The Christian Life Is Like an Anvil in Your Backpack . . .

I have found that the Christian life is the ONLY permanent peace, joy, hope... Before I knew the Lord I searched hard for those things, but it was always devastatingly temporary. Eternal hope is the joy and peace of the Christian life. Thank You Jesus! Kim in PA

The anvil is no different than the cross when you pick it up and follow Christ. It is not an easy trek to Calvary, but it a fulfilling and rewarding adventure to do the Lord's will all along the way.

It is amazing how quickly so many can forget that we are called to freedom through the Savior ad Lord Jesus Christ. When we get on the road to righteous living, there are so many religions and sects to choose from that we often lose sight of the goal of living a godly life. If we are keeping with that one particular goal, it is impossible to lose the peace of God describe in the Phillipians...because He is the source!!! It is not found in religion or in the rules of such, but in the Light of the World! Jesus is our Peace and not the Anvil in our backpack, yet so many forget that when they remember the things they must set aside in order to follow the Lord they claim to love and cherish. I feel it all comes together if we count the cost as we are encouraged to do in the first place.

The christian life when I'm living it? Humm? Is so much freedom and security, since I know Jesus is right there with me. Also, when he prepares the way for me, then shows me by certain circumstances, I am elated that he is guiding my steps and it is not me. Its a fulfilling relationship with Christ and other beleivers that are very dear and personal to me knowing that each of us have our place in Gods plan till we meet again in heaven.

Almost 2 years ago my wife left after taking my 3 youngest children,the two older stay here with me and she is pursuing a divorce.Prior to that she became involved in a New Age healing center,yoga,investigating alternate religions but leadership failed to confront her on it.Reading and knowing God's Word ,listening to teachers like James MacDonald and John MacArthur has helped me to keep my thoughts straight when others have given erroneous council and when I've been tempted to deviate myself.The Christian life is like a compass to me helping me to get back on the right track when I start to lose direction.Knowing that the Lord is in control,and that ultimately this life is brief and the wrongs now will be made right in heaven if not here gives me hope,the Lord will never leave me or forsake me even though others do.

For me living the Christian life is exhilarating freedom that takes you to places where you experience the love of Jesus Christ here on earth. You get to encounter daily the grace, love and compassion of our Maker. Its a natural high that you never want to let go of!

When I'm really living it--that is, making intentional choices to live by faith--I find the Christian life is lighter and easier than any other way. What makes it so? It's not an absence of obstacles in my life, that's for sure!

Rather it's the peace and positive energy I get from knowing that God is using all the stuff that happens in my life to grow me into the person I'm meant to be.

When I've stepped off God's plan, and find myself relying on me instead of Him, I can feel it. The stress and worries start to mount. Then, all it takes is one (nervous) step back towards God, and He finds just the right way to remind me that Yes, this IS the right way, and He IS looking out for me. Then I feel the weight of the world lift off my shoulders, again. Whew.

Living the Christian life for me makes things easier and so much more satisfying. And raising two teenage boys, it makes a definitive statement as to what our family believes is right and what is wrong. Living the Christian life takes away the ambiguity and makes things quite clear for the boys and I. They say that parenting doesn't come with a handbook, but I beg to differ...I turn to my handbook everyday...it's called the Bible.

One of my favorite reminders about the potential of NOT living OUT the truth of what the Christian is taking IN goes like this: "IMPRESSION without EXPRESSION leads to DEPRESSION." Many in the church have mistaken their new found faith as another, more powerful, self-help program. This is deadly. And my heart goes out to the hardened of heart (like me... Ezk 11:19-20) who need to be properly led by church leaders to see that we have been redeemed... TO REDEEM!

While I agree that the Christian Life is the most amazing life possible, I find it hard to believe that none of you struggle with experiencing the Christian life as a cumberson yoke at times.

I know that my own walk has seen amazing heights and discouraging lows, but I press on because I do believe the Lord to be good and the provider of true life.

I just think that we need to be encouraging but not at the expense of making someone feel like they are stupid or not as a good Christian if they experience seasons of anvils in the backback.

[This comment was not in light of what James said, but more in light of some of the commentors].

It's not a continual party, because God also calls us to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

But that has to do more with happy-ness than real joy. I wouldn't trade the joy for anything this world offers!

