ARTICLE: SPIRITUAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT

I was recently reflecting on just how far Father God has brought me in my life since the day I accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, as my Lord and Savior (August 1987). I stand in awe and utter amazement at God's daily renewed mercy; His amazing grace; and His continued ability to perform his "transformational power" in my life everyday.

Although Jesus has never left or forsaken me on my journey, I can't say that I haven't never profusely stumbled off "The Road Less Traveled"; making my share of "wrong turns" and "U-turns" (all as a result of reading from the wrong "road map"; to include, but not limited to, the occasional "rabbit trails" and even a few trips that I have made "following the "White Rabbit" down the "rabbit hole" into a bizarre world of mixed characters with each of their own vices, dilemmas and ideals of the world they live in (Reference: the classic "Alice In Wonderland"). In "SHORT", if there is such a thing for "a creative, mind-racing writer" such as myself, GOD HAS BEEN INCREDIBLY GOOD TO ME. He has had the very patience He gave Job, when it comes to my moments, between "spiritual temper tantrums and thumb sucking" and my learning "to grow up and put away the childhood "toys" in the toy chest of Christianity". The process that leads to "spiritual maturity" is a subject matter that begs for a writer's quill; which, incidentally, I've already penned in a testimonial, and in saying so, lends me in giving a shameless plug: "The Devil's Misfits - My Testimony (SECOND EDITION)" Available on Amazon.com (April 1, 2016).

During my aforementioned reflections, I recently made a statement to a dear friend who knew me in my past. In fact, it was thirty years ago that this person knew me when I was claiming my identity as a homosexual. My preference in "religion" at the time was Metaphysics (New Age). I also used the vices of drugs (cocaine and speed) and alcohol in my attempts to "function" in a world of confusion. She and I shared the passion of the stage: song, dance and acting. I have many fond memories of our times shared in the "spotlight". With all of these things in mind, I made the following comment to her (not verbatim, but to the best of my recollection):

"A man may choose to follow a "well traveled and beaten Path" that will lead him into a deceptive embrace of "false gods and religions", but only "The Road Less Traveled" leads this same man into a "relationship" with The One (Jesus) who takes him by the hand and leads him into the loving arms of "The One True and Living God".

I testify to the truth of this above statement. I spent many years on the "beaten path" and it did lead me to the lies and deception of Satan. But I also eventually found my footage on "The Road Less Traveled" when I met Jesus and made Him my Lord and Savior. In His leading, today I continue to experience the everlasting, loving arms of My Heavenly Father. It is in His marvelous embrace that I continue to know "The truth that sets the captives free" (John 8:32).

Folks, the following are facts to contemplate: God and Satan are real! Heaven and Hell are real places! There is the "temporal" and "eternity"! There is Salvation and Damnation -- both are eternal and determined based on either "The Acceptance" or "The Rejection" of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6 - please see below). God chose to make us human beings with our own "Will"; we are not puppets! With the reality of all of these things in mind, you and I stand in The Valley of Decision" -- what choice will you make today? Will you choose "the beaten path" or "The Road Less Traveled"? I made my decision and there is never a day that goes by, when I don't thank God, that I stopped and asked Jesus for directions.

John 14:6 "Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life and no man comes to The Father except through Me".

I pray that you would find yourself on "The Road Less Traveled", for, although it is not the "popular, "politically correct" "societal religious and fashionable" choice, It will lead you in ALL Truth, amidst the beaten path that only leads to destruction as a result of "reading the wrong road map".

May you make Jesus your Lord and Savior today by asking Him into your heart like I did almost twenty years ago. When you do, He will take you, also, by the hand and lead you into the loving arms of "The One True and Living God". SELAH and AMEN! God bless you my beloved family and friends! 

04-12-16 J.