I was almost tempted to call this post How To Save The World And Yourself. For this is what most of us want, isn’t it? We want the world to be a better place. We want there to be peace all over the earth. We want to be happy, carefree and safe.
Unfortunately (or fortunately), the world will not be ‘safe’ until Christ Jesus returns and removes the wicked one and those who follow him. That’s how the world some time from now will be saved, but what about you? Can you be saved/freed from the atrocities of this turbulent world today, right now?
My Story
I grew up in a Christian household, with a mother who was especially passionate for the LORD (she credits Him with literally saving her life many, many times). We had always gone to church (although I hated getting up in the morning for it) and I generally had a good attitude towards GOD and “all that stuff.” I had no cares as a kid, even though before I became a teenager my parents divorced and my family (minus my father) migrated to a new state, a new school, etc. In general, I had adjusted OK and everything was fine.
Then one night, when I was about 12 years old, I lied down in bed after turning in for the night. I think I might have said a brief prayer (one from the Holy Bible) and then relaxed to get some sleep. As soon as I did this, though, I experienced an overwhelming discomfort — like I was drowning or being smothered. There was a great pressure on my chest. I sat up, wondering what this strange, uncomfortable sensation was. It was nothing I had felt before and couldn’t figure it out, so I just lied back down and closed my eyes. The sensation grew and I sat back up. I wasn’t frightened or anything, just really curious about this uncomfortable sensation. Then I heard it.
I heard that ‘still, small voice.’ It said, “You have to choose.” There was no question as to whom this voice belonged and what HE was telling me I had to do. In the same instant I said inside, “It’s you LORD. I accept YOU.” I leaned back, closed my eyes and said a real prayer (one from the heart and not ‘scripted’) to my Savior. I don’t remember what happened after that, as I’m pretty sure I had one of the most restful nights ever. The next day, I told my mother I wanted to get baptized, and a few months later it was done.
After that, I never sinned again and am to this day one of the most perfect Christians you’ll ever find.
That’s a joke, of course.
I wish I could say it was all roses after I committed my life to the LORD and that I was an exemplary servant, but I wasn’t. I can’t remember all I did wrong, but I was a kid, so imagine some of the things teenagers may do or say or how they may behave — I didn’t do them all! But I was still counted with the unrighteous (yes, even after I was baptized).
It was in college that everything went off track. I got comfortable and didn’t question the moral actions or attitudes of those I met. I soon started to share those attitudes, which eventually led me down the path of sexual immorality. I started drinking beer, smoking cigarettes, cursing like a sailor. I still had my Bible, though, and I still said a prayer once in a while, but I did not know GOD. It wasn’t until almost 10 years after starting college, that the LORD finally shook me up and spoke to me again. I ignored HIM the first time, literally shrugging off HIS words.
But then I had a moment of distress and I was feeling awfully bad. I had no one to talk to but GOD, and no one who would not only listen, but who would also know EXACTLY how I was feeling and what was bothering me. Long story short, I stopped being stubborn and accepted HIS will. I acknowledged that I had been living a wretched life and that no matter how much I thought I loved Jesus Christ, if I didn’t start lining up with HIS will, then I was forever going to be counted with the sinners. I soon started praying differently, reading my Bible more (every day now) and started attending church again (one full of praise and love for the LORD). In short, I started walking the walk and no longer just talked the talked — oh yeah, while I was living like the heathen, I had the audacity to still claim that I was a Christian.
My Advice For You
Thanks to the persistence of GOD and HIS Holy Spirit, who opened up my eyes and my heart, I learned that it’s not enough to love the LORD. And believe me, many sinners do love GOD with all their heart. But some of us make concessions and excuses for the world and let ourselves get polluted with temptations. You can’t do that. If you love the LORD, follow HIS statutes. If you love the LORD, lay your will before HIS. As it is written, in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-7). But that’s not going to happen if your remain stubborn and continue to believe you can lead yourself in everything.
You can’t do whatever you want, go to church and pray and expect that everything is all right. You can’t have sex out of marriage, drink or do drugs or party like the heathen do and think that just because ‘GOD knows your heart’ HE’ll let it all slide. But GOD does know your heart, and judges it as being divided partly with HIM and partly with the world. A Christian cannot have it both ways (Matthew 6:24). It’s the LORD or the world. It’s Christ Jesus or it’s Satan. If you’re not of the LORD, then you are of the Devil (1 John 3:4-9). There is no gray area, no middle road when it comes to salvation. With salvation it is black and white. There is only the narrow road or the wide road (Matthew 7:13-20).
