Make It Real

To many, the story of Jesus is either a holiday recital or something they read about at Church. It was so long ago, how can I relate to it now?

How do I make religion REAL? Well, you don't ask for signs from God to cultivate your faith in Him. That's like asking for exam answers from your teacher without studying. You must learn to feel His spirit touch your heart and become aware of His hand in your life. Then you will start to feel Him and your spiritual eyes will open. You will see how God's hand guided you to make that right choice. You will see how He protected you from harm. You will see how He helped you find a new job. You will see how He blessed you with a new friend. You will see how He helped you find your keys. You will see how He helped you find your lost pet. You will see how He helped you find your lost child. You will see how He helped you find your lost faith.

A simple way to feel His spirit is to pray to God directly, with real intent. He wants you to talk to Him. First, find a quiet place. Humble yourself before the Almighty God of the Universe, who also is your loving Heavenly Father. Call to Him reverently. Second, take a few minutes to thank Him for the good in your life. Third, ask Him to forgive your sins... take some time to SINCERELY revisit what you are asking Him to forgive. He will. And last, end in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen to have your petition recorded in Heaven. Christ is our loving ADVOCATE between God and man. He not only paid the price for ALL our sins but will plead our petitions to God.

Your humble prayer will start a wonderful transformation. You showed belief in God by opening your heart to Him. That is Faith.

He knows you made mistakes, and will make more. We all do. We are our worst critic, but He is our biggest fan. If you pray with heartfelt intent and patience, you will feel His spirit of peace and joy fill your mind and body. If you are obsessing over a previous sin, ALLOW Christ's Atonement to take the burden from you. Then forgive yourself! Like a light in the dark, the heaviness of sin is lifted. You are free. You will stand straighter and smile more. Okay, sounds cheesy and conformist. The difference is, this relationship is just between you and God. Why not have more peace and joy in your life? Congratulations, feeling His spirit directly is the first step to making religion real in your life!

Begin to read your scriptures and ask God more questions. Who am I? Is there more to life than just what I see? Continue to think plainly and with reverence about what you are learning. Don't get hung up on religious jargon... ponder it until it makes sense. After reading the scriptures, you will start to fill in the blanks on what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is inspiring you to change in your life. Be excellent to each other and in turn, find true peace and happiness. Pretty simple stuff, but not always easy. Following Divine inspiration is the second step to making religion real in your life. He will not make your decisions. Like learning to ride a bike, He will be near when you need help. You don't always see it in the moment, but you WILL in prayerful reflection. You will see His hand in your life. You will see how He helped you find your lost self. You will see how Jesus Christ can heal you. You will see you are a child of God and He loves you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

We all depend on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him. Christ’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. Forgiveness for our sins comes with conditions. We must repent, and we must be willing to forgive others... Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive. Lay your burden at the Savior’s feet. Let go of judgment. Allow Christ’s Atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another. The merciful will obtain mercy.