The Christian life is like the guy in John ch. 5. For 38 yrs he lay there, thinking that his only hope was a few feet within reach, yet never able to get there in time. I mean by this time he must have forgotten what it was like to walk and be normal, and knew in his heart that he had no hope.

Well the Christian life is like what this man felt when in an instant of time Jesus forgives him, stands him up with instant healing, and sends him out in the full view of those who knew that of all the people there, this guy was totally hopeless.

The Christian life is walking and leaping and praising God when you haven't been able to stand for 38 yrs.

And the command of Jesus also carries the power to do it: Sin no more, lest something worse happen to you.

“FRIEND”
By: Regina Ballard
Someone told me once you were a Christian,
Yet never did you tell me of God’s Son.
You said you were my friend, but now I wonder…
Eternity can never be undone.

I guess you never thought I’d leave so quickly –
I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye.
God never promised we could have tomorrow.
We never know just when we’re going to die.

I needed Living Water and you knew it,
But never felt the need to tell me then.
Were you too busy living life to bother?
The chance to tell me wouldn’t come again.

In Hell I burn forever in this torment;
It hasn’t changed the way you live on earth.
If all your time and things are so important –
Just how much did you think my soul was worth?

It might have made a difference if you’d told me,
Though now I guess we’ll never really know.
If I could just come back I’d spend each minute
Telling all that Hell’s no place to go.

I’m not the only person you’ve neglected;
Your friends and family face the judgment, too.
One by one eternity awaits them;
Without the Turth they’ll never make it through.

Just because you’re saved and Heaven’s waiting,
Just because you know your soul is sealed,
Will that be consolation at the judgment
When souls that you’ve neglected are revealed?

Why is it all you Christians seem so busy?
What’s really more important in the end?
You know that Hell is real, but you don’t warn us,
And yet you have the nerve to call us “friend”?!

Living the Christian Life is like surfing. It can be scary, and is not for the faithless, but it is exhilirating. The waves of life that come our way can be daunting, and if we let them, they can smash over us. Or, with faith, we can ride with them and harness them to propel us into an exciting and rewarding life. The Lord is with us, guiding us and showing us how, with each wave, if we let Him.

The Christian life is about hearing and doing (James 1:22) This verse keeps coming up in my life lately. I struggle sometimes with having a head knowledge and not letting it go that long 18" distance, from my head to my heart. I truly long to know Jesus more than anything else in my life. How often we forget that his burden is light and his commandments are not burdensome, I pray that he gives us eyes to see him, ears to hear him and a heart that with courage follows hard after the him!!
Ron R.

I want to glorify God, seek his face, not just His hand, and delight in the Lord, seek Him first. Thank you Jesus. The Christian life has been tough, very painful, more heartache and trials for me than Job and Daniel. But I'm putting my faith, hope and trust in God. Go away satan. God's in charge. God's in control. Please Lord have mercy. If it be your will Lord, hear my prayer for Elizabeth and Ken to glorify you. Our help is in the name of the Lord, our savior. With God, all things are possible.

Regarding 'The Christian Life Is Like an Anvil in Your Backpack . . .'

Jesus is my all in all.

The more I am able to drag my thoughts and life to capivity and subjection to that one statement, the more free my life becomes, the more liberated I feel, the more verses like Psalm 16:11 become my own. I try to ask myself regularly, "What can I honestly NOT live without?" (accolades, praises of men, this persons love, that shiny flashy thingy, personal health, use of a limb, and on and on...). The standard I hold up to my answer is "CHRIST ALONE". I pray my answer will continually be conformed to the image of the standard, until the two have become one.

He tells me in His Word that His commandments are not burdensome, but sometimes I forget. I have grown to love and appreciate the way He often gently reminds me. It's those times Romans 2:4 comes alive in me, and I am crushed and overwhelmed with joy because His kindness really does lead us to repentance.

I agree that today in America there is little question many of us fall short in 'really living the Christian life'. God's throne on my heart gets very crowded very quickly when I start piling all those idols on His seat, and He tells me He is a jealous God and He won't share me. With the kind of backseat role many 'so-called brothers' (1 Cor 5:11) have presumed upon the LORD I often ask myself regarding our nation, "Will the real body of Christ please stand up (identify yourself)?" Isaiah summed it up well when he proclaimed "We have become {like} those over whom You have never ruled, {Like} those who were not called by Your name." (Is 63:19)

What an awesome priviledge it is to have the opportunity to live the grand adventure of a life sold out for CHRIST. To be HIS bond-servant. May we all who are 'called by His name' cry out to Him in the spirit of 2 Chr 7:14 and Mal 3:7. And may we all recognize that the time to heed passages like Mal 4 is now.

