because I'm pretty sure your judgmental attitude that turns away people by the multitude is more displeasing to God than the little bit of cleavage that woman is showing. Why MORE? Because you call yourself "Christ-Like" and you're acting anything but! I'm sorry, but I don't remember in the Bible where Y'shua asked anyone to stop sinning before coming to Him. I don't remember anywhere in the Bible where a list was laid out, "Now in order to have a relationship with me, you have to stop cussing, dress like a nun, etc. etc." BULL!

He wooed people with His LOVE! He hung out with the sinners, not the Religious leaders. Why do you think that is? He was of a genteel spirit. He truly was LOVE. So if you TRULY want to be Christ-like, stop judging sinners for doing what comes naturally to them and just love them. Accept them for who they are and stop shoving God down their throat. If someone feels loved and respected by you, they will be more apt to come to you and ask questions about God.

Oh, and by the way, to those who are out there judging about boobs and butt showing, why don't you take a look at your own family and set them straight before you start condemning the rest of the world. Get the plank out of your own eye before you try to pull the speck out of your brother's. And when you're aware of the plank in your own eye, don't beat your brother over the head with it. I'm so fed up with Religion pushing people away from the Love of Yahweh. Instead, how about we Love people into His arms and let HIM bring about change in their lives?

Fed Up,

A Former Slave to Religion

Lonely Road

Back in about 2001 or early 2002, I was still attending the last church I called "home". There was a prophet from Colorado that came and prophesied over individuals in the church. I remember all through worship crying out to Yahweh to speak to me. He heard my cry and I was the first person the prophet spoke over. He prophesied that I would be talented at 10 or more things, and that I had a trickster spirit about me. And that God would use that, and it's only because I was motivated by a spirit of fun that He allowed me to get away with being so serious at such a young age. The prophet went on to say that I walked a lonely road, but that it would be lonelier the further down the path i walked; and that people would stand amazed that God could so own any human being.


Nearly 10 years later, I am blossoming into my talents. I have found artistic talents that I never knew I had. And I have walked a VERY lonely road. When I heard the prophecy, I was welcoming the lonely road because I didn't comprehend that it could become any lonelier than it already was. But I also had no idea where that road would lead me. I didn't foresee it changing, leading me out of the church. 


But here I am. One of my complaints this past few years has been that I sometimes wish my eyes had never been opened. I sometimes wish that I was still blinded so that I could still be okay with being inside the walls of the church with other people. But God had a much higher plan for me. I have complained to Him and others about how lonely this path is. I feel so isolated from everyone. I don't feel like anyone truly understands me. Often, when other "christians" find out what I believe, I'm shunned. Like I've said before, i'm stuck between two worlds, neither of which do I fit. I have been searching and searching for others like me for a very long time. Being a single 27 year old woman, it does weigh heavily on my mind.


I've only recently realized I had to trust Yahweh to bring people into my life. He made me a promise of my Beloved about 10 years ago or so. So I have to trust Him to fulfill that promise. In my mind, it's impossible. I know, I know: Nothing is impossible with Him; His Word will go forth and accomplish what He set it to do and it will not return to Him void. I know all this. And I'm trying very hard to believe in and trust in that. But from the human perspective, it's difficult. You look around you and there aren't others who believe like you do anywhere within driving proximity; and you wonder how you could possibly meet anyone. Anyone out there know what I'm talking about? There are two main places that people go to meet someone: church and the bar. I don't have any interest in either one, nor those who frequent those places. So how could I possibly meet anyone?


But this one thing I'm comforted in... He made me a promise and He will fulfill it. I know it to be true. He has told me multiple times to stop looking and He would bring my Beloved to me. It has been a long, lonely road. But I'm starting to see people popping up in my life whom I would've never imagined would agree with the way I believe. I now have 3 friends who understand how I believe, as of yesterday. It amazes me when someone else pops up, seemingly out of nowhere. So that gives me hope. If Yahweh can cause people that were already in my life to surface as like-minded, or at least understanding, Believers, then He can bring a like-minded man into my life without my searching. I was very comforted by this quote yesterday, which I will close with:  "One principle to consider—the longer and harder it is to enter into the fulfillment of your promises, the more significant they probably are. - Rick Joyner"


Sincerely,


A Former Slave to Religion

Like Falling In Love...

