Gift of Forgiveness

I was watching ESPN the other day with my husband, and was moved by a story they reported on. It was about a football player who had caused a terrible tragedy.

I don't remember the football players name, or what college team he played for. But that doesn't really matter as much as the powerful act I witnessed watching the show. The football player was one of the most valuable players on his college team, giving of himself 110% for every game. Needless to say, he was drafted into the NFL and started his big career with the Cowboys. But it wasn't long before people saw that his heart just wasn't in the game anymore. I don't know if it was because of the added pressures of living with fame and fortune, but he soon turned into a mediocure player.

One night, he and his buddies lived it up at a strip club and kicked back a few drinks. It was 2 am when he decided to leave. Getting onto the freeway, he followed close behind an SUV that was traveling in the middle lane at a speed of 80 miles per hour. His dazed focus was on the SUV's tail lights, instead of anything else surrounding him.

Since he was close behind the SUV, he was unaware of an accident uphead. The SUV swerved into the lane furthest from the wreck to avoid it. Thinking the SUV swerved because of something in the middle lane, the still somewhat dazed football player swerved into the lane closest to the wreck. Before he realized it, he had hit something in the road, which then flew up and smashed the glass of his windshield. Thinking he had only hit some trash that was in the road, he hesitated a moment before deciding to continue on home.

It was the day after when he realized what he had done. After finding out the horrible news of what he had really hit, he confessed to his mother before calling the authorities to turn himself in.

In a moment, his irresponsible act changed his life forever. It wasn't trash lying in the road that he had hit, but three good samaritans that were attending the injured driver of the wrecked car. He killed two of the men instantly and severly injured and had dragged the third man with his car.

Now he has to live with the guilt and consequences of what he had done. But what moved me the most, was watching the football player in court, awaiting his sentence. The injured man, who struggles to talk and walk, came up to the football player and in front of everyone in the courtroom, said, "I forgive you."

The football player wept. He knew he didn't deserve that gift of forgiveness from the man he had injured, but he humbly accepted it as he wept in the man's arms.

Now after serving 7 and 1/2 years in prison, the football player has a new appreciation for the life he has been given--even though the awesome job and benefits have all been stripped away.

Giving forgiveness is one of the most powerful things you can do. Forgiving someone means sacrificing something for the sake of restoring a broken relationship. When someone has greatly wronged you or hurt you, it is up to you to CHOOSE whether you are going to forgive them or not. Are you willing to sacrifice your hurt and bitterness you feel towards the person who wronged you, to restore the relationship? Trust me, no matter how hard it may be, when you choose to forgive someone, God will begin to heal the hurt you feel.

Jesus Christ willingly sacrificed Himself, to take on the sins of the world, for the sake of restoring our relationship that was broken with our Heavenly Father. We did not beg for forgiveness--He willingly gave it even as we continued to cry out, "Crucify Him!"

You would think His last words on the cross would be, "Father, send them all to hell; they don't deserve forgiveness for what they have done to me!" But no, because He loves us so much, He said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." And with His final breath, he sighed these words, "it is finished." Which means, it was accomplished that all our past, present, and future sins were put upon Himself--so that now His forgiveness and grace are free for whoever wants to accept it.

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all in perfect unity." Colossians 3:12-14

I hope this story has helped you if you are struggling with forgiveness. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

Love in Christ Jesus,

Alyssa

Picture of Grace

In July of 1992, I was twelve years old when I had my first encounter with death.

My step-grandfather, Link, married my Grandma when I was about six years old (not positive on the age, it was so long ago!) He was a pretty interesting man. A self-published author of many articles and books--he had all kinds of stories about everything from his life as a "hobo" to his tales of Big Foot and UFO's. I remember him taking my grandma on trips in their camper in search of UFO sightings. He also made this huge Big Foot where he had it stored out in their shop. It was the silliest thing to see, but when you're a young kid, sometimes the silliest things still creep you out.


Link was also a very prejudiced man. We weren't allowed to watch the Cosby show at their house, which was one of my favorite shows growing up. It always bothered me that he felt that way, but I was grateful that he never really pushed his views or feelings on us. I don't remember any racial slurs coming from his mouth, but I'm 31 now and my memory is a little fuzzy regarding details of my younger years.