Luke (Lk 1:17) records the angel quoting Mal 4:6 to usher in John the Baptist. To the western mind, prophecy is; prophecy & fulfillment. To the Hebrew mind, prophecy is pattern. I believe these are the days patterned after those of Elijah - many so-called 'religious' but as for the 'holy and blameless before the LORD', who can find? In this land, the hearts of the fathers and their children clearly need to be restored to one another, and I believe your preaching is 'in the spirit and power of Elijah' (Lk 1:17).

Thank you Pastor MacDonald for your passionate devotion to Christ.

Walking the true Christian life is joy instead of sorrow when you choose to turn your back on the world's ways. I have been isolated from my friends after graduating from college two years ago. During this time of loneliness, I have really depended on God. God has met me time after time with peace and comfort. My relationship has grown with Him. I never knew exactly how much it had grown until a couple of weekends ago when I visited my best friend who I used to party with. I never really enjoyed going out to bars but I would go along to be part of the crowd. I could tolerate the drunkenness and immorality and would laugh right along with them. I would even get drunk a time or two also.

However, this time I was completely repulsed, annoyed, and angered by the bar scene...from the scantily clad women to the lustful gestures of the men. I couldn't stand it anymore and wanted to stand up on the bar stool and scream "You sinners! Don't you know how shameful you are?!?"

I ended up asking my friend to take me home early. She was angry with me for not participating in her fun. The next morning as my friend was dropping me off at the airport for my flight home, I told her that my life was all about serving God now and I wanted to please Him and have Him bless my life. I told her that the party lifestyle is not for me anymore. She was put off by my comments and said I didn’t have to act like I was better than everyone else. We both agreed that our friendship had disintegrated.

I was upset to lose a friend that I had grown up with, went to high school with, and even graduated college with. However, the second that I got onto the plane I was overcome with peace once again. God met me where I was and gave me an “At’a girl” pat on my back. I could feel His face smiling on me. Moreover, the messages on Walk in the Word have been amazingly timely and encouraging and affirming to me…especially I Peter 4 and the message on suffering.

Thank you Pastor James and everyone at Walk in the Word. You are an awesome speaker of God’s truth.

Yeah, well... I've still got hope, but I am behind those jail bars (hypothetically) and improsoned by alcoholism. Yeah, yeah, yeah!!! I know!!! "If Christ sets you free, you are free, indeed." I've heard that so many times, and have been accused by my fellow Christians of never REALLY accepting Christ as my Savior. Not true! And, here and now, I proclaim Jesus as my Lord and Savior! I was clean and sober for 12 years (1982-1994), when my wife divorced me (a Christian woman). I never cheated on her and never was abusive to her. I put her through med school, helped her set up her practice, and she decided that I wasn't "good enough; she "wasn't happy". I was walking closely with God; I lost my house, my car, had to file bankruptcy because she was filing. I was angry at God, angry at her, and angry at myself, because I had made some mistakes which fueled the divorce. I got angry with God, and decided that, if I could lose all of this, what's the sense of sobriety?

But, the "Anvil in my backpack???" It's not an anvil, it's a 35,000 pound stone that has pinned me to the ground! All my prayers go up for healing. I went to Calvary Recovery center, got sick as a dog in the middle of the program (which was probably from the enemy), finished the program and remained sick and sober for another month and a half after getting out of there. I reasoned, if I am this physically sick, and yet sober, what's the point of sobriety? I went out and bought beer, and was healthy again, within days.

I am not "demon-posessed." There is a reason for all of this, and God had predetermined every bit of this. I know this: Every morning I wake up and say, "Today, I am not going to drink." Every evening, I have a beer in my hand.

I'm not giving up, though! The Holy Spirit convicts me, on a daily basis. I don't know why I haven't had victory, but I know that Paul had an issue that God did not heal.

Finally, I have Hep C, which means that alcohol consumption is fatal to me, yet I cannot break away. I'm dying, and I'm dying in sin. You guys, if you pray, pray for me! I love Jesus. He healed the woman with the issue of blood, but I can't touch the hem of His garment, and His Spirit appears to be ignoring me. All I know is that Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords! I may go down with a beer in my hand, but I'm hoping that he has stored up tears that have flowed from my inability to be obedient.