According to the LORD, the wide road leads to destruction, as many Christians will attest to. Before I truly came back to the LORD, I was frustrated all the time, had a short temper and found myself unhappy a lot. As cheesy as it sounds, I now have a peace I have never known before. I kid you not. I have not been made perfect, but I tell you this, the Holy Spirit is working in me and I have a new heart, a new mind and a new love for the LORD. I truly feel free. As King David wrote in Psalms 40:2-4, “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God;”
I am not saying everything will become perfect when you get right with GOD, but you won’t care about the supposed ‘imperfect’ things in your life or environment, because the world won’t be your focus anymore. The things of the Kingdom of GOD will be what you care about and the LORD our GOD will be the only one you ultimately care about pleasing.
This is good news so I have to let you know about it. I have to let you know what peace the LORD wants to give you. I have to let you know that you do not need to love this world, but to love the One who makes all things new. I am not selling you anything or trying to persuade you to do or believe anything. I am simply telling you the truth. I love you and must share this with you because I don’t want you to be lost.
I know you have so much company on the wide road and that it seems like so much fun. But when you’re alone and you look in the mirror, don’t you feel wretched? Don’t you feel a pain that can’t even be articulated to the ones closest to you? GOD wants to heal you, to make you whole. To trade your pain for an everlasting peace. As Jesus the Christ says in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
You have to put your ego aside. You have to stop lying about and denying the Truth. You know someone gave you a heart to pump blood throughout your body. You know someone gave you lungs so that the breath of life could be in you. You know someone put the sun there to rise and set when it does, and the moon there to rise and set when it does. You know it is no accident. You know that nothing so perfect and harmonious as what we call nature and the human body came from ‘primordial ooze.’ You know someone designed and created it all, you know someone designed and created you, too.
I would like to introduce you to the CREATOR. HIS name is GOD ALMIGHTY, and HE once introduced himself to a group that did not know HIM as: I AM WHO I AM.
Let me tell you who HE IS. GOD is a GOD of: peace, love, justice, wisdom and compassion. HE is also a jealous GOD, refusing to share HIS glory with anyone but the Son Jesus Christ. GOD hates sin, but loves the sinner. In all things GOD is perfect.
We can learn about some things the LORD hates in Psalms 5:4-6 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. 5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
You can learn of a few more in Proverbs 6:12-19, Mark 7:1-23, Romans 1:18-32…
What GOD Wants To Do For You
GOD wants you to be saved and finds no pleasure in your suffering.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Ezekiel 18:22-24 23, 33:10-11 “Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord GOD, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live? … ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’
GOD is pleading with you to choose HIM, to choose salvation and everlasting life, which is found in HIS Son Christ Jesus. GOD sent HIS Son Jesus Christ to try and turn mankind from his sinful, ignorant and dark ways. Knowing He would be rejected and killed, GOD suffered it to be so, so that Jesus Christ could be the ultimate sin offering, the ultimate and final sacrifice for man’s sin. Jesus Christ is the lamb without blemish, and by his blood we are saved.
To accept HIS gift of salvation, you must believe that HE IS, and died for you, came back to life and ascended to heaven and will one day return to earth. You must believe that HE IS the Son of GOD and that HE can make you whole. You must confess your sins and repent of them. You must ask Christ Jesus to change you and instruct you on how to walk the narrow road.
You must go before HIM regularly in prayer. You must read the Holy Bible, the Holy Word of GOD, which teaches you about our LORD, HIS plan for us, about HIS ways and how those who follow HIM must behave.
But most importantly, you must believe. Your confession of sins are worthless if you don’t actually believe Christ Jesus can blot them out and help you start anew (Romans 10:1-13). You must not only confess Christ Jesus with your mouth, but you must also believe in your heart. Lip service, empty words — the LORD has no pleasure in them, and knows the heart of every man (Matthew 7:1-22, Romans 8:26-8). If you are struggling with unbelief, HE will help you believe, but you must want to believe.