I can go into all kinds of great stories and share special memories I have of spending the night with my grandparents and all the fun things we did, but that's not the point of this blog. Even though my grandpa was a neat and fun guy, he wasn't perfect. I don't really know what his spiritual beliefs were, but I think they were towards the Universal mindset. I don't know what he believed about Jesus, or heaven and hell. But I know without a doubt as to where he is today.

You see, I was twelve when I watched his life slip from this life to the eternal. He was in a hospital bed in their home, next to the front room's large picture window, so he could watch the hummingbirds flit about. They were his favorite and I will always associate hummingbirds with my grandpa now. Anyway, my grandpa was not doing well at all, and he couldn't talk because of the phlegm in his lungs. I remember standing beside his hospital bed, just gazing at him and feeling bad because I could see the pain in his eyes. I watched as my mom, being a nurse, would wipe the phlegm from his mouth, and then help with any other need that came up to help my grandpa feel more comfortable.


After awhile and knowing that he wasn't long for this world, my mother went to her purse and retrieved a post card she had gotten that had the 23rd Psalm on it.


Taking his hand, she began to read the Scripture to him. I remember watching his face the whole time as I stood near, and I could tell that he was crying. His breathing grew more raspy, and his eyes looked even more pained. But not pained in the physical sense. More like remorseful. I remember my older brother crying on the couch nearby as my mother began to tell my grandpa about Jesus and His forgiveness.


She said something like this: "Link, I know you can't talk, but Jesus knows your thoughts. If you are sorry for your sins, all you have to do is tell him. If you asked Jesus to forgive you, squeeze my hand."


He lightly squeezed her hand, his breathing was harder and I knew his spirit was crying out. I could see it in eyes. Then my mother told him gently, "Go be with Jesus, Link. You can go be with Jesus."


And two hard breaths later, he was gone.


Being 12 years old, I didn't quite understand what had just happened. He was suddenly so still and silent. He looked like he had peacefully fallen asleep. It wasn't until my mom began to comb his hair that I asked, "Is he...gone?"


I don't really remember her response, I just remember my grandmother coming into the room and a nurse was there and then soon a big black car came to the house, and they took his body and set it down inside a body bag. I remember watching them zip up the bag except for when they reached his face, they asked my grandmother if she wanted it zipped all the way.

I then remember standing on the porch and seeing a hummingbird flying around as we waved goodbye to the big black hurse as it drove out of the driveway. As we waved goodbye this warm gentle breeze swept over us. And all I remember feeling was the peace of knowing where my grandpa went.


And now, 19 years later, my grandmother is on the "decline". That is the word the hospice nurse is using when speaking of her health. I went with my parents to the nursing home yesterday and what stuck out to me the most, was not my grandma looking so frail, although that was hard to see. It wasn't that she seemed like she didn't hear or understood a word we said. It wasn't that she couldn't form her words well, like maybe she might have had a mini stroke, although that saddened me. No, what stood out to me the most was her sweet smile, though I knew she was in pain and not feeling her best from hardly eating anything, she sat there in her wheel chair, and smiled as she made eye contact with us.


Just seeing that smile, brought back so many good memories of her and Link and the sleepovers my cousin and I shared with them. The craft making, eating popcorn, looking through old picture albums, swimming in the creek, her courageously charging into a swarm of yellow jackets to spray them when my brother was stung several times. It brought back memories of going to Wendy's for a burger and a frosty. Of birthdays and Christmas get-togethers.These memories went through my mind like still pictures, only they had a red tint to them.


For awhile I resented grandma after my grandpa passed away. She started dating and there was a man whom she lived with for many years. They never married and for some reason I blamed him for the change I saw in my grandma. She didn't come around as often. Didn't come to our school concerts or birthdays. They always were off square dancing or on some trip. I even remember saying at one point that I didn't think I would cry whenever my grandma passed away because I felt like I didn't know her anymore and that she was the one who never had time for us--that she didn't want to spend time with us.


Now, after seeing her go through Alzheimer's and her health fading away--I regret not trying harder to get to know my grandma more. I'm sorry for the bitter words I spoke of her and being a mother myself now, I understand how hard it is to try to teach your children all that you can in the ways they should go and how to make good decisions in life; how to love and discipline them--but many times you come out feeling like a complete failure. There is no perfect mother or grandmother. And that red tint I saw in my mind of those still photos of memories--was the blood of Jesus and His grace covering her. I know she knows the Lord. And He has erased those imperfections and failures with His blood when He died on the cross. He did the same for my grandpa, and he accepted that gift of grace just before his last breath.