I heard this song on the radio the other day and it really struck a chord in me. I love what it says! Here are the lyrics to "More Like Falling In Love" by Jason Gray... sounds like someone else who has the concept of relationship with God instead of Religion. Yay!

(Verse 1)

Give me rules, I will break them

Show me lines, I will cross them

I need more than a truth to believe

I need a Truth that lives, moves, and breathes

To sweep me off of my feet

(CHORUS)

 It’s gotta be more like falling in love

Than something to believe in

More like losing my heart

Than giving my allegiance

Caught up Called out

Come take a look at me now

It’s like I’m falling, oh

It’s like I’m falling in love

(Verse 2)

Give me words, I’ll misuse them

Obligations, I’ll misplace them

‘Cause All Religion ever made of me

Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet

It never set me free

(CHORUS)

(Bridge)

Love, Love, Love; Deeper and deeper

It was love that made me a believer

In more than a name, a faith, a creed

Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me

(Chorus)

Aesthetics and Religion (Vol 6)

For those reading these in chronological order, think back to Vol. 5 about my background, where I mentioned the Porcupine church and other aesthetic references I've made. This is the elaboration I promised on that.

I've noticed a growing trend in today's churches. It seems they are now painting their walls black; using all these lights and props. They appeal to every sense we have. The turn the overhead lights off to create an ambience. Then they create a concert atmosphere with their lighting, power point presentations (where it once was merely lyrics to the songs, now it is another light display of sorts), and stage presence. They synchronize and choreograph their moments on stage, careful to make sure they are engaging the audience. They have scented smoke/fog to appeal to the sense of smell. They dress in trendy fashions with blingy jewelry that is sure to catch the light.

The first time I saw this was at the "Porcupine" Church. I'd never seen this before and was greatly disturbed by the fact that they were trying to evoke feelings with the ambiance they created. Whatever happened to letting the Spirit woo people? What happened to letting the Spirit have His way in the service? These churches are now having two services to appeal to the masses, particularly those who do not want to get out of bed early. These services are carefully timed, scheduled, and choreographed. They play their intro video to let everyone know the service is starting. They sing their 3 or 4 songs with amazing acoustics and rock-style music. I admit, it's very appealing if you're looking for a rock show. The atmosphere buzzes with loud music and excitement evoked by the music. But where's the anointing? Where is the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to move and say, "this is the direction I want to go today. Be still. Be quiet and listen. Let go of your agendas and remember what you're here for." There is all this display, "for the glory of God" they say; but I don't see any room for God in these services. He is not allowed to participate any longer in these services. As far as I can see, the whole service is for man, for Religion's sake. How can it be for Yahweh when He is not given a chance to participate?

I remember days gone by, in the church I had attended before the desert time as well as other services, that Yahweh was allowed to have His way. We welcomed Him to move and do away with our own agendas. And He always did. He would take control of the worship service, our praises rising up like a sweet smelling incense. He would quiet us into a holy reverence, each of us whispering prayers of love, worship, adoration, welcoming Him to have His way. He was as eager to meet us there as we were to have Him. It never failed. He always showed up, His presence filling the auditorium. If that meant the preacher never gave his sermon, so be it. We were thrilled to have Yahweh show up in our midst.

But in stark contrast, in today's churches, I see no room for Yahweh any longer. We do not wait upon Him and allow Him to speak to us in a personal way. The churches do not allow prophetic messages to go out any longer. It seems as if everyone is going through the motions, fulfilling their obligations to the god of Religion. This fact greatly grieves me. I even went back to the church I had cherished, even though they had devastated me. It was a few years after the fact, and I was desperate for what I'd had before. But the atmosphere changed. The walls were no longer a soft pink, but a harsh black. Now the lights were not left on during the praise and worship service. Now I noticed a rock show on the stage instead of sincere worship. And all the while, my heart grieved within me that my God had been lost in the service.