Please pray for me.

Phil. 3:10
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings----- seems to me the anvil is a large part of it.

to be clear, living as (not like) a follower of Christ is this: it is putting down your beer, or your addiction, or you envy, or your . . . stuff -- if its causing you to stumble in your walk with Christ. it is where you get when you make a choice -- a choice to be obedient to Jesus' will for you instead of what your lousy, sinful self wants, goes for me too. So, what do you think? Tired of wallowing and floundering and thinking Jesus doesn't care about you? Check this out: if that's what you think, remember that it can only be because you moved away from Jesus, or he moved away from you. I'd bet on the former, pretty much every time.

Hallelujah! It's like I have wings and am soaring on the winds of the Spirit! Praise God for His love and mercy.

To Lawrence: Good for you, buddy! You've got it down! "Either you moved away from Christ, or Christ moved away from you..." Thanks for not being judgemental. It's pretty apparent that you have never gone through what I've gone through. I also know that Jesus will see me through. Nice to have "Christian brothers" out there, like you!

John

John,
Hey, man. Glad that we can dialog. Actually, its not really apparent, because you can't know what i've been through, but i'll tell you some of it. Alcoholism? no, but suicide attempts, sexual addiction, serious immorality, nasty stuff, man. But the point is not to compare battle scars, cuz that goes to no place good.
The point is to, when you start to want to sin, yank your thoughts away from the "i want" line to the "what would this look like to God?" line. Hard to do. i think its really hard, almost impossible to do sometimes. and when you willingly choose to let God direct your thoughts instead of you directing them, things change.
Peace,
lawrence

I spent years, as in from age 18-40 not living the christian life, and yet... I thought I was. It wasn't working, I had no peace, no power, no joy. You know what made the difference? I decided to take God at his word, and seek him with all my heart, which for me meant one thing- OBEDIENCE. Then the switch was flipped on. What a difference. It's still hard at times, I get really frustrated, but it's always my own fault for not listening to the still small voice. He is faithful!

John,
Hang in there brother. I will pray for you. The important thing is not the amount of your faith, but the fact that you have it. Cling to it for dear life. We must remember not to "look down" on the weaker brother, and I'm not being judgmental when I say that because I have my share of struggles too. We must all keep 1 Cor. 10:12 in mind! If there are some Christans who possess the peace, joy, fulfillment, and lasting happiness, I rejoice for them. However for some, living the Christian life is not a bowl of cherries, but a fight. Jesus said that we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33). In addition, if we want to truly live for Him, we are promised persecution (2 Tim. 3:12), and I would imagine that applies inwardly as well. But we didn't come to Jesus for an easy life, remember we came to Him for His righteousness - that we might escape the just punishment for our own wickedness. There are many who struggle, battle and suffer for the cause of Christ and need our prayers and encouragement. And I would venture to say that for the average Christian, to truly "crucify the flesh" once and for all requires patience, prayer, grace, and a strong will. At least for me, God doesn't magically take away the sinful desires of the natural man, but rather makes me more keenly aware of them. It is up to us to remain in the battles of the civil war that rages within us. Granted, God is with us, and he gives us the tools for warfare (see Ephesians 6), but it is still up to us to fight. We can't just lay down and expect gain the victory by doing nothing. I know I still have a lot of growing to do, but my goal is that of Paul's when he said "To live is Christ, and to die is gain".

When I arise in the morning and go about my chores at home and then head out to work, I realize that what's before every day are people who are aging with poor health and fading memories. As I thank the Lord for this day, I give it to Him to help me through the many, many duties before me. As the day continues, I realize that in really helping someone else, from a sincere heart, wanting to make their day easier for them, I realize that the day has flown by, I'm on my way home and so thankful, once again, that the Lord has assisted me right along, covered me with His strength and guidance, I realize that being a Christian is a freeing feeling, satisified that I've given the day my best and the Lord has watched over it all. Being a Christian makes me to think of others first, me last. Praise the Lord for his goodness and grace. Jeanne Ann

The Christian life is what you make of it. We can be miserable, or we can be as happy as possible. It's not all about judgment, hard to follow rules etc. There is also the knowledge that God is there--you are loved, and forgiven.