It has been 10 years today, since our nation fell under attack and many lives were lost. I'm sure as this nation remembers, there are those out there that still ask, "Where was God?"

I'll tell you. He was everywhere. I saw Him yesterday in my mom, as she tenderly wiped my grandmother's face with a wash cloth and then combed her hair. He was with my Grandpa, holding his hand as He encouraged my mom to read the 23rd Psalm to him, so that he would could go be with Jesus. He was with the many firefighters, police men and women, giving them the courage to run towards the danger and horror of the twin towers instead of running away, staying beside them every step of the way. He was with all the EMT's and doctor's and nurse's, giving them calm and control as they helped those who were hurt and suffering. He moved the hearts of many church's and store owners and whoever else that had a large space to use as a warehouse for food and water and shelter.


I see Him everywhere, everyday, using whoever is willing to be used by Him to do His work. Blessing everyone in the process. Both the giver and the receivers.


A couple Sundays ago, my son came out of his Sunday school class holding a teddy bear. I asked him, "Patrick, how did you get the teddy bear? Was it kid buck day?"


"No, today we learned about grace," he said as he hugged the bear.


"Oh, and what does grace mean?" I asked to test him.


"It means getting what you don't deserve," he replied.


I just want to say to all of you out there who don't know Jesus, it's never too late to go to Him and tell Him how sorry you are of the things you've done. There is nothing you could ever do--that would make Him stop loving you. He will wait until your very last breath to wash you with His blood, and replace your sins with His grace and forgiveness, if you'd only let Him. I am a witness to that.


"But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins unpunished--He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus." Romans 3:21-26


May you all come to know His Amazing Grace,
Love in Christ Jesus,
Alyssa Bender

My Stronghold

As the 4th of July draws near, the word "freedom" sets upon my heart and the hearts of everyone who celebrates our nation's independence. Many of us sometimes forget to reflect just what that word means to us.

Lately the word "stronghold" has been put upon my heart when I think of freedom. Everyone of us has a stronghold/strongholds in our life. It's something that has a strong grip on us, and everytime we try to knock the grip off and run away to be free from it, it smacks us on the back, takes a strong grip once again and pulls us back to it. Over and over and over again.

Everyone's stronghold can be different from the next person's. For example, my stronghold tends to be worry. Mostly over finances or my kids and their safety from anything evil harming them. Sometimes, I'll start worrying and then realize what I'm doing. I'll pray and give it over to God, only to take the worry back 10 minutes later. And that cycle can be repeated several times a day.

Your stronghold can be entirely different from mine. Maybe it's swearing. Or maybe you're a grudgeholder. You can't seem to get over something that someone did to hurt you in your past----years ago. And you dredge it back up and let it fester, only to try to stuff it away again for next time something brings it back up again. Lust, lying, pride, smoking, drinking, drugs, greed, the list can go on and on. Strongholds are anything that are unhealthy that you can't easily give up or quit on your own.

So this is the freedom I have been thinking about. Freedom from the stronghold that Satan has gripped us with. Only Jesus Christ can free us from those strongholds. We can't get rid of them on our own. We aren't strong enough. But He is.

Here are some great verses that you can memorize and fling back at Satan when he tries to put his grip on you again:

"The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; My God is my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my Shield and the horn of my Salvation. HE IS MY STRONGHOLD, my Refuge and my Savior--from violent men you save me." 2 Samuel 22:3

"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a Stronghold in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9

"The Lord is my Light and my Salvation--whom shall I fear? THE LORD is the Stronghold of my life--" Psalm 27:1

Jesus should be our stronghold, for His grip is loving and strong. An anchor for us in life's storms. So I pray that this fourth of July, you will recognize what your stronghold is in your life--what is it that you've allowed to have a tight grip on you that keeps you from living life freely?

I pray you will ask Jesus to be your stronghold. In His mighty name, bonds or chains will be broken.

I pray for all the troops who have fought and are still fighting for the freedoms we have enjoyed and many times have taken advantage of in this nation. I thank all the troops so very much for putting your lives on the line for us. I pray for you and your families and that the Lord will greatly bless you all and bring you home safe.

Happy fourth!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Alyssa

Be Still

Do you ever feel like you're always running around like a chicken with it's head cut off? No sense of direction or order in your daily life--just scurrying around trying to get all the things done that you keep adding to your plate?