I am noticing as this trend grows, the focus is less and less on Yahweh and more and more on appealing to men. The gospel is watered down as to not offend anyone. The Truth is swept under the rug and only tiny parcels of truth are salvaged, twisted beyond recognition into a fallacy appealing to men. No one bothers to study for themselves to find out the Truth. They accept what Religion teaches them without questioning it.

So that's my spill about aesthetics and Religion. More to come soon....

A Former Slave to Religion

P.S. like what you're reading? Tell others! Let's band together against the spirit of Religion and see that Truth sets people free!

From Religion to "In-Betweener" My Journey out of Religion(This makes Vol. 5)

I was raised in Rhema churches. I grew up knowing "Pop" Hagin's faith teachings almost by heart.  I knew nothing of Religion, for I had been raised in the church and that wasn't something we talked about. From a very early age, I knew I was different. I knew I had a strong calling on my life and that I was very close to my Abba. I never doubted. I hadn't been taught that things were impossible. I had learned that with faith, you could be made whole. As early as the age of 3 I was laying hands on people and they were seeing miracles happen. Just ask my momma! I never had lived without the anointing of God on my life. The Holy Spirit was my best friend. The supernatural, spiritual world was far more real to me than the physical world. When I was 4 years old, I saw Yahshua Himself when we were in a car accident. He protected me from being injured, putting my head in the "crash position" and I don't think I even received a scratch. As I've mentioned in a previous post, I knew at the age of 9 that I was called to preach. At the age of 10 I was ordained as a minister. I spent my teenage years seeking, praying for, and studying about Revival. I had never known a life outside of Yahweh.

But when I was about 18 years old, I was attending a church that I had been attending for 2 years. I deeply loved my pastor and one of his sons, who was my best, and sometimes my only friend. But suddenly, everything begin to change. Ministries were ripped out from underneath my family because of jealousy. Our hearts were devastated beyond repair. In that church, I had experienced a closeness with Yahweh through worship that I had never had before. And now all that was ripped away from me. I didn't know it, however.

I continued to seek out another church to heal my wounds. I was looking for the feelings I had in my former church. I missed the intimate worship. I missed the dancing. I missed how close I felt to Yahweh. I missed feeling His Presence in a strong way... I missed the anointing. But each church I went to didn't measure up. I believe I tried every non-denominational church in that particular region before declaring that the region was a dry barren wasteland, begging my parents to move away. We didn't leave the region, but moved to several different small towns in the region, but all at least 30 min away from the former church. But no matter where I went, the lies that were told about me and my family followed me. Even 5 years after we left, they were still talking about us. But that's another blog altogether....

When I was 21 years old, I began working as a DJ at a local radio station. This station was changing it's format to Christian, so they were excited to take me on and introduce them to "my" kind of music. I had always been slightly envious of those outside of the walls of the church, seemingly free to do whatever they wanted. But instead of expressing it, I had judged and criticized the very people I was secretly envious of. It wasn't until I began working at this particular station that I began to consider stepping outside of what the church deemed acceptable. The station I was working for also had a country station within the same office suite. Our studios were literally side by side with a glass window between us. I became friends with the main DJ for that station, having been abandoned by all the church friends I'd had in the past. She would DJ at the local bar on Wednesday nights, so I began to go with her. It was uncomfortable at first, but as I got to know the handful of people who were there, I realized they weren't the horrible people I had been taught they were. But again, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Suddenly, I began looking back at the church and realizing that something was wrong. I started noticing that the dynamics were changing. Gone were the days of a "normal" church setting. (look for more info in my future posting about aesthetics and religion). It was during this time that my mom saw Messianic Rabbi Michael J. Rood on tv. He was teaching about the pagan holidays and pagan roots of Christianity. Suddenly we began to have our eyes opened that we were taught wrong from the beginning of our walk with Yahweh. Did that mean any of it had not been real? Certainly not! It was very real! But within the walls of Religion, there are fallacies being taught that contradict the Word of Yahweh.... 

