Yes, I AM a Christian

Recently, I read some posts by people highly critical of "God", and that "Satan" was more "open minded" and "accepting", than "God". Wow. I was struck by that. Struck, because it MY belief that is exactly what Satan would have people believe, and act on. And they are right! Right, in respect to Satan being more accepting. Absolutely more accepting of "anything goes". After all, Satan will NEVER dissuade anyone from abortions, doing drugs, cheating on spouses, and other wrong doings.
THAT is what Satan is all about, complete acceptance of anything!

Some are also offended by "judgemental Christians". THAT, I understand. I 'm not guilt free, but I can't stand people who "throw stones", while "living in glass houses". But that isn't God's fault, or even Christianity's fault. That's OUR fault! (I saw a great bumper sticker, "Christians aren't perfect, Just forgiven!") If any Christian strays from God's Word, that isn't "Christianity". That's sin by a Christian.

More specifically, some view Christianity as being "anti-gay", or gay hating. I think that is misconstrued. I, as a Christian, do NOT believe being "gay" is following MY understanding of the Bible and God's plan for us. But I AM NOT ANY ONE'S JUDGE. NO ONE, can say a gay person can not go to Heaven. God loves them too. God loves ME, as flawed as I am, but that does not mean he accepts my actions. He doesn't. It is not me to judge, but His on each person's judgement day. I would never exclude a gay person from church, or from any of our nation's rights. But that does not preclude me from believing marriage is meant for a man and a woman. That is MY personal belief, and I feel that is how God intended.

Some don't believe in God, or at least, don't believe a "god" would allow such terrible things to happen to children. Trust me, I have had MANY personal conversations with God about why things happen to people. Try some time after a hot battle in the jungle, after you've lost friends! "Oh God", and "Why God", are common cries at such times. I know!

I AM a Christian. I am so very flawed and have been such a sinner all my life, but I DO believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I DO believe I will be judged by God one day, and also believe that God forgives anyway, when asked for forgiveness and we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior (NOT Obama!). Thank God for that! I am NOT a Bible thumper, and for most all outward appearances, a stranger would not know I am a Christian. Also MY fault! I do not attend organized church (For reasons I will not go into.), and that is MY fault too. While I "justify" that to myself, it is still MY fault. Even though I  may not be going to a church near you, I will not sit silent  and not be vocal in defending MY belief. I know too, that I need to do better at being a Christian, and show it by example. Not in an "in your face" thing, but a public acknowledgment of God and Jesus Christ. Because I DO believe in God, and Jesus Christ as MY personal Savior.

None of this, is to suggest mis-treating anyone else. In fact, mis-treating anyone for their differing view, is NOT what God would have us do. But to accept what is believed to be "wrong", as being "right", I can not do. (Montgomery Gentry has a good song for this occasion, "You do your thing, I'll do mine.") No matter what "in thing" might be, I have to hold to what I believe.

To ME, and MY belief - God gave us "choice", beginning with Adam and Eve. "Choices" were made, and WE are a result in choices we all make. It is also MY belief, that God, who provides an "eternal" life after this one, does not necessarily intercede on things, as much as gives us peace and spiritual support to endure life on earth. I KNOW that I have had periods of time that without my own prayers, I would not have been as strong to endure. THAT is an extremely valuable aspect of having faith, even faith as weak as mine. Those who have terrible things happen, and have no such faith to fall back on, may be personally strong to endure, but I don't feel I would be at peace with things as much with Him. Even when horrible things happen to children, I feel some comfort, believing that all their pain and suffering are over, as well as memories of such, while they enjoy "heaven". If anyone doesn't have that belief, that's on them, and they are "free" to believe or not. (But don't condemn me for believing ... Bill Mahr!)

With that:
Dear Lord, forgive me, for I am a sinner. Forgive those too, who deny You, and are attempting to persuade others to deny You, for they do not know what they are doing. In light of all MY faults, as well as those of my fellow citizens, forgive us. God, I ask for you to Bless America, and her leadership, and save us from ourselves. In Jesus name, Amen.