I've had days like that. Days where I'm struggling to get everything accomplished on my list and by the end of the day, it seems like nothing really got done. And that's just at work. By the time I get home, I'm ready to just sit and let my brain slow down. But sometimes that doesn't always happen. The list then grows with all the responsiblities waiting for me to take care of at home.

I was talking to one of my co-workers the other day at work as we tried to finish our work load before closing time. I asked her if she had seen any good movies lately, and she began to tell me all the reasons why she just doesn't have the time anymore to sit back and relax and rent a good chick-flick. Her list seemed so unending! And many of the things that she's put on her plate to do throughout the week, aren't things that are direly important.

So what does the Lord say about that?

Here's a story I came across in my daily Bible reading. It's a story in Luke that I know all of us can relate to:

As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Luke 10:38-42

Though my coworker has chosen to do many kind and thoughtful things to help others, at the same time, these things have become such a priority that just sitting and being still before the Lord has been bumped down the list. And that's what He says is most important for us to do!

I am just as guilty as my coworker. All the things that the world says I should put as a priortity on my list---should be last on my list. He above all should be first. For it is He who has blessed us; who was tortured and killed for us, and then conquered death so that we can have eternal life. He deserves our undivided attention.

Many times, when I've been consumed with worry or busyness--the Lord answers my cries for help with, "Be still, and know that I am God." Obviously being still before Him is important for our sanity and our relationship with not only Him, but with those surrounding us. Being still before Him, helps put our focus on what is most important. In those times, He gives us peace in exchange for all those worries and burdens. And when we have His peace, then we can better handle what's on our plate in a more peaceable and orderly manner.

God knows all about our responsiblities and work. But He also knows about how important rest is, not only for our physical health, but for our emotional and spiritual health as well. Did He not take the 7th day off for resting after creating the earth and everything on it?

So if you've been really struggling with your schedule and all the projects and things you've taken on, I encourage you to just stop for a moment, wherever you are right now--and be still before the Lord. Spend some time in His prescence. Listen to Him, ask for His peace and direction as to what you can do without in your busy life that you've deemed important, but in reality, is not.

Here're some verses to think about when life gets busy:

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters..." Psalm 23:2

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently before Him; do not fret when men exceed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

"You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them." Psalm 89:9

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting with strife." Proverbs 17:1

"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says: In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it." Isaiah 30:15

"The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever." Isaiah 32:17

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17

"Be still before the Lord, all mankind, because He has roused himself from His holy dwelling." Zechariah 2:13

"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm." Mark 4:39

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." 1 Thessalonians 4:11

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:2

"Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 1 Peter 3:4

Hope you find those verses helpful! Have a very peaceful week and God bless!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Alyssa

To Trust or Not to Trust?

Back in late January, I got a text from my cousin-in-law, wondering if I would be up to surprising our husbands with a surprise visit from them. Our husbands are more like brothers to each other rather than cousins, so it was fun to do this for them.

Long story short, I had a lot of fun torturing my husband with what his surprise was going to be. He would guess or make suggestions, and I would just smile and say, "guess you'll find out." Well after a month or so, he got frustrated with hearing that. Sometimes he would laugh with me when I'd say it or he would growl and glare.

Well the night before the big surprise was to take place, he got really frustrated with me because he wanted to know what he should pack. (He thought we were flying somewhere and I just let him think that--cruel I know).

"Don't worry about what to pack. I will tell you what you need to do when it's time. Just don't worry; TRUST me that I will tell you when you need to know," I said calmly.

Well, since he wasn't feeling well, and he had been hearing don't worry for almost 2 months, he got really cranky and growled that it would be nice to know what type of packing he needed to do. He's one of those guys that doesn't like to do things at the last minute.

Feeling hurt that he couldn't just trust me, I went upstairs to cool down. While seperating the laundry, he came upstairs and apologized. I told him, "You just have to trust me that I will tell you when its the right time."

He grumbled again as to why he couldn't at least know what to pack, and I got huffy and hurt again. "Didn't you just apologize for this same issue? Why are we having this argument again? You just have to trust me."

After he huffed his way out of the room, I suddenly had an understanding as to how God feels when we come to Him with our grumbling and complaining about something we are worried about.

See, I knew what the surprise was. Jon didn't need to pack at all because his family was coming to him. There was no reason to worry. But it hurt that he couldn't trust me in the fact that I would tell him when the time was right what he needed to do.

I am sure God feels the same way when we get frustrated with His responses:

"God I don't have the money to pay this bill."

