August 4, 2012

Have you ever felt like something vital was missing?  I can remember when I was in college and things weren't exactly going well, there was something missing.  I was in a downward spiral, with nowhere to turn.  I remember even telling my mom I had a whole in my heart.  There was emptiness.  Then one day, the pharmacist I worked for invited me to an evangelist meeting.  I really didn't even know what that was.  He said that He thought that I would really like it, so I went.  That night, as the man was talking about the power of Jesus Christ and forgiveness, something came over me and when he called us to the alter, I went.

It was a jubilant event for me.  One hour of talking changed the course of my life forever.  I met Jesus that night.  I always believed there was a God and that Jesus was part of the trinity but I had never confessed Him as my Lord and Savior.  I wanted to weep one minute and laugh the other.  The hole that was in my heart had been completed with just a few words.  That night we prayed together, "Lord I invite You into my life because I believe that You died on the cross to save me."  That was it!  From that day on, I was saved and forgiven.  What a miracle and what a God that allows us only to confess He is Lord!  On top of that, we just have to go to Him, not to someone else, and confess our sins, and we are forgiven.  Really?  How does that happen?  It happens because we have a merciful God.  He's not all about the rules, although it's good to stick to them.  He's about a relationship and that night so was I.  I needed a Savior because the Devil was having his way on my life and I was empty, so empty, I didn't think I needed to be here anymore.

In a second, I went from hopeless to hopeful.  I can't think of any other religion on earth that makes you feel like that, can you?  We are under the authority of a God that meets us right where we're at.  He loves us and asks us only to be in relationship with Him.  He comes to fill a part of your heart you didn't even know existed.  He never came to give us everything we desired; He came to complete us.

I haven't been perfect throughout the years.  I've doubted and walked away for a period.  I let people influence that decision.  I looked at humans instead of Christ.  It always bothers me when I hear people left a  church because of others.  None of us are perfect, we come together because we're called.  The body is under Christ and we must always remember that people are sinful.  Why do you think Paul was always encouraging and writing to the churches?  He knew what we should all know, people are fallible, but God is great!

Let's challenge ourselves to invite someone to church this week.  If God puts them in your path, be brave and just ask.  God wants people to come to Him but sometimes, like me, they have to be invited.  Realize that you can't fix the brokenness you see, only Christ can.  But an invitation is simple, let God do the rest.  He has a plan, we may just be part of it.  I will never be able to thank Larry Michaels enough for his bravery in asking me, his employee, to an evangelist meeting.  He didn't worry about his status or how it would impact his job, he was led and heard the call, and I am living proof that one mans actions changed the course of a life. Let's be women that stand up for the cross.  God can do it without us but think of the reward.  We are here to glorify Him.  He came to complete us and all we have to do is hear and serve.  Be brave today my sisters and love your fellow man.  It's worth it, just look at me.

Colossians 2:9-10 NKJV:

     For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

2 Corinthians 8: 6 NKJV:

     So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.

Philippians 1:6 NKJV:

     being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;


My prayer today:

O, Lord, how lucky I was that Your servant was obedient to Your call.  My heart is complete in You.  You are my Lord and Savior and I am in Your debt.  When You call, I always want to answer and when You need me, I want to be there.  We are women, all over the world, with opportunities to invite Your sheep to a meeting.  Please help us gather them together and to tell them the good news. Our completion is through You and only You.  Stand before us today, guiding our way, and providing encouragement and courage so that we can speak to Your people.  They are in need of a Savior, just like us.   Bring them to Your faithful and let us tell them of You.  We are in awe of You as we bow down to our Savior.  Thank you for being there for us, especially when we are hopeless.  None of us would be here today, if it weren't for Your sacrifice.  Help us to be faithful in a faithless world.  Grant us wisdom and give us discernment as we ride the journey of life.  You are one with us.  Thank You for loving us and giving Your life, so that we may be with You in eternity.  Bring many to us and help them see their way.  You are our guide and we worship You today.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...