People always think that when you say you are a Christian it means that you think you're perfect. Far from it. We are simply those who admit that we are SO much less than perfect. A sinner, falling short of God. We repent (to change direction) ask Jesus to forgive, take over everything and begin to heal, cleanse, change and renew. It is NOT religion, it is, a relationship with God.
"Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2Cr 5:17
I have experienced this, I am changed. I now strive to keep my heart, mind and actions in line with Gods will. This does not make excuse for all of my past actions and sin. I live with the consequences of my sin every day. If you're reading this because you know me and I have hurt or offended you in any way, please forgive me, Some of us go through most of our life without a true moral compass. I can not express how much JOY I have within, knowing that I serve a God who loves me. Knowing that when I'm called my soul will be with Him in heaven. My children will know God and He will live on through me. I believe that all people share a search for truth and I want to share my story and my heart with you. Thanks.
I thought I was fine, I thought I was free. And yet I was in bondage many things, my image of myself, my image to others, comfort, social position, libations. lusts, fear of death, fear of failure.
In the music business, and in life, Your career is boosted by the "names" you are associated with. I really am glad that I didn't become "famous". Of course, I was too unorganized and undisciplined to be successful in that way... In bondage to my ignorant single mindedness. I believe now that one must ULTIMATELY CHOOSE to be "self" serving, or, SERVE and give Honor to God, Who made everything in first place!
As I look back, I realize that God was sometimes keeping me out of harms way and at other times, allowing me to make the mistakes that would lead me back to Him. I was a man of the world, music, tours, travel, attention, still ALWAYS SEARCHING (separated from God). I have experienced so many things. But using my musical gifts for what? Money, Fame, drawing attention to myself... Easily falling in love, Yet unable to truly commit, empty inside. The bible calls this; "Living for the Flesh". (you can fill up your life with all kinds of things but at the end of the day, unless you know God, you are ultimately alone.) They say that you sell your soul to be "successful" I believe this to be true. The devil is the ultimate liar, using our own vanity to lie to ourselves. At the end of the day (and at the end of your life) YOU MUST CHOOSE WHOM YOU WILL SERVE.
I was in relationships that were doomed to fail because the focus was on worldly, selfish needs. When I met my second wife, she thought I was prince charming, charming maybe, but destined to break her heart and her trust. And yet, she continued on in faith and brought me to a saving knowledge of the Lord. (not religion, relationship).
She has stayed with me through much growth. We seek the Lord above all else first and He blesses us for it. He has sustained us through the loss of unborn children, the times of mistrust, and through many difficult seasons. We now have two beautiful children of our own, and two children from our first marriages. And I have a child from another relationship that I do not see, born a year after I met my wife . (do the math).
If we did not trust in God for everything we could not have such a strong and vital marriage.
Let me encourage you to ask Jesus to come into your life. Serve God, not man or money. Keep yourself pure in thought and deed, be a person of your word. Career is NOT the most important thing. Your relationship with God is. Your FAITHFULNESS to God and to your loved ones and friends. This is what matters!
It is so simple, Trust in Jesus. It's not all about you anymore, it's all about serving God.