I missed the month of August for writing a new entry here. But I have wanted to write only what I feel the Lord is putting on my heart since the beginning of this blog. This weekend I visited with a friend of mine and the subject of control came up briefly. To be exact, I was asked something about my testimony for coming to Christ which you may read about on my testimony page.
I went many years thinking that I was saved by Christ just because I believed what the Bible said and it's historical accounts. But God's Word says that even the Demons believe-and tremble (James 2:19). I had not given my heart to the Lord nor full control over my life. In the Bible, there is an account of a rich man asking Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus quoted some of His commandments to the rich man. The man told Jesus that he knew of the commandments and lived by them. But then the Lord said something to him that should hit us all right between the eyes. He said "One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” (Mark 10:21)
I had not given Him everything which included control over my life and all that I had. I had tried to do and fix everything in my life myself, and because of it, my life was a pure mess. But once I did, my life made a drastic turn around. My friend asked me how giving God control had changed my life. in other words, I think they were asking me how I was as a person then as compared to now.
I guess it could be looked at this way...
Before
I was not wanting of anyone's help with things needing to be fixed. I thought I could do it all myself.
I felt no or little conviction when I sinned.
I was extremely afraid of death.
I wanted to be in control of my life and surroundings even when my intentions were ultimately good.
After
I am willing to ask for help from others and welcome it.
When I sin now, I feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit run through me immediately giving rise to a want to repent.
I no longer fear death because of God's promise of eternal life with Him and my loved ones who also believed on Him and obeyed Him.
My eyes are open to so many things now such as- creation as explained in Genesis, what we see happening on the world stage as revealed in prophecy throughout scripture, seeing people spiritually, and needing to do everything we do for the Lord.
I have an incredible want to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ anywhere the Lord puts me.
I wrote an entry in 2013 about the good things that can come out of not being in control. You can go there and read it if you'd like by clicking here- No Control???...I'm good with that!
There is much more that I could say, but for now, I think you get the point. And that is that God through the work of the Holy Spirit has changed my life so dramatically. We hear this all the time that Christ will change our hearts. I am living proof that He does just exactly what He promises by making us a new creation.
He can do the same for you if you will just cry out to Him, believe that He is who He says He is, that He took your place on the cross, and in thankfulness giving Him your heart and control of your life. It makes perfect sense to do so because He created us.
I love you all and pray that if you have not received Jesus Christ into your heart, that you will do so immediately!
Kevin-