I was working at a hospital, giving all the Christian girls a hard time, making fun of them every chance I got. Telling them how my mother-in-law was a Pentecostal and she got the tongue, of course I'd be sticking my tongue out and going...well you get the picture. I just couldn't let myself be on the side of a bunch of straight laced goody two shoes, who thought they were better than everyone else. I couldn't give up all my old party friends whom I'd spent endless hours with at the bars in a stupor of conditions.

Anyway I didn't want to loose my connections and what would people think? Man...Lawson has gone religious on us haha, I could hear the snickering and laughter. This is the hardest part of what we have to leave behind us, we (think) we are bound by Satan's evil ways to continue in our life of sin...wrong. Addictions are a hard thing to put down. Any kind of addiction, and there are a lot of them these days. I found that being able to be who I am, and not give up myself, made it a whole lot easier to give up my sin. I am an old man, I bear the marks; gray hair, gray beard, wrinkles around the eyes, gravity taking over and slowing down. I spent thirty-some years drinking, smoking pot, every day, doing extra stuff, but the instant Jesus came into my heart...I put them down.

Am I some kind of super-dude....No...and I don't know how to explain the feeling. Did I miss that stuff? Honestly....sure, it's not easy being a Christian. But, I just let myself (wanting too) get involved with a bunch of Christians and through the love and friendship I found, I was able to overcome the mess my life was in.

Does Satan pop in?...yes, everyday. The evil one doesn't let us go that easy, he is always there to throw temptation in our face, make us feel like less of a person because we don't have his stuff anymore, gives us cravings, make us belittle ourselves, depression, man...the booger just wants to make our life a "living hell". If, and that's the big IF, you think that you're a good person, lead a good life and don't do anything wrong anyway, and just can't justify giving up your beer or smoke in getting to know Jesus, because, hey, after all He's going to pick me up and let me
in when my time comes anyhow....right?

Scripture says that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, this means right now. It also says that the only way to the Father (God in Heaven) is through His Son (Jesus). Do you notice I'm not using a bunch of scripture names and numbers here? I don't need to bible thump you, it's all in there for the asking; the Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, I love that one.

Do you really want to live your life the way you think everybody else wants you to, and take the chance that you'll be ready for redemption when your time comes, there's lots of ways of dying, and nobody knows for sure how they will go, or when its coming. Jesus has His instructions, and it all has a pretty good insurance policy, and the best part is; it's all absolutely free....wait a minute you say? "how about all the churches wanting your money?" That is a good one and most non-Christians think that way. Every Christian should belong to a church and attend regularly. It is a family. Scripture also says that we are to bring in 1/10th of our harvest to God. I'm going to say something to you here that I may get in trouble for, "not everyone living in today's climate can give 1/10th and survive." I see it every Sunday when the tithes and offerings are taken, some just give what they can afford, but you know what, Jesus is probably mighty happy to see them giving what they can, and an offering to Him is acceptable. When we can, we should give more. Plus there are other ways to give to the Lord that some times are more of a blessing than a $50 bill. Okay, I know, long winded and getting off the subject. Please pardon me here, these are my opinions and not those of other Christians. I just don't want anyone not coming to Jesus because of a money thing. His love is FREE!

Now you might tell me you have everything in the world and don't need this Jesus man. A new house, plenty of money in the bank, a 2004 Fat Boy, new cars, beautiful wife, kids, in-laws, man I got it made. Yes, you have all the material things going on...but, what about your spirit? Your soul? Do you believe you have a soul? Or do you believe that when you die, it's all over and there's just bones and dirt left? Do you think that you're some kind of god? Some kind of super-human being? Man...life is sweet and I don't need no religion and all those Christian fanatics? Please let me introduce to you an ol' biker/musician type, been down that road, a poor down to earth family person...me. Now, let me introduce to you a poor barefooted, long haired, bearded, kind hearted, loving person, who sent a multitude into turmoil because of His beliefs and Words, had a gang of guys following Him around, then more people then could be counted, kept a box for His money, spread LOVE (His number One commandment), rode a brand new (maybe) donkey, traveled around the world of His time, walked on water, performed miracles, was nice to everyone, never sinned in His life; and got hung on a cross and crucified for every ones sins (yours & mine). This One Man in history is the only One worthy of Praise. He loves you now, He sits on His heavenly throne next to His Father (God), and He is watching (not judging) us. All He wants from you is for you to accept Him into your heart, and you will find love, peace and comfort there, with Him.

Earlier I said I got involved with a bunch of Christians. Well I got involved with a bunch of ex-sinners, ex-bikers, ex-heathens, ex-misfits of society who found enough love left in their hearts to give what was left to Jesus in return for their own salvation. They didn't ask me to change my dress, my looks, my talk (only swearing), just be myself in a way that reflects Jesus. I now serve the Lord. I'm not asked for a bunch of cash, and I'm given more back than I ever thought I could receive in return here on this earth.

I went to a Christian Biker rally in 1999 and found Jesus in my heart, as I rode back home on my bike through Atlanta I felt like I had this huge clear bubble-like sphere surrounding & protecting me, could it have been guardian angels? I don't know, but I had never had that happen before and I have had some unusual things happen since being born again that I won't go into right here. You might not know what you need spiritually, I didn't, you may have a bad case of the "ineedits" going on. You may just be too prideful to even consider, a higher power, a spiritual side and relationship with Jesus. I want you to do this for me right now, if you would, just close your eyes for a few seconds and see if you absolutely don't want God in your life...

Thank you. If you haven't made up your mind to make a commitment to Jesus, that's okay. I just want you to know that Jesus truly loves you and would like you to keep thinking about Him... He's there 24/7 and all you have to do is talk (pray) to Him. If you have felt a warmth come over you and you feel excited about getting to know Jesus as your personal Savior...let's get on with it and take it to Jesus! He's waiting for you.

Now here's a short simple prayer for you to say...say it out loud, the louder the better! The Sinners Prayer
Lord Jesus, I now confess my sinful ways.
I know that I am a sinner and that You died on the cross for my sins.
I believe that You rose from the dead on the third day as the Bible says.
I invite You to come into my heart and take control of my life.
Make me the person that You want me to be.
Thank you Jesus for saving me now. In Jesus name, Amen!
"Congratulations!"

Now find a church that teaches & preaches Jesus Christ from the Bible. This may be a challenge, to find one that fits you, but keep on looking it is there waiting for you.

Read your Bible daily. If you don't have a Bible email me hsnwfl@yahoo.com and I'll send ya one.

If you need someone to talk to about this Man called Jesus; email me, call me 850-526-3947.

Gen 1:1 Gen 22:1-18 Matt 7:7 Matt 12:31 Matt25:44-45 John 3:16-17 John 6:38 John 8:34-36

Ephesians 6:11-13 Rom 8:5 Rom 8:32-39

May God Bless you and keep you always. A friend in Christ,

Ralph