Clearing Out The Clutter In Our Hearts

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us, and we have seen His glory; glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

THE WORD INCARNATE… THE WORD BECAME FLESH….. JESUS CHRIST, OUR SAVIOR.

RELIGION BRINGS CLUTTER. RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST BRINGS FREEDOM.

Wow!! With the strict rules of Catholicism in the 50’s and 60’s, it took me until the age of 40 to realize that the Bible was the Living Word…..God amongst us! Do this….Don’t do that… really loses a lot of people, and causes anxiety.

There was so much clutter in my young OCD Brain, that I was somewhat of a rebel, when I went away to college. Twelve years of strict nuns was enough for me.

However, Jesus pulled me aside, and set me free. Yes, I am a Catholic. Yes, I believe in my Holy Communion. I go to confession at least once a year; however, I confess to Him daily. Clutter….Clutter…Clutter!

Catholics are really into Bible Study in the present day and age. It is totally different than it was 50 years ago. Vatican II turned Catholicism upside down….Praise God!

One the greatest gifts my mother ever gave me was the following quote: “My Jesus has no denomination.”

We listened to Billy Graham all the time, during my childhood. His teaching nurtured my mother’s quote, in such a way, that I thirsted for the truth.

Two years ago, I was thrilled, as a non-Catholic/ non-denominational program entitled, ALPHA was brought to St. Joe’s in Plain City.

The creator and author of Alpha, Nicky Gumby is an English, Protestant Minister. His amazing story has been worked into a program, in which all Christian denominations are involved.

As a young man, newly married, he was searching for the truth. In one weekend, he read the entire New Testament. He was not only convinced of the truth of Christ and salvation, but also became a minister.

As he studied, he brought many to the truth, through the Word of God. Then he realized that he was to author and create a way to give Christ, through an easy step-by-step process.

For one who was raised with many rules and “What ifs,” this program gave a great deal of freedom to my soul.

Here are the step-by-step questions that can lead one into a relationship with Christ.

1. Is there more to life than this?
2. Who is Jesus?
3. Why did Jesus die?
4. How can I have faith?
5. Why and how do I pray?
6. Why and how should I read the Bible?
7. How does God guide us?
8. Who is The Holy Spirit?
9. What does The Holy Spirit do?
10. How can I be filled with The Holy Spirit?
11. How can I make the most of the rest of my life?
12. How can I resist evil?
13. Why and how should I tell others?
14. Does God heal today?
15. What about church?

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the program, and were very appreciative. For it gave us 3 simple phrases, in order to begin your relationship.

1. Say you’re sorry and ask for forgiveness.
2. Say Thank You for His gift of mercy and Grace.
3. Holy Spirit, please live within me.

Remember …the gift of freedom is amazing. Get rid of the clutter, rules, and the regulations that the world and religious denominations place upon you. A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST IS TRUE FREEDOM!

HEAVENLY FATHER: As the season of Christmas is upon us, we praise you for The Word Incarnate…Your Son, Jesus Christ our Savior. Help all of us during this blessed season of giving, that we give to one another, through the Fruits of The Holy Spirit. Allow us to get rid of the clutter, busyness, and anxiety ,that often hide the true meaning of Christmas. In Jesus Precious Name, I pray. Amen

Sue Cutler
Fearless Faith