Blessings to you in the matchless name of Jesus!
With all that we see going on in the world around us, we must stop and ask ourselves, "Who can I trust? Where can my family and I go to be safe?" These questions may only be the tip of the iceberg. But, I think you get the idea. It is very difficult to raise a family with some type of morals in a society that has muddied a moral standard. When we choose to not have any kind of standard to live by ie... civil laws. Then we in turn actually jeopardize the safety and well-being ourselves and others. Just to be clear, I do not agree with a dictatorship of any sort. But, a democracy in which people come together and have a meeting of the minds, and establish, (with liberty as the fruit for well being), what is best for the whole. We do not see very much of this today. Our freedoms are being sacrificed to a culture that has no regard for their own families, let alone their neighbors. Where do we turn?
Religion has had an impact and role since the very beginning of recorded history. In every society, in every corner of our world, people for generations have practiced some form of religion. Even today we can take notice of different cultures emerging with different methodologies, philosophies and religious practices. Because the world system itself can not fill this void or answer these questions. I suppose in some way or another, it is a quest to find "The Answer." The question being: "Why are we here?" Religion will give you practices and guidelines. It may lend some comfort for a season. However, if it is just mechanical practices in a man made culture and there are no moral standards you have to answer for, there is no accountability to someone as well as others for your behavior, and your heart is not involved and changed. Then at the end of the day you come up empty again and your religion has not served you well.
In 1985, I thought I had life wrapped around my finger. I was in control of my destiny. No one was going to stop me from doing whatever I was thinking I would do. The truth is, I was running after something, working two full time jobs and on top of the world, so I thought. When in reality I was doing nothing less then chasing my own tail around, getting in my own way! Until, one night while watching T.V. I came across a preacher. I listened for a while and what he was talking about made sense. It's true, we all need somebody. But more than just anybody, we need someone who knows our thoughts and plans, our pains and griefs, our heart of hearts without question, and still loves us in spite of ourselves.
I grew up with a religious background. However, religion made it easy for me to do whatever I wanted, with little accountability and demand for a heart change and growth in my personal life. I was still lost! The road I found myself traveling down, just wasn't a good one at all. I quit school and ran away from home at Fifteen years old. I came back home and was out of the house for good at seventeen years old. I experimented with drugs, alcohol and gambling. I was just trouble waiting to happen. Finally, by the age of twenty-one my life began to settle down a little. At that time, I had stopped doing drugs, drinking and gambling. However, I still had a chip on my shoulder and a rebel inside.
At this time, two guys at work approached me and asked if I believed in Jesus Christ. I said: "Of course I do." My religious background was in the christian faith.They gave me a New Testament Bible and asked if I had one. I told them no. I had never read the Bible. They then instructed me to begin to read the Bible and if I had any questions just ask. I said, fair enough. Even though I had thought that I was't good enough for God to glance my way. I knew my short comings and sins. I felt after I cleaned my act up, then I would be good enough for God. Shortly after this I had been transferred to a different department in the company. Once there, I met another christian brother, who was also being transferred to the same department.
After orientation we received our new units we had to report to. I reported to mine, and lo and behold, I met another christian gentleman. He was to train me in my new job. Shortly thereafter, he shared what had taken place in his life about seven months before I arrived. He told me he had been an alcoholic, a heavy gambler and that he would practice cheating on his wife often with other women. But, he had given his life to the Lord and everything had changed. He said the desire for drinking, gambling and other women had been taken away. His marriage had been restored and Jesus had forgiven him and gave his life back to him in a beautiful way.
I remember this gentleman would always sing songs to the Lord while he worked. I took notice of the peace he had. He was humble and would walk away from rude behavior and coarse jesting. He didn't buckle under peer pressure by his co-workers. One day while at work the other workers told me that he had really changed for the better. He wasn't the same. I could tell that they really respected him. Although they would tease him from time to time regarding his new life in Christ. He'd just shake his head and walk away with an affectionate smile and pray for them. He loved those guys. He was very instrumental in my walk with the Lord.
