I’ve lived most of my life, well, unrighteously. (Unrighteously, for me, means unbelief while righteously means simply believing in Jesus and Jesus love for me.). I professed my faith in Jesus twice. Once in a church in Rockmart at 16 while on a date. The preacher scared me to death asking me “if I wanted to go to hell?” I certainly knew the answer to that question. NO. I went to the altar and accepted Jesus into my heart. The problem? Nothing changed. I didn’t count the experience as an enjoyable one even though I professed my belief in Christ. I wasn’t in faith. Years later, alone, at 19 and away from home in college, I professed Jesus Christ on my knees on the quad at Jacksonville State University. I received the kingdom of God with relief and joy. Over time, with my life hid in Christ’s life, I began walking in the flesh again. I began to fulfill the lusts of the flesh and live unrighteously………because I tried to walk in my own righteousness and my righteousness is as filthy rags. For years now, I’ve lived in perpetual fear of judgement, loss, and of people. I’ve especially been harsh with myself, expecting so much of myself, I gave up my deep connection with Christ for one that pleased people. I let the intimate love I feel for my savior turn into another “show” to please those around me. I don’t post all this to talk about myself but rather to help someone like me, who lives life labeled as a Christian but who knows deeply that they too, have allowed the cares and trials of this world to strip and water down the intimate love they share with Christ in Spirit. This past Saturday, August 21, 2021, with a depth of love I’ve never experienced from anyone in this world, I gave my heart, mind, body and soul to my savior because He came to me and extended the invitation. I’ve always been saved and I’m still being saved. Once is always good enough, but it’s good to “Come Now and Reason Together with the Christ” so that your hurt, your fear, your doubt, your loss, your regret, your pain, and your heart can be made whole……white as snow, if you will.
I’ll leave you with this children of the Most High. There is no fear in love, says the Word. Perfect Love casts out fear because fear leads to torment. He or She that is consumed by fear is not made perfect in love.
Christ loves you. If you feel disconnected from the peace of God, trust Christ. He is your propitiation. He can make you whole, accepted and your spirit feel favored by God. Accept His perfect love and nothing can hurt you or take your peace.
Lastly, don’t tell me you’ve sinned too much or are caught up in sin and God won’t accept you. God asks us to come just as we are and we are accepted just as we are. No fear. Love only. Love lights the way. We must keep His commandment and not the commandments of men. His commandments are unlike those of man. They are easy. Love God. Love one another. Love yourself.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine;
your anointing oils are fragrant;
your name is oil poured out;
therefore virgins love you.
Draw me after you; let us run.
The king has brought me into his chambers.
I love myself in the Lord today. I hope you love yourself. I’m not too beautiful in the flesh. However, I am beautiful in spirit and so are you. Perfect. Made Perfect by the Savior’s Love. His strong, warm and gentle hand is extended to us today. Will you too unclench your fist and take His hand? Let’s go together.
A testimony Tuesday, August 24, 2021