Never underestimate the power of prayer. If you truly believe, if you're sincere, you will be heard. This does not mean you will get all that you ask for however. Keep in mind that the Lord is doing what is best for you--even when you don't see Him working in your life. All this being said, we should also be praying for others. I would like to think many of us do. Why should you pray for others? Why shouldn't you? Prayer for others is a great thing we can do, every prayer is heard, each one helps
Colossians 4:2--Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

I lost my home, my wife, my credit rating. However, I have the support of my parents, (wonderful people ) some great friends--two people in particular, who have been a great help to Me, and my son. These two people--through the Lord, have helped me to return to the faith---WHILE the bad things were, and still are happening. As I said, you can choose to make the Christian life what you want it to be, good, or not so good.

The Christian life to me when I am living it is such a sense of Holiness and closeness with God. I find myself being way more less judgemental and moreso seeking out God and my own issues with the Lord. I find myself striving to avoid sin not just sinning and asking for forgiveness to repeat the same sin.
Joanie In Grand Rapids, MI

To John,
I understand the struggle with addictions, but i understand it from a different point of view. I watched my mother night after night drink herself to sleep then wake up with a hang over, go to work, come home, and do it all over again. It would hurt every time i would see her, because i saw the pain in her eyes. She really wanted to give it up but just for some reason couldn't. It seemed to be the only relief she could find from being devorced and having to raise a son on her own. I remember praying for her night after night. Didn't know really who to pray too though at the time. I know now the truth of how powerful Jesus really is because she has stopped drinking and i have the best relationship with her now. I understand it from the child side, of seeing the struggle that goes on inside, Hatting the very thing you have fallen in love with. Which would be the point, i don't think its that you need to let go, but rather let go long enough to grab on to Jesus just as hard as you hold on to the drinking. Its the letting go for that short period of time that is the toughest. But, i can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. The truth of the matter lies within our hearts. What do we really love? Then, are we willing to change that love to Christ? You obviously know Christianity, so I'm not going to sit here and preach to you. What I do know, however, your missing and what i will pray for is not necessarily that you stop drinking but that you find the love of Jesus. That your relationship with Him will return and return in such a way that you can't help but stop. Stop and love Jesus with all your heart, soul, and mind. Christ hasn't left you, He is waiting for you and seeking for you. When Adam and Eve first sinned they ran and hide because they became afraid. But, God search and called out to them, He still wanted to walk and talk with them. Just as He wants to with you.

The Christian life IS an anvil , Paul would not have struggled if it was not. Its just an Anvil with no weight. For Christ's strength helps us to bear the load of this life. Remember He did say pick up your cross and follow me. I don't know if you guys have figured it out yet, but them crosses are heavy!!!! However, Christ also said to lay your burdens on Him, You see he helps us carry those burdens so that it becomes light as a feather. Because we no longer care about the burden. We only care about being SO CLOSE to Christ Jesus that we would carry a thousand Crosses if it would just get us closer. Its the relationship with Jesus that gives us the Turkey in place of Jerkey. Its the Faith in Him and Him alone. He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. None come to the FATHER but THROUGH HIM. I tell you what, I don't find it fun and exciting when I'm at work being made fun of because I believe in some one that they think doesn't exist, and to be constently tested so they can find something to pin me on. BUT, if just one comes to know Christ Jesus as their personal Saviour then its all worth it. And now I'm rambling on sorry. This is my point, lol I'm not even sure you will read this but anyways, know that my heart cries out for you and prays that you will not only be freed but freed in such a way that you will NEVER turn back again. I know that in Christ Jesus we can. I have faith in Jesus that HE can change you and I know HE will. We are to lift one another up in the love of Christ, in the Love of JESUS. We are suppose to be living in the Body of Christ which is what gives us our joy in time of "ANVILS". Being able to run to JESUS in our time of need. If we had no need we would not run. The Problem John is what you focus on. Are you focused on letting go of the drinking or are you focused on finding Jesus more deeply then you ever have imagined. Christ said come as your are and i will give you rest. He will take care of the drinking problem. You just run to Him and run fast and hard, but don't look back when you begin. Well John, if I have made you angry that was not my purpose. My purpose was to try and show you Jesus' love the best way I know how I hope that this finds you well and i will be praying for you.
Love In Christ
Thomas

I find joy in everything,and when life gets a bit tough ,i find God is there for me ,walking with me holding my hand.i never feel like i am alone, Jesus is my ROCK.

