</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by smilinize:
<strong>I meant that one can conform to a practice and observe rites and ceremonies in an outward expression of piety and honor as in 'religion' without ever having experfienced a change in the spirit. Seems like real love occurs in the spirit, not in rites and ceremonies or outward expressions.

Interesting stuff.

smile</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Smilin, this reminds me of my faith as a child. I was very religious, but didn't have the spirit. And I agree, this is interesting stuff. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by DJ:
<strong>"...one can conform to a practice and observe rites and ceremonies in an outward expression of piety and honor as in 'religion' without ever having experfienced a change in the spirit."

Isn't this precisely what's been wrong with the practicers of religion? People go through the motions, but never feel the spirit. To me, if the spirit isn't moved, it's not religion, but an empty shell.

</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">You guys have spelled this out perfectly and I think you're both saying the same thing. I couldn't agree more!

DOn't know if you've ever read any of Joseph Girzone's books, but they're awesome. He talks about religion getting in the way of Christainity and loving one another. People are so focused on doing good church work for the sake of doing good church work, but forget the true connection for doing it in the first place. SOunds ridiculous, but it's true! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" />

I was brought up Epicopalian and thought my faith was sound. Years later because of illness, many moves due to the military and stress with parents and siblings, I came to the conclusion that in order for me to do better with my life, I would have to turn my life totally over to Jesus.

From a Billy Graham Crusade and then searching my heart and soul for answers, I finally found and accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. I found a peace and direction in life I had never known before.

All life is stressful and difficult at times. The difference with Christ is---he'll be with you when stress and conflict come your way. His comfort and love have carried me through many rough times--my husband's auto-immune disease, betrayal of family and friends struggles with my writing profession and my husband's conflicts with his work.

In my heart, I know that I can't live a day, one moment, without His love and guidance.

Ann

I'm not at all sure having the Word on fire is a good thing except...some of the time. Isn't that what's meant by a time for every season? Sometimes the Word burns and other time simmers. It's all needed for the fire to continue. In Deut. it says everyone shall be judged according to their beliefs. I take that to mean that if one is of the ________ (your denomination) faith, they shall be judged according to how they lived their faith. God is a just God and I don't think I have a good understanding of that. But I accept His justness and I believe it.