There was a time that I thought just doing acts of kindness was what God wanted, but I found that I became boastful in my heart even though no one else heard me, something about that experience wasn’t changing my heart. I was the same selfish person. Isn’t that what the world says about doing acts of kindness; if it makes you feel better about yourself- do it!  I read liturgy in the church with the hope that I would get closer to God– but it proved in vain.  I had no relationship with God, I was busy doing things and I was not getting to know God or experience a change inside. 

Today, there are two things I’m grateful to Jesus Christ. First, that I get to know the Living God. Whether I am alone talking to Him in prayer or reading the scriptures, or surrounded by other Christians or not. He is connecting with me whether I’m doing the things that please Him or whether I’ve just been selfish, sinned in my thoughts or spoken to someone in an unkind way or judged a person’s motives. He knows me and He extends his hand to me, and He does not condemn me.  Daily Jesus Christ changes me so I don’t stay looking the same- selfish, unkind and  judgmental person. I now know He loves me and He will change me! I am learning what grace is about!

Second, I’ve come to understand that God wants me to be connected with other Christians in a meaningful and relational way and not only on Sundays for an hour or two. The commands to forgive one another, love one another, tell the truth to one another, etc. can’t happen in a vacuum but in relationships with other Christians. We aren’t meant to be alone, but a family in God called the Church! I’ve come to experience this at New Life Church!

Lorraine

Almost twenty years ago, my wife of less than three years was unexpectedly taken home by God at just the age of 26. Though many would have been overcome by depression, my faith was already strong, and I had hope in something much bigger than this life. Jesus didn’t just comfort me in my grief – He gave me the faith to overcome the mountain ahead. The night before Jen’s memorial service, God answered my prayer by giving me the perfect words from 1 Peter `1:3-9 to carry me through.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Just after reading this, a single tear fell on this page in my bible, and nearly 20 years later, the stain from that tear remains. I can’t imagine what my life would be like now if I didn’t have a relationship with God before this happened. Many people tend to put things off for tomorrow, but when it comes to our relationship with God, I want to encourage you to take care of that today! It is far better to be standing on the rock when the storm comes, rather than looking for it after it’s too late. There are many things in this life that will disappoint you and let you down, but a relationship with God never will!

Paul

I once lived in darkness but through Jesus’ precious blood I now live in His marvelous light. It’s hard to explain what that really means. I was depressed, lonely, addicted, with no hope or purpose. Nothing I ever tried could fix the sinful person I am but through His sacrifice on the cross I’ve been washed clean, forgiven. I no longer live in fear but I live with the hope of His promise. He is a faithful God. I’m a child of the living God! Amen! Today I have a family through Him with His people, His Church. We genuinely love and care for each other. I have the good Father who provides for me and loves me. Through His grace and mercy I can choose to obey His Word. All of this is a free gift, nothing I ever did or could ever do, but only through Jesus. Today I’m full of hope and gratitude, full of joy and love. Thanks to Him I’m saved.

Jeff