So my family and I began to research more about the pagan roots of Christianity and learned a great deal. We decided that Christianity had steered us wrong and we were getting answers from a Messianic, so we decided to try that route. That didn't work out for long. All the rules and regulations were just too much. I've never been one to accept being pushed around by legalism, and it just didn't set well with me. I felt more in bondage than when I was in the church, but I didn't know where else to turn. I began looking for others who believed like I did. SDA didn't appeal to my family, but we tried COG7 (Church of God 7th Day). We felt like we were sitting in a specific denomination that we had been taught to call "the frozen chosen". It was dull and lifeless and I couldn't take it anymore. We were shown that we were outsiders and not welcome because we were not born into the denomination. We decided to try searching again within the "non-denominational" denomination for a church, which we had come out of. We began attending another church, and i continued going through the motions, but still feeling like something was missing. 

I was terribly grieved. The anointing was faint, if existent at all. I began to feel like something was wrong with me, that it wasn't the church after all. I would stand during worship and look around at those across the large auditorium with their hands raised, singing at the tops of their lungs. And all I could do is grieve. Why could they feel His Presence, but I couldn't? What was wrong with me? I sought out people who operated in the prophetic. At this point I decided I had been abandoned by Yahweh. They all spoke words of Love and Encouragement over me; but I couldn't understand how a God who loved me so much could leave me in the dry barren wasteland and hold me at arm's length. I couldn't understand how a God of Love could hold back His precious anointing from me.

I was incredibly dull and lifeless. I became extremely depressed; and the longer it went on, the more angry I became. I continued searching for churches, seeking healing and reprieve from the dry barren wasteland. I visited one church, which I refer to as the Porcupine church because they made it very clear I was not welcome there. I was shocked at the aesthetics of their service, which was only a glimpse of what modern-day churches have begun to use... more on that in a future blog. I attended another church for a while, but after not being able to feel anything anywhere, I gave up. 

I was working in a Christian bookstore, and one day this customer came in and began talking to me about the book "The Shack". We agreed in how profound it was and how beautifully it portrayed Yahweh. This customer asked me if I had read, "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore" by Jake Colsen. I hadn't heard of it, but the name of it alone triggered something inside me. I was not attending church and had not been for a few months. I later looked up the book and ordered it. After reading it, I was astounded that there was somewhere out there like me. Everything in the core of my being resounded, my spirit stirring within me. Everything I read rang true. I began telling others about this book, hoping I would find others as excited about it as I was. At the time, there was no one. I began seeking for others who believed like I did, finding out that there were others out there who were dissatisfied with the church life. But I found no one.

A time later, a friend... more of a big sister and mentor to me, and I sat down and talked about my dissatisfaction with religion. She understood and felt within her spirit that she was supposed to leave the church, but the timing wasn't right yet. I loaned her the book and it resounded with her as well. FINALLY! Someone who understands! To this day we still don't agree 100% on everything we believe, but we are united by our struggle against Religion. For the most part, we have walked very similar paths and there are only very small areas in which we don't agree. But the end has not yet come. ;) 

Last January, fed up with Oklahoma and bored out of my mind, an opportunity presented itself for us to move to Chattanooga, TN. I was ecstatic for a new beginning. Maybe I would finally find others like myself! It was around this time my friend/mentor announced to me she was leaving the church and starting home church. It was also around this time that I discovered that a former classmate was more like me than I realized. I was a little peeved that all of a sudden, when I had made a decision to move away, two people emerged from the hidden places and revealed themselves as other "in-betweeners," which is the term I use to refer to those of us who fit neither in the church nor the world. We are "in-between" the two, in our own realm. Within a month, Yahweh revealed it was not His plan for us to move away. A month later we moved closer to OKC so I could work. It is only within the past couple of months that I've reached out to my former classmate. 

