The living Jesus calls us to reach people with His love, not to defeat them with our political views. He said: “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Bless those who curse you,” and “Love your enemies.” I think He meant it.

Christians are called to proclaim, worship, and obey the risen Jesus, not to accuse and insult people. We are called to introduce people to the living Jesus, not to win arguments with them.

Religion tries to define God and contain Him in an organizational hierarchy. We might as well claim that we control the wind. By formalizing faith into a religious format, it’s easy to forgo the fire of the Holy Spirit.

People can see nature’s beauty and be in awe (without needing a lecture). A sermon isn’t necessary to experience the risen Jesus. Saul of Tarsus met the living Jesus without going to church or hearing a sermon. You can, too.

In the Bible, Jesus’ supporters weren’t the official religious people (Sadducees and Pharisees). They didn’t want a living Jesus. Saul of Tarsus gave up his official religious affiliation (Pharisee) to follow and obey the risen Jesus (as “Paul”).

What good is a “do over” if you keep doing the same things over and over? Let the interactive Jesus interrupt your patterns.

Religion is usually prepared, prepackaged, and served up for us. However, Jesus said that we must “seek” the kingdom of God. Christianity is much more than a one-time “salvation” experience or good church attendance. It’s continual interaction with Jesus.

Faith seeks to align with and trust the living God. Religion tries to align God with its belief and trust an organizational structure. Both an atheist who believes in God and a Christian who rejects biblical Christianity, have their terms confused.

Past joys remain somewhere in your heart. Locate and remember them. Then they will make you smile today.