It isn't hard to see that the Lord was kinda making sure that where ever life was taking me (I know He was orchestrating the whole thing!), the road would lead to Him. As my Christian co-workers reached out to me, I began to see "That I didn't have to wait and clean myself up for God." It was impossible for me to do that anyway. Only Christ can do that. He is the only one able. In Psalm 46:1 It says that: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble." I figured I wasn't doing a really good job of this thing called life on my own. I had nothing to loose and all to gain. Besides it was Gods' reputation on the line, not mine. He is the promise maker and keeper. I just had to trust Him and watch what He would do in and through my life, like He said He would in His word, the Bible. I did ask the Lord into my heart and gave my life to Him. I knew with other believers around me they would help me understand what the Lords will was for my life through His word. Like our Brother in Christ earlier, I began to have that same peace in my life as well. I also had more joy and hope, which previously had not been there.
Again, it was no coincidence how the Lord was moving situations and people around in my life, in order to get my attention and move me closer to Him. I will tell you that I have never for one moment ever regretted the decision I made that night to follow Him. He is Beautiful, Full of Grace,Wonderful, Patient, Faithful, Trust Worthy, All Powerful, Magnificent, Full of Wisdom, Gracious and Merciful, Kind and Deliberate with His Love. He is a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother, Protector, Mighty, Awesome and He is Father.
May I say at this point that, while religion may have its roots in some belief system that may make you feel good, sooner or later the feeling, because it is limited by human emotion which always changes, falters, and is not constant, will leave you empty once again. Because we are left with ourselves, knowing our own weaknesses and faults. We will let ourselves down. It's inevitable.
However, if we put our trust in a Living God who has created and fashioned us. We would soon realize that, if He sees our ugly weaknesses and yet, it does not deter Him from loving us. We will begin to find that we are truly loved. And this love will bring us joy that is beyond our human nature, and with this joy that the Lord gives, brings eternal hope with it. What more can we ask for? Can you use a little in your life? Have you reached the end of yourself yet? When we reach the end of ourselves and human ambitions we find our Lord. He knew us before we were even a thought. He even knew us before we were in our mothers womb! It is not about religion. It is all about a personal relationship. I say personal, because there is not a one of us that is identical with life choices and experiences. We are all individual and called by His name for a particular purpose in Christ.
Psalm 139:13-14 "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mothers womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." (NKJV)
A personal relationship with the One Who has called you by name. He is our safe haven. Though the world around us may change and things may seem to get scary at times. We can trust in God, The One Who holds the world in His hands. He is the God that never changes. He is always the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13:8. He is our God and Creator. He knows us more than we know ourselves. He IS worthy of our trust.
Isaiah 43:1 But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do Not fear, for I have redeemed you: I have called you by name; you are Mine!" (NASV)
I do not believe in luck or chances. I serve a God of purpose. So, I will say, that it is not by chance that you have read a little of my story. I believe the Lord is seeking you out as He sought me out. Isn't it wonderful to think that you are just that important to God Almighty? That He would actually go through any trouble at all just to find you!
If your heart is stirred by His presence and you sense He is drawing you closer to Him, then answer that call and say "Here I am Lord Jesus come into my life and lead me in Your ways. Forgive me for trying to do things my way. I give my heart to You. Thank you Lord for Your faithfulness to me."
Welcome to the family of God! I would like to pray for you as well.
Father God, I thank you for these that have given their lives to You this day. You have drawn them by Your Holy Spirit to do so. I thank You Lord that their hearts are softened to receive all that You have for them. Keep them safe by Your power and might. Guide them by Your Holy Spirit to a church of believers that will help them in their walk with You, as You did for me. Provide all they need this day. Cloth them with Your heavenly presence Father and fill their hearts with Your peace and joy. I thank you for lifting burdens and cares that have seemed to overwhelm them. I pray for those that have difficulties sleeping at night and pray for Your perfect peace to fill them and bind every fear that would try to steal from them in Jesus' name. Help them to give those things into Your hands where they can be better taken care of. Holy Spirit of my God, I thank you for building such a trust and bond in their lives with the Lord God, that every voice that would rise up and try to cause doubt, would be shut up and put to shame. I thank you for healing and restoring those that need a healing touch in their physical bodies this day. Father, I thank you that You are concerned with what concerns us. We mean that much to you. We love You Lord. In the amazing name of Jesus!
May His grace abound more and more toward you and yours. Blessings in Christ Jesus!
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