Thanks, LD and Thomas, for your encouraging words and strength (and your lack of condemnation). Today I make it my Goal to focus on Jesus. Tonight, I look forward to a cold, bubbly, cherry 7-Up! Christ lifted my burden for 12 years and I took it back. Too heavy for me! I'm givin' it back to Him.

God bless you!
John

Thanks, LD and Thomas, for your encouraging words and strength (and your lack of condemnation). Today I make it my Goal to focus on Jesus. Tonight, I look forward to a cold, bubbly, cherry 7-Up! Christ lifted my burden for 12 years and I took it back. Too heavy for me! I'm givin' it back to Him.

God bless you!
John

I grew up in a strict christian home, and I always thought that if I did the right thing everything would happen right. When I got to the point in life where inspite of my effort to do right things went haywire, I became open to the real christian life. Living life by accepting anything and having God's peace and joy through it all is what I call worth it. It's not about life in the shade of the tree, it's about life rising above the disapointments, with Christ. That is true victory.

The Christian life IS my freedom! Before turning my life over to Christ, I was living in such sin thinking I was free. Only I felt depressed and weighed down by my life, there was such an emptiness that left me wanting more. Unfortunately, I did not know what more of. More drugs? Sex? Alcohol? More of what?? Nothing was making me free or happy! After Christ entered my life I was able to see the literal CHAINS my life had me in! All my "freedom" of doing what I wanted, how I wanted, when I wanted, was killing me inside and out! True freedom comes from a close walk with our Lord and Savior....no empty feeling to fill. You said once in a sermon, James, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.... If I want MORE...I'll get MORE of Him!!

I was raised with a God that held a great big stick in His hand ready to punish when I messed up. But when I discovered what HE is reallylike, my life is amazing. There are so many things in my life that look like imposibilities, but knowing that my best Friend is in control, makes all things possible through Him. I NEVER want to ever return to my previous christian walk. Knowing the fullness of Christ is a freedom beyond measure!!!!

Thank you.

The Christian life is fulfilling. I have not always made the best decisions, but God has forgiven me and taught me how to forgive myself. Knowing that our Lord and Savior is always watching is a relief - I can talk to Him whenever I want to - during the good times, the bad times and the in-between times. He is a constant presence and my strong tower. Sure, the Christian life isn't all roses, but you have to learn to love the times things aren't going your way - that means God is trying to teach you something. Come out from behind the bars and rejoice in the constant presence of a loving savior. Every day will seem new, and you learn to find the joy in the small things.

Hmmm, Pastor James. I think of the Christian life as a journey, because that's what it's been for me. I've had low places and high places, and right now i'm on an even place after a lot of ups and downs, depression, sucicidal thoughts a few years ago, etc. I know when i reach the end of that journey, i'll be perfect and in heaven, but until then, i'm just taking it at a steady pace and asking God every day for His joy and peace and contentment in my life. John- i don't know what it's like to struggle with a drinking addiction, but i do know that we have to take every thought captive. whenever i'm temped by a lie from satan about myself, i take it captive and i let go and let God, because brooding on it won't help me at all. So let go of whatever lies are in your head that have been put there by satan and take every thought captive. Also, every morning when i wake up and get ready for classes, i pray that God will give me just enough grace and strength to get me through the day, whatever it may hold. Julie

I can't live "My" Christian life because I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives within me.

I have to trust Jesus Christ every day to lead me, minister through me and forgive me--And He does!

My faith in Him is well placed.

Hi James,
I want to thank you for your wonderful ministry. To me the Christian life is like . . . it's the greatest once I started living it. The anvil in the back pack may still be there at times but the load is much lighter when we hand it over to Jesus. I am thankful for this gift of salvation he's given me. I'm heaven bound at the end of this life. I hope to see you there! May God bless all of you!

I went to evening Mass today because the anvil was taking over - again in such a short period of time. The message tonight was peace.The Word of God is the light that draws me back to God everytime I feel the weight of everyday life. I give it to Jesus and in return I am given a new Word, the blessing of peace to move forward in and the grace of perseverence to continue. All can be done with God. Thank you for this ministry!

Hey LD, Thomas, John, and everyone else,

Cling to your faith for dear life is right -- because without faith and Jesus' saving grace, me, you, all of us are hopelessly lost, and doomed to eternal punishment.

It seems that my previous comments were perceived as being judgmental, or condemning, and for that, I deeply apologize. It was not my intent nor motivation to come across as condemning or harmful.

