RULE 1: If you are doing something that is killing you, stop it. If your chosen means of self - destruction is alcohol, you probably will not be able to stop without help.

Call AA. They will help you pull on God's power to change. And every day you delay is another day thrown away.

RULE 2: If you think you may need God when you die, include God in your life now. Sometimes when I see those "remains" lying cold and still in that long box, I think, "How strange: the One they had nothing to do with in life is the One they must depend on completely now.

And forever!

How do we include God? To begin with - start to church.

RULE 3: If you and your family will need a minister when you die, you also need one while you are living. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not on hold - waiting to "kick in" when we "kick the bucket."

RULE 4: Stop making excuses for not going to church. Bologna is bologna, however you slice it. If you are physically able, be in worship.

RULE 5: If you have ever made the promise to serve the Lord and be faithful to his church - keep it. You may have forgotten your promise, but God hasn't. If you meant it at the time, it is still binding.

If you didn't mean it at the time - you need to be more careful who you lie to.

RULE 6: Make God the priority in your life. If God is not, whatever is your priority is your god. And having anything less than God as your god is idolatry. It is also a sure road to despair.

RULE 7: Set an example of faith for those around you. If your family and friends can't see your faith - God can't either. And everyone can see whether you go to church or not.

Again, excuse the direct tone.

But if the shoe fits - put it on and wear it to church somewhere. God seeks you in love. Let Him find you.

Stop hiding behind your excuses.