"A More Excellent Way" - Again

 "Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun:" (Ecclesiastes 11:7 KJV)

  "And then he added, "It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you."" (Mark 7:20-23 NLT)

 My mind is made up: The harder I try to be holy, the more I see holes in my heart! Not just any holes, but dark ones, that need to be filled with love. Please forgive me, but there are just too many things I feel that need to be worked on; where do we start? 

 There is something about this verse that has me somewhat in a place that I can't escape from; it's as if there is something more, something I feel as though is missing, that should be discovered or covered up. Whatever it is, it has something to do with the reason for living, the purpose of being here, besides that of longing to be with the Lord.

 When I was around 13 years old, I ran away from home for about 6 months. I tried to call my mother several times, letting her know that I was fine and not to worry; but as soon as she would ask me when I was coming home, I would hang up. 

 There was a very special time I had one night, as I gazed up into the sky, seeing the stars and feeling as though God was looking down upon me. For the moment I felt as though I needed to know Him more, but our family was trapped into a religion that had rules, rules that said you can never do this or that, only the things they say that we can do. 

 Call me whatever you want, but that special night I really felt as though I was talking and having some kind of fellowship with God. No, I wasn't saved; at least I didn't remember ever accepting Jesus into my heart; but there was such a peace and joy I experienced that night, between me and the Lord. 

 Anywho, here is the thing we need to be aware of, no matter what you think about this life, however hard things get, or whatever problems you might be dealing with: this is your opportunity to show off the love of God! Yes, it is God's love you must long for, the kind of love that makes a difference; the love that says, You Are Loved, just as you are, He loves you and has something to show you, so try to pay close attention...

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT)