religion or relation?

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When I wan not yet a Christian, I thought I was. My family and relatives are Methodist. But I grew up thinking that it is okey to entertain other beliefs. Some of them are attending and even participating prayers that I can't understand those mysteries said, and say it even 15 times repeatedly. But of course they were not members of this religion but they supported their practices. When I was in first year high school, my Mom enrolled me in a Catholic School, and everyday I heard the same prayer repeatedly and it confused me. I ask myself " will this be all heard by GOD? How about the personal prayers they would like to ask GOD?" Because of curiosity, I joined a religous group and I thought I found a group that will care and help me grow spiritually but ironically most of them are careless... talking too much, doing bad things and even can't control their emotions. They also even religously say the prayers repeatedly too but after it, same things happen around. I did the wrong decision...I was decieved. One night I prayed without thinking any other things but to know who really GOD is. Though I know the Name JESUS CHRIST, I don't know how to reach HIM. Did GOD heard me? Yes HE did. Until my cousin found the Truth...he has the same longing as I have to know the LORD. He joined in the Praise and Worship Ministry where he plays the drum in the church and so many things changed for him. He just encouraged me first to listen the CD containing Christian Songs by Hillsong, Kutless, Casting Crown, Bebo Norman, Jeremy Camp and other Christian band. Those Christian Music itself invited me to attend a prayer meeting. I have heared and read Words from the Bible I have never heared before. The Bible really gives the description GOD and I was be able to find the Truth. And that was the time I learned by HIS grace that Religion is very different from Relation. Religion can not save you, but having a Relation to GOD has the assurance of Salvation.