It's so amazing to know that I'm not alone and there are others out there like myself. I know that there are some things that are unique to me, but for the most part we can unite in our "in-betweener" state. I'm still seeking fellowship with others, especially those in the OKC area. It's so comforting to have others who understand what I have gone through and what I'm going through now. I am subscribed to the "Lifestream Journey" Yahoo! Group, which has others who have read and agree with the book, "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore." It's nice to read other accounts of in-betweeners, but I'm especially longing for fellowship right here in my own backyard, so to speak. 

That's all for now.... but I have plans to write at least two more blogs that are on my heart in the very near future, possibly today. 

A Former Slave to Religion

Ramblings of a Former Slave to Religion Vol. 4

WOW. So God just showed me why I have been walking alone in the dry barren wasteland for the past 9 or so years. When we were so hurt by church, I let it devastate me. I trusted the people, or they wouldn't have hurt me. I continued relying on people to make me feel better. Instead of choosing to forgive them, I turned away from Yahweh. But I didn't even know I had done so. I kept relying on my Beloved to come along and make things better. After all, Yahweh had promised him to me. So where was he, anyhow? 

Fastforward to present day. I just turned 27 years. I am still as single as I ever was. The past 9 or so years has been the roughest portion of my life. I have been miserable, lonely, and angry. I was angry that Yahweh allowed those people to hurt me. I was angry at Him for not fulfilling His promise to me. And I was angry because I was alone in the desert. I couldn't feel His presence, which added to the fire already boiling inside. I'd had it with Him. But I never said as much out loud. I cried, I screamed, I begged, I pleaded, I fought, and I grew more and more weary; as well as more and more angry. And in all of it, He was silent. 

I didn't know why Yahweh would not allow me to feel His presence. I knew I was in what I called the dry barren wasteland. I knew the very minute I stepped foot into it that something had shifted and that my life had changed. But I didn't know why. Why was I in the wasteland? Why wouldn't He answer my begging and pleading? Why hadn't He done all He said He would do? All these questions went un-answered. Oh, I knew partially that it was my sin separating me from Him. But I was like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum, anything to get my Abba's attention. It didn't work. Sure, now and then He would speak prophetically to me and tell me He hadn't abandoned me; and He would cater to my hurt feelings when I was desperate and seeking answers. But I still had no answers and for the most part, He was silent. I didn't believe any longer that I was the apple of His eye. I didn't believe He truly loved me anymore. I believed all hope was lost. And I grew more and more bitter with every passing day. 

So just now, I opened to Jeremiah 17:5-10 :This is what the LORD (btw, when you see this, that means YAHWEH) says: 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD (Yahweh). He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.  But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD (Yahweh), whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.' The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 'I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.' "

So because I trusted on men to make me feel better, God put me into the desert place until I understood that He was my life source and that everything else was a waste. He was teaching me not to depend on men to make me happy; not to rely on them for strength and comfort, but to rely solely on Him. For He is a jealous God. 

I wonder how many others there are like me who have walked in the dry barren wasteland because of how Religion destroyed us? How many of the others know why?

Sincerely,

 A Former Slave to Religion

Ramblings of a Former Slave to Religion Vol. 3

Ramblings of a Former Slave to Religion Vol. 3

by Maegan Verrett on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 8:22am

The god of Religion

The more I write, the more disgusted I become with Religion. It amazes me, really. Religion parades itself around, masking itself as God Almighty. but it is a mere god, a fallacy, a counterfeit, and imposter. What does it look like to NOT be religious? It's different for everyone. For some of us, it's having fellowship with other believers in our homes. For some of us, it is going to traditional church but being responsible for our own knowledge and relationship with Yahweh. For some, it is having a relationship with God out in nature. For some it is living day by day in relationship with Yahweh without any specific regime. 