I never have said that God magically takes away the sinful desires of the natural man, nor do I believe anything approximating that! God has said that He will not take us out of this world, but rather that His grace is sufficient to see us through any situation.

Constant, or at least consistent, prayer, is a must. Without it, none of us can actually claim to have a walk with God, and no matter how "right" one is with God, none of us has a right to judge others' intentions, or look down on our Christian brothers & sisters, or whether their claims to salvation are legitimate -- that's for God to judge.

One thing that is so awesome about Christ is that despite the sinful, evil, nasty creatures that we are (including me, John), Christ is willing to get down in our mess with us, and help us up by His grace, to lead us into salvation. Such a gift as that is beyond measure, to be treasured and desired above all else.

What you don't know is that i've been praying for Jesus to create in you a desire for Him that is stronger than anything else in this world, not because you need that more than me or anyone else, or that i need it less, but because we all are sinners and fall short of God's glory.

In the interest of transparency, honesty, and full disclosure, please note that in your comments on my blog, you called me a liar, you claimed that I placed myself in authority over you. None of these things you said about me are true. you said i should examine my heart, and get real. well, i did examine my heart and get real 2 years ago. And then Christ came into my heart and redeemed me; he's still got a ton of work to do, too. i do know the extent of my sin, and it does make me sick to witness my own sin. That's why i almost continually ask him to search my heart and reveal to me any hidden sins that need to be confessed.

should anyone be interested enough to discuss what i have written tonight or any other time, my email address is agoodplacetobe@gmail.com and my blog (on which John posted some rather nasty comments) is http://liveasif.blogspot.com

perhaps you can turn over some of your rage to Christ -- it would be far more beneficial for you than directing it at me. Please examine your own heart and turn over anything that is not of God to Jesus at the Cross.

In summary, i claim that Christ is perfect. i claimed, and here do claim again, that i am imperfect, a fallen sinner prone to dishonoring Christ as much as anyone else. Of course i'm a sinner; a pretty good one, too. Which is exactly why i need Christ.

When im living the Christian life, its like waking up to the summer breeze on the white sandy beaches of Hawaii. Your awestruck with beauty and never want to leave!

At this point, I am so exhausted by living the Christian life that if I could be with the Lord I would be very glad. The only hope I have is that God sees it all; He is in my life with me. I believe He feels the pain too. The life before I accepted the Lord was dark, hopeless. Now, I do have at least a reason to wake up every morning.
I pray that God gives me more purpose soon!

I have found recently that the Christian life is about confidence. When we truly give our days and our actions to the Lord, we can go through them knowing that He is ordering our steps, that we will have encounters with people He means for us to meet, that we will have opportunities to serve Him, and that Someone is on our side. We can also know that when we do stumble - and we will - there is grace for us. It does not mean every day will be full of blessings, but it does mean every day is a blessing... and that every day, I can BE a blessing.

The Christian life is like tutoring someone in Spanish...when you are really living it.
I was never so fluent in Spanish as when I was teaching someone else. If I explained it all the time, it made sense. It was ingrained in my brain.
I think back to summers working at camp. We spent the whole week preparing, studying, praying, and seeking to share Christ with the kids. Sharing Christ made the reality of Jesus' love for us so present and intense. It becomes an abstraction when you keep it to yourself, when you 'do God stuff' in your own head only.

The Christian Life is like when you are going along in your marriage and its a hard one. All you see is heartache and suffering. And then one day after alot of searching of gods face you have you awakening. God kept his promise and all i had to do is let him do the work. Its amazing when letting him in your life can go from really bad to amazing in an instant. When all that time you waisted doing it your way god could have already had you some amazing place that you never thought you could be. PRAISE THE LORD!!!! THANK YOU JESUS. Get sold out for Christ.

It's all about getting off the throne of your life (and trying to control things yourself) and letting God do what he has promised to do. At that point, look out! because what God has in store for you is so much better than what you might have imagined.

And teach it, yes! Teaching others about the love of Jesus makes that so much more real in your own life, and brings you so much closer to God, because in part you're focusing more on him, looking up, instead of focusing on your circumstances, looking side to side. Indeed, we should all thank Jesus for his perfect love and redemption! Praise your holy name, Jesus!

