A New Year And Renewed Faith

Photo by gWinship 2005

"Come quickly Lord Jesus"

Much has changed in recent years. I certainly have. 

Perhaps you are a new follower of Jesus of Nazareth. 

Or a follower faced with desire and an urging to use the gifts God has given.

Maybe you're one who's been bullied... 

...a soldier who can't recognize home...
...a stranger in need.

Regardless of who you are it is my prayer that you will be blessed greatly in 2012 and forever.

Hold On Dear Child Of God

I have three great sons married to wonderful women. I have four grandchildren and one on the way. I have a great granddaughter. That's wonderful you say. Yes, indeed it is but words don't tell the whole story. I have three living brothers and a sister. How wonderful, you might add. Again, words do not tell the whole story. I'm inviting each of them to view this feeble effort of mine and critic it. I love them all so much... more than they might know. I must add this: Many people are burdened and torn from past failures in relationships. I will address that in another post. 

If I told you the whole story, you might want to stone me. 

You see, I am a sinner saved by grace through trusting my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So what's the problem and where are you going with this?, you might ask. My family is loving, kind but they know my past.

And some certainly do not agree with my faith. This is not about me... it's about our souls and the destination of our very beings. I do hope you each are reading the Word of God and have a good Holy Spirit filled pastor. I am not a pastor. I am not the Messiah. I am not a prophet, though I asked for the gift of prophesy.

I am a simple man who has the undeserved blessing of having my sins washed away by the blood and crucifixion of my Lord Jesus Christ. He paid the price for all my sin. Jesus is the only righteousness in me. 

Please read on...

If you are not familiar with the real Jesus, I encourage you... no, beg you to look and see what is written concerning God's love and care for you. 

Perhaps you are lonely this new years eve and even thought you should end it all. As a retired ER professional I beg you to reconsider such an act. There is a God that loves you and understands everything about you and what you've been struggling with.
Please read on... there is a Helper waiting for you. 

I'm also a Vietnam veteran and can tell you, drugs alcohol and all... I understand some things that others may not. Send me a line... no need to be ashamed... I believe I have the Spirit and that someone has been led here to read these words. Continue with me, soldier. There is a war going on in the heavens.
May God encourage you. 

I want to share some scripture you may not have thought of in sometime or never read at all.

The Good News

Jesus said, "I Am The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

No One Comes To The Father But Through Me."

Well, agree or not, that's very clear. I will not argue with God.

Most of us have heard of or actually read the "address" John 3:16. Some have just seen it on signs at sporting events. And some have never heard of it at all. Here it is along with a few other Words I believe we all should hear from God, Whom I love to call Father...  Jesus said the following...

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God." 

(John 3:16-21)

All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." 

(Matthew 11:27-30)

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. 

(John 5:24)

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 

(John 6:63)

How Can One Be Saved?

Believe

The follower of Jesus named Paul wrote the following:

But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 

(Romans 10:8-13)

Well... it is midnight here... I told the Lord I'd post at midnight...
Happy New Year to all who read.
Peace
Gary