What is Your Reason? – 2 Samuel 7: 22

22 "For this reason You are great, O Lord GOD; for there is none like You, and there is no God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 
– 2 Samuel 7: 22

What is Your Reason?
From where I started to where I am today is miles and miles apart.  I have the saving grace of Jesus to thank for that, and yet I know that sometimes I don't show Him enough gratitude for delivering me from my old life – with all the rusty chains that held me down, and the one-way ticket to hell.  I was a mess, and I know that a lot of you have the same kind of story.  Kind of a "rags to riches" tale that speaks of God's Grace and unending Forgiveness.

After I was saved, I used to envy those people who grew up in Christian homes, and I would wish that I could go back and live my tumultuous childhood all over again, but this time with a "Godly" family.  I thought it would have been an easier life.  But as I grew in the knowledge of God's Grace, I soon realized that all of that baggage; all of the hurt; the innocence that was taken from me, and all of the years that were lost due to drugs and partying, only proved the greatness of His Love for me.  He, in all of His glory and wisdom, spoke my name one day, and I found myself giving my life to Him – the greatest day of my life.

I still think it is a very special thing to be able to grow up in a good Christian home, and I'm glad for my son that I was able to offer that to him, but I no longer wish I had grown up differently.  I am who I am because of what I was when He reached down and saved me – and for that, I am eternally grateful!

What is your reason for proclaiming God's greatness?  Has it been a while since you told Him how much you appreciate all He's done for you?  Take some extra time today to reflect on the grace He's shown you, and proclaim Him and His awesome plan for your life.  Really talk to our Lord, and share from your heart how much you appreciate ALL that He has given you through your salvation.

Prayer
Lord, You are a mighty and a great God.  I have seen Your power and I have felt Your compassion as I have grown up in You these past 20 years.  I want to thank You for protecting me as I was growing up.  You held my hand and even carried me through all of the evil that the enemy tried to destroy me with.  You restored me and You have given me gifts beyond what I could even ask or think.  You are MY God and I will love You with my whole heart – all the days of my life!

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard

I'm NOT "That Guy" Anymore – Genesis 32:27-28

27 And he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." 

28 Then he said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed."
– Genesis 32:27-28

I'm NOT "That Guy" Anymore
Last night I wasn't feeling very well and I was home by myself – so I took the opportunity to have some quiet time with the Lord. In our conversation, He took me all the way back to the events that led up to my accepting His invitation to join Him in this brand new life.  It was kinda cool to relive the way He carefully designed each step of the way so that I could go from despair to a new excitement and a zeal for my new life. I recalled how after the excitement and joy of giving my life to Jesus had a chance to calm down a bit, He came to me and asked "what is your name?" . . . with a sly smile on His face.

I knew my name of course, but I could no longer associate it with the person I was before.  I could imagine Him nodding and smiling as I tried to go through all of the old ways of describing me:
Liar
Thief
Coward
Drug Addict
Sneak
Sex Addict
Damaged
Abused

Angry

Violent

Stupid

No-Good

Worthless

No-Account

Failure

Weakling

Untrustworthy
Flawed
Scarred
Sinner

He was smiling because He knew that that old man didn't exist anymore.  He smiled because He could hardly contain His excitement as I came to the realization that I was walking from death into blessing and that my future was paved with light and grace.  I was about to start on a new journey with Jesus and my new name was Hope, and Peace, and Friend, and Forgiven, and, and Redeemed, and Victorious!  I was a living example of God's Grace in Christ.

I can sometimes forget about that experience – especially when I'm going through tough times.  I can see the old me in the rear-view mirror, you know - appearing larger than I really was, and I know that if I'm not careful to guard the quiet places in my heart, the enemy will find a way to work his way back in.  I am so thankful that Jesus' love is so strong that it keeps me refreshed.  And in Him,  I can keep moving forward and the enemy can just keep chasing me – because I am riding with Jesus, and He doesn't even have a rear-view mirror.

Take some time to remember your salvation experience today.  Thank God for taking the time to wrestle with you as you made the decision to accept Jesus into your heart.  Thank Him that you are no longer who you used to be and the new you is wonderful and marvelous and full of joy and light.  Claim the blessings that are yours and hold your head high because you are a child of God!  Share the Joy of the Lord with someone today!

Prayer
Father,  Thank You for giving me a new name and a new identity.  I pray that I never forget the depths of where I came because I know that it will keep my rejoicing fresh and new each day.  Help me to stay focused on You as I go about the busyness of today – I want to show others just a small portion of the love You showed me.

Have a blessed day everyone!

– Richard