You know, I stand in awe as I look at the different people out there who choose relationship over religion. I've been reading Christian fiction a lot lately and I have fallen in love with the characters, wishing they were real people I could search out. They have the concept of relationship, not religion. The most recent book I was reading, Across the Years by Tracie Peterson, had a cowboy who lived the Christian life devoid of religion. He did not attend church weekly. He simply lived out a Christian life, focusing on relationship with Yahweh. He prayed constantly for Yahweh to guide and help him. He read his Bible in order to see God's plan for him. He didn't do it because it was required of him. He didn't pay tithes. He didn't feel obligated to follow the mandates of the church. He simply lived his life in a way that was pleasing to Yahweh. 

For the past few years, I have become increasingly more aware of the Amish folks. I have to say, I think they have an understanding that us "Englishers" don't. Has anyone ever noticed how blessed these people are? They don't have near the problems we do. Why do you suppose that is? My thoughts on the matter is this: They aren't trying to please man. They live their lives in such a way that they are careful to make sure they are pleasing Yahweh. They are not caught up in the trappings of this world. They live in relationship with one another in accordance with their relationship with Yahweh. I've gotta admit, I'm envious of them. The reason they are so blessed is because their hearts are pure. Their only aspiration in this world is to please Yahweh. I wish I had been raised Amish. There's no way I could possibly convert now. I'm too spoiled to the amenities of modern day civilization. And let's just be honest, I'm too lazy. I don't handle heat well and I also don't handle manual labor well either. But that's exactly my point. We are so spoiled to our living that we couldn't give it up to live that kind of life. We have our 9-5 jobs, which turn into 7am-10pm jobs so that we can avoid the struggles of life. We don't want to deal with our spouse's hurt feelings. We don't want to deal with the outstanding bills piling up on the counter. We don't want to deal with things, so we delve into our cooshy jobs and focus on things we can control. But in stark contrast, we have the Amish. They wake up and have a large family breakfast. They begin their daily chores and go about their daily business. But in the forefront of their mind is this, "everything you do, do it for the glory of God." They work and go about their business, but they are always available to their neighbor to lend a helping hand. If someone in their community suffers, the rest of the community is there to comfort and console and help in any way possible. One of the most astounding things (to me anyway) is their ability to forgive. They don't harbor malice in their hearts for one another. They don't dwell on their hurts. They forgive and grow stronger in their relationships, not only with one another, but with Yahweh as well. They make time for their families. And although they are leery of us "Englishers" they welcome us as visitors with open arms. They even allow some of us to live among them. They show kindness and love to everyone they meet. But they also guard their hearts. They don't allow anything that will destroy what they've built to come in. To me, they are the best examples of what Christians should be. 

We are told in the Bible that we don't belong in this world. This world is not our home. We are to be different. We are to live lives that say to the world, "I am a believer in Yahweh, the most High God, and I'm not ashamed." But we do as the world does. Uh oh, I'm starting to sound religious... not really, but to many who are fed up with religion and use it as an excuse to live a worldly life, that's exactly how it sounds. We have got to find a balance. Religion focuses on putting on a show and showing others how "holy" we are. Religion attempts to control those around us. But if we lived the Christian life, devoid of religion, this is what it would look like. We would focus on keeping ourselves in check, not trying to control those around us with mandates of legalism. We would love people and ask God to show us their heart, beyond their outward appearance (the facade they put on to keep from getting hurt; or their religiosity). We would live our lives in such a way that pleases Yahweh. We wouldn't try to make a show of our holiness, but let it speak for itself. That's the kind of life I want to live. I want to not be bound by the things of this world. I want to not be bound by Religion. I want the Truth to set me free. So what is the Truth? It is the incorruptible, infallible, untainted Word of God. The TRUTH will set us free... from what? No one has ever bothered to ask that question! From Religion! If we allow the Truth to change us... if we accept the whole Truth of God's words (not just the parts that appeal to us), then we will be free to live the lives we were destined to live. No more legalism. No more fallacy. No more adulterated, perverted forms of Religion. No more worldly living with the excuse of how disgusted we are with Religion. Let me be perfectly direct here. If you are fed up with Religion masquerading itself as God, take a stand. Stop blaming Yahweh and acknowledge the fact that we have a very real false god that is deceiving the elect. DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Don't just sit and whine about it, as I've done for the past 10 years. Don't use it as an excuse to not live the life God destined for you. Be the difference! Be the one who takes a stand against Religion and says, "As for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh, not religion, and not this world." BE THE DIFFERENCE! There's still hope for others. If we will show them what a life devoid of Religion looks like, they will be hungry for the abundant life. Here's to a life without chains! I'm excited! Who's with me?!