Hey John,
how did the 7-up go : ) I was praying it went well. Something else that us Christians need to keep in mind, the Body of Christ. We are all ment to share with one another on how we are feeling, towards Christ, Towards Christianity, towards ourselves. How could we not grow as a family if we do not talk and encourage each other. I believe the real joy of the Christian life is realized when we as Christians (Actual Meaning FOLLOWER OF CHRIST) come together and learn from HIM, JESUS CHRIST. We all should be lifting each other up in prayer and suplication to the Lord so that when we fall we can come and see encouragement from our fellow brothers and sisters IN CHRIST. And if we are willing to allow God to mold our hearts then we will see the True Joy of Christianity, of living with Christ, Of Christ likeness, of Happiness and Joy, Of Truth that flows from us all as a body. LOL, I'm a sucker for oldies but I love the song "What a friend we have in Jesus, All to HIM I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain, HE washed ME white as snow."

John, I don't know if you really did have that 7-Up or not but I'm still praying none the less : ) Because, i believe that in this world of sin and shame I can find a place of rest in JESUS, i may sound like an OLD PREACHER, but you know what that OLD MESSAGE, is becoming newer and newer to me everyday.

True Christians these days are hard to find, ones that are dedicated to loving God through the thick and the thin. These blogs here are some evidences. People still searching for the TRUTH and not just another religion. LIFE IN CHRIST, what an adventure, what a peace. I live it new every morning because HIS grace is new every morning. I'm so thankful for that. I love Paul's saying, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." I don't know about you John but I want to go out with a bang, that if I have to wake up the next day i want to wake up with Jesus Singing over me. So today, TODAY I will do HIS WILL, i will worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes. God's Grace is sufficient for me to get through today, so that when you sleep, you sleep good knowing that today, today i did His will. I don't know if I'm rambling on or if any of this makes sense but I'm trying. Anyways, my Brother : ) lol I'm praying for you.

For John - just wanted to let you know that I've been keeping you in prayer since your post first appeared. We all pass through seasons - some take longer to get through than others. For me, these past couple of weeks the anvil also seems too heavy to carry. I just take it one day at a time. I know I'll get through - I don't have it go the distance alone.

You've received some great encouragement in the previous posts. Remember Psalm 23 - you always pass through the valley - you're never left there. I would just like to encourage you to continue to keep your focus on Jesus. There's no stronghold that that name will not pull down. In Jesus, God designed you to be an overcomer. You're equipped to win. Try speaking the name of Jesus every time that desire to drink arises in you. From a practical aspect, take a walk if you need to...! Maybe get involved in a Bible study or a home group or an outreach ministry.

You know what, God is with us every step of the way - even when we are failing & falling... He loves us.

hey john,
you have brought tears to my eyes..
and thoughts of you have stirred my heart.....
and i don't even know you....
but i will be praying for you.
i believe you have accepted christ as your savior...
cling to christ in your valley,seek gods face, he will bring you through it.

A friend gave me a coffee mug years ago with this message:
"Each day is a gift from God, how you live it is your gift to him."
Never a day is lost when living for Christ and being a light for others to know him. It's exciting!!

My battle with low self esteem, self hatred and self pity keeps my backpack glued to me. I love God and Jesus. I have felt the Holy Spirit. Yet everytime I try to get closer to God, evil jumps in between and I fail. I embarrass God. I hurt Him and then my self hate grows. I hear and see so many Christians with their happiness and I wan to run away. My wife and cjildren are tight with God yet I am not. So many times I wish God would exorcise me because I actually feel I am possessed with evil. I love James McDonald

Romans 8 is the perfect example of what the Christian Life without Jesus is. Since I was 10 years old I tried hard to live the Christian Life, everytime I messed up I felt guilt and shame. Once I finally broke at the age of 24, I finally got it!!!!! I CAN'T DO IT! But HE can and the Christian Life became Easy I finally felt His Love, His Compassion, and His Mercy in my life and I am FINALLY FREE! Living the Christian Life doesn't really exist for me, living for GOD is all I want to do. Because my life is not the same, WoW, its the best life ever!

Living the Christian life is like an anvil primarily because too many people are focusing on the wrong thing. It's kind of like trying to be a commited, faithful, serving, and loving spouse to someone that you don't really care about.

Instead of focusing on "living the Christian life" we should focus on "learning to love the Savior". Genuine love produces loving behavior. People have been known to do some really crazy things for "love".

I truly believe that God's people need to spend more time getting to know Him which will produce a genuine love for Him. In return they will wake up one day and realize that they are actually living for Him.