Re: Feeding the Dog

Hi DW, It would make no sense for ANYONE to be inherently close to being at the center of God's will. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-- Jesus said himself that he did not come to save the righteous but the sinners (see Mark 2:17). Many denominations will have you believe that you somehow have to qualify for God's grace first, by being absent of struggles and sin, and then you belong in church. In fact, it is the power of Jesus Christ that heals us and sometimes that healing takes time. Jesus came to save you and I, while we were still sinners: Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. So, the answer to your question is that you CAN and SHOULD accept the fact that you can and will be right in God's eyes, while also being a BL. The question really is are you committed to Jesus, not are you perfect yet. For a very interesting study, look up the word "disciple" in the gospels. Jesus gives a very long laundry list of what we must do to become his disciples. Here is one: Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. None of them has to do with a specific act, or abstinence from acts, but instead they have to do with a surrendering of our will to the will of God. This is a daily battle, one that comes from daily prayer, bible study and confidence, that Jesus has already won the battle for you. You just need to be on the right team. You are not alone. Love, Ben