Ramblings of a Former Slave to Religion Vol. 2

Ramblings of a Former Slave to Religion Vol. 2

by Maegan Verrett on Friday, June 17, 2011 at 9:05pm

When I was 9 years old, I was sitting in my desk at school one day. I saw an angel appear in the seat next to me, where the boy was absent that day. I knew the angel was there to give me a message, but I didn't know what it was. I always carried my bible in my backpack; so after school while I was waiting on my bus to be called over the loudspeaker (sn: my bus's name was Snoopie ;p it was always the last bus called), i pulled my bible out of my bag and prayed for God to show me why the angel was there. Expecting an answer, I opened up my bible and lo and behold, this passage was before me. Acts 26:16, 17, and 18 (from memory, so if it's not 100% accurate, forgive me. I memorized it 18 years ago). "Now get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose: to make you a witness of both the things you have seen of me and the things I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." 

At the time, I knew I was called to preach. I prayed and asked God every night, "WHEN?" A year later, I was in Gilchrist, TX (on the Bolivar Peninsula off the coast of Galveston). My pastor's wife prophesied over me many times; once saying that God was giving me a ministry similar to Kathryn Kuhlman's. At the tiime I had no clue who Kathryn Kuhlman was, so I began to study her life and ministry. I was eager to accept the call on my life. A year later I was giving my testimony at a minister's conference, and God told an apostle and a prophet to ordain me. I received my ordination at the tender age of 11. When I was at that church, I preached. Adults and children alike sat and listened to me as I spoke of the revelations God had given me of the scripture at that time. "Out of the mouth of babes..."

Let's fast forward to a not-so-tender age of 16. I was back in Oklahoma, hating high school, but still seeking after God with everything in me. I had dismissed the prophecy spoken over me about Kathryn Kuhlman. It had not come to pass, so I just put it on the back burner, saddened that it hadn't come to pass yet. One day, I walked into the church and this man, whom i wasn't all that fond of, pulled me aside and said, "God showed me something about you. Have you ever heard of Kathryn Kuhlman?" My mouth dropped open and tears filled my eyes. He smiled, knowing that the message had been delivered. I was amazed that God had not forgotten that calling on my life. I was still hungry, still longing to fulfill that calling.

Eleven years later, that calling has all but been forgotten. I have grieved the death of the calling, not understanding how I could possibly fulfill it now. I am not a church person. I have NO desire to go to church or be shackled again by the bonds of religion. So how could I possibly be a minister again? How could I possibly preach and be the vessel Yahweh uses to perform miracles? I have wondered this many times over the years and rejected the call on my life, dismissing it as impossible. Today, I was thinking about the woman who spoke over me. I asked my mom to ask her if she remembered speaking that over me. As we talked about that prophecy, I spoke my doubts and concerns about it. My mom began responding to what I had just vocalized; but the Voice I was hearing was not hers. "Don't you recall studying about her life? Tell me, at what point did Kathryn Kuhlman attend church? Wasn't she persecuted by other ministers for not being grounded in a church? She despised religion and thrived solely on a relationship with Me. She did not operate in religion, and I don't expect you too either." With this new revelation, it's all coming back to me. Now the "impossible" isn't looking so impossible. "With God, ALL things are possible..." 

