Born Again of the Spirit

If someone had’ve told me years ago, that I would become a christain, I would’ve smirked and laughed and never believed it. By all accounts I am the last person anyone would expect to come to Christ.God was always a faraway concept to me.He was up in the clouds and He was sometimes at the altar in church but other than that I never gave Him any consideration or thought.Growing up it was if He never existed.I didn’t know anything about Jesus, Church or God.And what little I did see, was disturbing.

I came to know God because I was searching.Like most people, I felt a lonliness and emptyness that seemed to engulf me.I had undergone therapy,treatment and tried many things to ease my pain.I explored New Age religions,art therapy, group therapy,medications and unfortunately looked for love in worldly things.I told myself that once I attained certain things my pain would go away.But nothing could fill me up.

In 2002, I felt a call to my life.It was as if God was summoning me again and again.My life had hit the lowest point it had ever been and I found myself on my knees.I had tried everything this world had to offer and it left me wounded,hurt and lost.There was nothing left to try except God.So I began to pray every day and keep journals.

A few months later some friends gave me a bible.I had a hunger and a thirst to know God.The God I knew growing up had hurt me and let me down.I was angry at Him and wondered if He was even real.I began watching teachings on television and began to read my bible.I asked God with all of my heart to show me He was real.

A few months later I joined a church in my neighborhood.I had lived next door for many years but didnt have any use for “bible thumpers”.This church was like no other.There were no pews,no altar and no judgement.It was a simple service that spoke God’s love and it was given in a way that I could understand.For the first time in all of my life I got a taste of real true love.I could feel the spirit of Christ in church.It was the warmest and most complete feeling I have ever experienced.

Because of my troubled past, there were days I sat in the back and just cried.It honestly hurt to hear how much God loved me.I had so many wounds to heal.And slowly, as I have opened myself to God,He has healed me in small increments.By all accounts I should be homeless,mentally ill or dead.But even when I didn’t know God He was with me.The changes in my life have been amazing.But it doesnt happen overnight.

It’s six years later and I decided it was time to be baptized.I accepted Christ as my Savior years before but it was time for me to affirm my faith and commit myself to God.I told my daughter about my baptism and immediately she wanted to do it with me.I explained what baptism meant – a public affirmation, a commitment to follow Christ and that she didnt have to do it.She told me she wanted to do it together.

We were baptized today in Church and it was amazing.I felt so blessed to be baptized together.In the course of four days I will have seen most of my family and I stand in awe of the power of God.God takes what was meant for evil and turns it into good.Since having a personal relationship with Jesus I have never been the same.

Too often people look to drugs,self help and quick fix solutions.Being a christain is not a quick fix.We are not immune to the pain and strife that comes with living on earth.Because of the love given to us through Jesus Christ we have a God who is always there, always willing to extend His arms to anyone who calls Him.I am humbled and honored to follow Christ.

 

“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 11:28

   

 

 

Dear Precious Child

 You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

 

Love Your Dad

ALMIGHTY GOD

http://www.fathersloveletter.com/

Today’s Kids Are Unionized

I recieved my book order in the mail today and I wanted to share it with others.If you’re a parent having difficulties with your child’s behavior this book is a great resource.Normally, I give little attention to the so called parenting experts.They come from so many different schools of thought and can sometimes offer conflicting advice.Often,some of the experts are not parents themselves.

I happened to be having a difficult morning with my daughter one day and found myself looking to God.Feeling a bit out of sorts and looking for some help I turned on the television.The Christain channel was on and a parenting expert Dr Kevin Leman was their guest.I sort of rolled my eyes thinking yeah what does this shrinkoid have to say.

As I listened to him talk I knew he was speaking the truth.He was talking about issues that almost every parent could relate to.Worried about their future,concerned for their attitude and behavior and wondering how we can effect a positive change.Dr Kevin Leman is a pyschologist,humorist and more importantly a father of five.Any person who has raised 5 children successfullly automatically gets my support.

The book is called Have a New Kid By Friday - How to change your child’s attitude behavior and character in 5 days.I checked out some reviews on Amazon and though some people didnt get results in 5 days almost all comments were positive.Dr Kevin made the comment on the show – it’s not so much changing the child – it’s taking responsibility as a parent and learning the techniques that enable good behavior.If the book didnt work in 5 days I think that may be because it takes some time to change our behavior and focus as parents.

If you ever get the chance to hear Dr Kevin Leman speak about parenting I do hope you tune in.He had me laughing through my tears and was offering real tools that I could put into everyday practice.We only have a small window of opportunity as parents to raise our children right.

Here’s a small snippet:

“I’ll be blunt.You’ve got a big job to do and a short window of time in which to do it.If you believe that you are to be a healthy authority over your child,this book is for you.If you don’t put it down right now and buy another.”

What’s even more valuable about this is book is the very first page.The heading reads “Are You a Candidate to Read This Book?” It gives a checklist of common difficulties and helps the reader decide if they are serious about parenting and making changes.

As a single parent, I need all the guidance and resources I can get. I believe as parents we should pray for our children daily and invite God to be the centre of the family. After all, He is the Father.The Best Daddy any kid could get.

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

I Dare You

“Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see.” – Unknown

It frustrates me at times at how fast I can lose my faith. Faith is believing without any proof.We’re not angels who’ve had the privelege of always being in God’s presence. We’re human beings who have been given a choice. We have free will to go our own way or to have faith in the Lord.

In a decaying and troubled world, it is so easy to look around and ask where God is in all of this.I still see God with my immature human eyes.I see God through my trauma, through my pain and fear.As soon as I encounter trouble I get angry with God and begin to doubt His existence.

I’m grateful for the gift of grace and love through Jesus Christ.  I’m thankful that God never gets fed up with me, and that He never turns away.  He is the God of second, third and even fourth chances.  His mercies are anew every day.

I have suffered through many painful experiences in my life.  I saw too much at such a young age. I have endured abuse, poverty and have had to struggle to survive much of my life.  So many times I felt like giving up.  I was self destructive. I had no hope. And I was an atheist.

Since turning my life over to God, since inviting Jesus into my life, nothing has been the same.  Sometimes it’s an on again off again thing.  Because I still have a lot of healing to do.  And I often hear the gospel wrong.

I think people who have endured trauma and abuse need to hear a special gospel. I think people who have been hurt by people who call themselves Church Leaders need it too. So much happens to us by people who claim to be Christian.They ruin the chance for people to know the love of Christ.

Every day is a challenge. I can choose to throw my faith away and lean on my own strength.Because I’ve learned that I can only rely on myself.Because I dont want to be bamboozled. Some days we want proof. When trust has been violated and broken – it becomes even harder to trust God.

Today I challenge you to believe in a higher power. I challenge you to have faith in something bigger than yourself.

 My eleven yr old daughter put it ever so eloquently. We were driving in the car on Sunday and I remarked that it was the first time in my life that I felt I had real hope.That I had more good days to look forward to.She responded by saying,”I think when you have faith in God you always have good things to look forward to.”

I want to return to innocence.I want to have faith like a little child.

 Luke 18:15-17 

[15] People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”