JAS 1:2-4 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
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When I think about all the negative slush and fake fluff the world slings at us, everyday, it is to my steady and simplistic joy in Jesus Christ that I revert to. It sustains me. A refuge, which fills the vacuum created by the dark reality of this tainted and fallen world.
Simplistic it is, because, as complex as our omnipotent Creator is, in endless wisdom, He offers us the way to overcome the relentless attempts and potentially overwhelming sense of complete and utter despair in times of life's turbulences and storms, much like many are experiencing in this generation. These are troubling and perplexing times that we struggle through, in an attempt to assemble some sort of normalcy and serenity.
His Way (Jesus Christ) provides one with confidence and reassuring protection. It enables us to endure and even have deep joy unto the end. The end, being the completion of His work that He has begun in believers to perfect our holiness. This is God's plan, to make us spotless for the Blessed Hope, which is the second coming of Jesus. At God's appointed time, He will rapture the Church. His saints, both living and whom have died in Christ, will be transported by and with Jesus into heaven. His word proclaims that it will transpire in the span of time that it takes for an eye to twinkle.
No works are expected, nor would any be worthy enough to earn His gift of love, tranquility and salvation. You don't need to clean yourself up, first. You can't do that, in anyway, if you try to. We only need to open our hearts and our minds in faith to receive it. It's that simple. Not to give Jesus and one's self that opportunity, which assures an inseparable eternal life in God's kingdom, is very unwise and extremely stubborn and foolish, in my opinion.
If you are among the masses, whom have been sucked into the vacuum of dark hopelessness, will you choose, right now, with a sincere heart, to say this simple prayer of the sinner?
Dear Savior Jesus,
I sincerely want you to know me and for me to know you, personally, in fellowship together. I open my heart to you, now and welcome you to be my rock and my salvation. Forgive me for my sins. Wash me clean, in your shed blood. You came as both God and man to die in my place, as a ransom for soul's salvation. I am deserving of eternal damnation, but I accept your ultimate sacrifice, for me. You lived your life, without sin, without fault, nor blemish, yet took my punishment upon yourself. You died for me, then arose from the grave unto eternal life in heaven and sit in judgement at the right hand of God the Father. I will follow you in your righteousness and serve you until all the remaining days of my life have passed. Thank you, for dying for me, Jesus. I had strayed away from you and was lost. As the Good Shepherd, you searched for me and count me as one of your, once lost, but now found, sheep. I am eternally grateful for your amazing grace. Amen!
If you prayed this prayer, with a contrite heart, welcome to the body of Christ. It's that simple.
You are now transformed. Congratulations! You're old nature has died. You are born again, as a new creature in Christ. Hallelujah! You now have the gift of God, the Holy Spirit, who will guide and support you. He will grant you strength and discernment, to be able to resist evil, endure suffering and live a holy life in God's presence. You will one day hear Him say to you, the words that all followers of Jesus long to hear; "Well done, good and faithful servant."
He'll always meet you where you are. He's the Bright and Morning Star.
It's that simple!