"Be still and know that I am God."

"What God? That doesn't make me feel better about the bill that I don't have money for. How does knowing that you are God and being still, help me out with paying the bill?"

"For I know the plans I have for you....plans to prosper you and not to harm you...."

"Ok, Ok, I get it, God. You want me to trust You---that You will provide the funds I need for this bill. I trust you God. I do."

Two days later.....

"God, still not seeing the provisions for this bill. The due date is tomorrow! I'm trying to trust you but I haven't seen any kind of provison."

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding....."

"Sorry, Lord...sorry. I did it again. Oh look what came in the mail! A check for an overpayment I made last month. Wow, God....you are so awesome!"

Does that sound familiar to any of you? It does me! Because I have had that conversation with the Lord so many times for so many different reasons. But now I have an understanding of what God must feel like when we don't put our FULL trust in Him. God sees the big picture. He knows what's going to happen waaaaay before we ever do. He knows the outcome for every situation we encounter, He knows our needs and wants even before we know what we need or want.

So I just want to encourage those of you who are having a hard time trusting Him. He CAN be trusted. But His time line is different than ours. His is the better time line and His answers are the better answers than the ones we could ever come up with. He knows whats best and He knows just the right time to reveal something to us. Or to answer a prayer we've been praying for so long. It will be answered in His way, in His time. Which is for our best.

Here are some verses regarding trust:

"But I will trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation." Psalms 13:5

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." Psalms 20:7

"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in You I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me." Psalms 25:1-2

"Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalms 37: 3-4

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalms 56:3-4

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalms 28:7

"Trust in Him at ALL times, O people, pour out your hearts to Him; for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

I hope you all have a wonderful Spring break if that is coming up for you!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Alyssa

Amazed by Faith

My New Year's resolution was to start reading my Bible on a more regular basis. I've been slacking off in studying God's word and I've been convicted to change that act of laziness in my spiritual walk with the Lord. So recently, I started in the book of Matthew and am reading a chapter a day.

When I got to chapter 8, a certain story, one I've read many times in past readings, stuck out to me like never before. It's the story of a Roman officer approaching Jesus on behalf of his young servant. Here's the story:

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with Him, "Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain."

Jesus said, "I will come and heal him."

But the officer said, Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, 'Go,' and they go, or 'Come,' and they come. And if I say to my slaves, 'Do this,' they do it."

When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to those who were following Him, He said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world--from east and west--and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites--those for whom the Kingdom was prepared--will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour.

What struck me from that story was the fact that there is something that can still amaze Jesus. He who is all knowing, all seeing, who created the heavens and the earth, who is the Alpha and the Omega (the Beginning and the End) can still be amazed.

And what was it He was amazed by? A simple act of faith by a Roman officer. The fact that the officer believed that Jesus was who He said He was and that He could simply give a command and a person would be healed.

It wasn't his good deeds, or some long-winded wordy prayer he prayed. It wasn't because he went to church everyday, or had been baptized--it was because of His faith that Jesus would heal his servant.

There are many other stories in the Bible of people coming to Jesus in faith and having Him heal themselves or a loved one. It was because of their faith, that they were healed.

I just want those of you out there who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, to know that all you have to do is to step out in faith and believe that Jesus is who He says is and He will do what He says He will do. His Word says: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever BELIEVES in Him, will NOT perish, but have EVERLASTING LIFE. (John 3:16)

Believe it! Jesus is waiting for you to take his outstretched nail-pierced hand--a hand that was pierced for you! He wants to wash away every stain, every blemish, every impurity, every sinful act or thought you have commited and give you a life everlasting.

He wants you to come to Him just as you are--you don't have to "clean" yourself up for Him, it's impossible. You don't have to say some longwinded prayer with big words. You don't have to earn your way by doing good deeds to get to Him. Simply believe in Him and tell Him you want a life with Him. Tell Him your sorry for your sins and invite Him into your heart, because He doesn't push His way into peoples lives if He's not wanted.

I pray that your New Year's resolution will be to amaze Him with your faith. If you're struggling with finances--then hand them over to Him and then wait on Him to help you out--I've seen this happen in my own life. He gives us just what we need when we need it. If it's something else you struggle with, tell Him about it and give it over for Him to take care of. Believe He will do it--in His perfect time and in His perfect way.

God Bless and Happy New Year everyone!

Love in Christ Jesus,
Alyssa