When man was made he was perfect and powerful, but through sin he became imperfect and powerless. Through that simple act of disobedience he lost his power and sin was and is able to exist in his life, and nothing can overtake sin but God. The sinner needs God. When sin entered we were eternally cut off from God, but Jesus came and bridged the gap so we are connected once again to the Father.

We need Christ in our lives and most importantly, in our hearts. Before sin, man was happy and joyful in the sight and presence of God, but with sin, that was all wiped away. Sin is so contradictory to the Father, that a sinner would not find joy, peace, and happiness in heaven. It would be torturous and he would continually want to hide from the face and light of the Sinless One.

We can’t go to the Father, except by the Son. We can’t change our hearts, only Christ is able. We can’t save ourselves, Christ died for us all. We need Christ and Christ alone to be redeemed and saved. Through His grace and mercy we can be saved.  “The heart of God yearns over His earthly children with a love stronger than death. In giving up His Son, He has poured out to us all heaven in one gift. The Savior’s life and death and intercession, the ministry of angels, the pleading of the Spirit, the Father working above and through all, the unceasing interest of heavenly beings,–all are enlisted in behalf of man’s redemption.” {SC 21.2}

Give your life completely to Christ.

God’s Love for Man

The love of God is evident all around us, just look at nature, it speaks of His love. When God made the Earth it was without decay and blemishes, but as a result of sin, which counteracts with love, suffering and death appeared. Even as the ground was cursed, God used it in His plan to lift Him up and draw us closer to Him. The toil of the Earth was meant to prepare sinners for the uplifting of God.

God has shown His abounding love throughout nature and in heaven, but the enemy has sought to mistake good for evil. He wants us not to see the love of God, but to fear him. And instead of bickering with the enemy, God showed His love again by sending His Son to save those who are lost. Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. Jesus showed love, mercy, kindness, and compassion while on earth.

It was to save us from certain death, that Jesus lived, suffered and died. God loves us not because of Christ, but He sent Christ because He loves us so dearly. Christ is the medium through which we go to God. No one else can intercede for us, only Christ. “He took man’s nature, that He might reach man’s wants.”

When we see what Jesus has done for us, we should realize how special we are and how much the Father loves us and is willing to sacrifice. “By assuming human nature, Christ elevates humanity.”

I got that message and immediately froze. I was so scared to convey that message, because it is so out of character for me to do something like that. After I finished my prayer, I thought of all kinds of reasons why I shouldn’t call and tell the individual. Some reasons included were that I would do it later, I was scared, I didn’t know what to say, etc.  The Spirit came back and told me, “if I told you to do it, I’ll give you the words.”

I called the individual and relayed the message to them and told them they need to step out on faith. After talking to them, they said they really needed that and thanked me. I explained that it wasn’t me, but God.

Now I need to practice what I preach and step out on faith and when I’m told to do something, just do it. He’s still working on me.

It’s been years and many people have commented about why I was spared that morning and others, but none of it ever registered as it did in that moment when the pastor declared that it was grace that saved me. I finally realized that I am here for a reason much greater than I could’ve ever imagined and most importantly, I can and should be used. That statement awakened me and I feel like a renewal is taking place in my life and this time I’m aware and along for the journey.

I have a greater desire for more of Jesus and to commune with Him on a deeper and more intimate level.

So thanks Pastor Montgomery, I’m gonna enjoy having you here leading us.

SO THIS IS GRACE

Then I look at what some people oftentimes ask, “why do bad things happen to good people?” But who’s to say they’re a good person. Yes, to you the person may appear to be good, but that’s only what you see and the encounters you may have with them. How is their heart and motives, things not visible or on display? I know that some things we bring on ourselves, but sometimes I still find myself asking “why?”

Thanks for friends like Marcus who is there to talk to and make me smile. When I called him all I said was that I’m sad and he took it from there. He was truly a God-send in my life

Welcome Pastor Montgomery & Family

I was left wondering “what in the world is whitening fish.”

HILARIOUS

Cheers to all of us thieves!

Sunday Stealing: The 35 Questions X 2 Meme: Part Two

36. If you suddenly became single or are single, do you think you could last in a relationship for 12 months or more? yes

37. Do you forgive or forget? neither, but I am working on that

38. Do you trust people? not really

39. What are you not looking forward to? going to the dentist

40. Do you get mad easily? unfortunately yes

41. Tell us about the last time you were told you that you have pretty eyes. Someone who I was not expecting said it to me

42. Do you have strange dreams? sometimes

43. Ever licked someone’s cheek or forehead? not that I can remember

44. Tell us about the last time you fell asleep in someones arms. I can’t remember. is that sad?

45. When did you last play a game? couple months ago w/siblings

46. What do you have on you at all times? sweets

47. Do you go out in public without getting all dressed up? try not to

48. Do you like fruity or minty gum? fruity

49. Favourite musician or group? CeCe Winans

50. Do you like anyone? yes

51. Favourite computer game? Mahjong Connect 2

52. First album you ever went and bought with your own money? Mystikal…lol

53. Think back five months ago, were you single? yes

54. Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries? yes

55. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now? not really

56. Last thing you bought? gas

57. Are you a jealous person? yes

58. Does it take a lot to make you cry? yes

59. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to? yes

60. Have you ever had your heart-broken?
 yes
61. Have you ever done something while drunk that you still cannot believe you did? no, I do things sober I regret

62. Is there anyone you secretly wish you could be spending your time with right now? no

63. Do you text? no

64. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now? no, not while doing this meme

65. Is your life anything like it was a year ago? pretty much

66. Go back one year on your blog. Leave us a link to your favorite post.

67. You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life, what is it? tea

68. Tell us about someone that you have lost contact with someone you wish you didn’t. I had a male friend in college who was really cool to be around, I miss him.

69. What is the last thing you said out loud? I smell cake

70. Will this year be better than last? let’s hope so

Thank you for playing this week on Sunday Stealing!