It's amazing how so much has changed; how I've come out of religion and come to despise it so. For years I have been in a rebellion against religion-hurt by what church people have done to me; sick of playing by the rules; sick of being what they all wanted me to be and feeling so resentful of it. It's difficult to separate people bound by religion from religion itself. They operate in the same way I used to. I was the worst of them all! Yet because they are covered in the scum and slime of religion, that's all I see. It's difficult not to look on them in disgust. Rather, I need to look on them with pity; knowing how miserable they must be, all the while pretending to be happy. I know that because i was the same way. Yet I was so incredibly jealous of those who were free to live their lives without all the rules and regulations set on me by the church (AKA: LEGALISM). 

So now, I'm seeking to come out of my hatred and look with a new perspective. Since making that decision and choosing to start fresh, I have noticed God speaking to me again. I have noticed Him revealing Himself to me in new ways. Yes, I am still rough around the edges. I am still abrasive, offensive, and "sandpaper"; in fact, I probably always will be. My beliefs now are controversial and will always offend someone. Yes, I still am bound my carnal habits and anger; but that is up to Yahweh, not religious people, to change. I cannot change it myself, as it has become so deeply ingrained as a part of who I've become in my rebellion against religion. Because i was not able to separate God from religion, I took out my anger on God and those who call themselves by His Name.

I have come to realize that not everyone that is inside the doors of the church are religious, just as not all of them are christians. It is only in writing this that I have had the revelation of the ones who are steeped in religion being covered by it, so that i can't see the person underneath. So what does that have to do with the passage God gave me when I was 9? I'm so glad you asked! Last night, I ws reading in Isaiah 40-46. Somewhere in those chapters, God brought some scriptures to my attention. I don't know the specifics of what the passage says, but it was something along the lines of God saying, "I have called you to open the eyes of those who have eyes but do not see; to set free those who are imprisoned." That seemed to echo the words of Acts 26... open their eyes to what? THE TRUTH; set them free from prisons of what? RELIGION! I get it now! I'm beginning to understand what God has called me to do... what He destined for me LONG ago, that I can only begin to understand now. 

Sincerely,

A Former Slave to Religion

Ramblings of a Former Slave to Religion Vol. 1

When I was steeped in religion, I always believed this to mean that God didn't care how ugly you were, it's what's on the inside that counts. That's what most of us have been taught, right? Well, here I am, once again, to give you another point of view on the matter and "upset the apple cart" so to speak. I want to destroy the religious bonds that tie us down and shed some light on the truth. 

I heard this scripture on the radio the other day and deep inside I felt God say, "that's not what that means. Think about it. Think about how people look at you, without knowing your heart. They see an abrasive, sandpaper, carnal person. But each night as you lie down, you open my Word and you cry out to Me. I see your heart and I will work change in your outward appearance. But man does not see that. They judge you by who they think you are. But only those whom you've allowed to see your heart know the truth of who you really are."

This revelation came to me only days after a conversation with a dear friend. She had thanked me for teaching her to look past the rough exterior to see the heart. She then made me cry by saying that the more she got to know me (ie: the more she sees my heart) the more she loves me. So it seems the two occurences are not just coincidental, but they go hand-in-hand. I truly believe that God revealed the true meaning of this scripture to me. I see it with new eyes. I no longer see it the way religion taught me to see it. Religion made it sound like a way to pacify those "poor ugly people" and make them feel better. But I don't believe that Yahweh sees it that way. I can just see Him slapping His hand against his forehead, going, "WHEN WILL YOU PEOPLE UNDERSTAND?!" He says in His word, "My people perish for a lack of knowledge..." the context of that statement is "....lack of knowledge of My Law." But it can also mean that we perish from a lack of knowledge of HIM, HIS HEART, HIS PERCEPTION! When will we stop seeing with our limited vision and using religion to mask the Heart of God? When will we allow Him to show us the truth? Not just the pieces of truth that make us feel better and uphold our beliefs... but the WHOLE truth, including the parts that make us uncomfortable?

Sincerely,

A Former Slave of Religion