If you really believe and want to be changed, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will work in your life. But you cannot be slack and expect GOD will do everything — the Holy Spirit won’t force you to behave as you should and to abstain from sin. HE will remind you to refrain from sin and convict you of sin (John 16:5-15). The Holy Spirit of GOD will lead you and guide you in everything for HE does the FATHER’s will, but HE cannot dwell with a contrary spirit. If you confess with your mouth, but are still behaving like an unrepentant sinner, the more likely it is that you are driving away the Holy Spirit. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, …do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
So if you want to be saved, right now, at this very moment, fall on your knees (does not have to be literal, but humble yourself) and admit that you are wretched and totally unworthy, but call on Jesus Christ to show you the way to becoming worthy. Ask GOD to forgive you of your sins and don’t be ashamed to name them one by one. Repent of your sins and cast them aside and ask GOD to blot them out. Speak to HIM with sincerity. If you can’t find the words, then just do whatever comes naturally, for HE even understands our groanings (Romans 8:25-27).
Please don’t wait any longer. Don’t keep making excuses. This is a matter of life and death. Choose life.
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Thank you for sharing, LaVrai — it’s a wonderful testimony! You know, your story is much like mine in college, and perhaps that’s why I think we share some viewpoints in common.
God bless!
Hey, Isaiah, thanks for the kind word. College can be tough times… that’s why I’m a bit worried about my brother who’s in college now.
If you like, I’d add your brother to my prayers, that he not succumb to worldliness.
HEY, ISAIAH. THANKS VERY MUCH. – LAVRAI
Hey we must be kin folk, I declare we did just about the same things!!! Except for I wanted to be a circus clown when I got all growed up! Ya I know bad English and all, Well who learnt yall how to spoke? (hand on the hip, toothpick sticking out side of the mouth). All jokes aside, Lavrai this looks like the start to a good book. When you’re done I’ll check it out!!
AVK
THANKS FOR THE ENCOURAGING WORDS, KENYA. – LAVRAI
I’m glad you recognized His still small voice.
Thanks for this testimony
Sidharth
@ Sidharth – Thanks for stopping by, and your site looks neat. I’ll bookmark to check out.
LaVrai, I ran across your blog while studying Gods word pertaining to
(Matthew 24:14). I found your comments to be right inline with Gods words. Furthermore; I must say that your testimony is sure to bless
those whom God opens there eyes to.
As a brother in Christ Jesus’, I felt lead to share the following with you and your readers just as God revealed it to me.
May the GOD of all creation continue to bless you and your ministry.
Talking to a Friend
Taking a closer look at our relationship with Jesus’
Imagine for a moment that your sitting and talking with your best buddy ( maybe out fishing for the day ). Now think ! for a moment how the conversation would go if your buddy did all the talking and you did all the listening. I mean’ never giving you a chance to say one word.
Thats how it seems to go in our relationship with our Lord & Savior.
We do all the talking (Praying) , and He does all the listening.
Believe it or not, just like your fishin’ buddy
God also has something to say.
He waits patiently moment to moment for you to lend Him an ear.
He has so much to tell you, and so many things to share with you.
Listening to a Friend
Are you ready to hear from God ? Are you ready for the truth ?
Start by locating a “Quiet” place where you can clear your head, and avoid any interruptions (Be still).
Psa 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Next, Talk (pray) to God’ remembering that He is your best friend. A friend that will never leave nor forsake you. A friend that wants to be apart of every aspect of our lives.
Heb 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Prayer , When talking with God,
The Lord’s Prayer
(Matthew 6)
provides an example of how God instructs us to pray,and
I Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing.
( keep an open line to God, by including Him in everything )
Now that we have established our communication with God, let us not fail in allowing him to contribute to the conversation.
When God talks back.
Recognizing God in the small stuff
When we seek Gods guidance, we don’t have to look far. God speaks to us through our hearts, minds & spirits. He speaks to us on a daily basis through His awesome creation. The problem is that we are busy about our day, and don’t take the time to listen. Or perhaps we do listen and dis-regard what God says as being petty or of no great importance. Or maybe we have a hard time facing the truth of what God is saying.
Whatever the situation, we need to pay close attention to the prompting from God. What may seem to have little meaning to us, may have a larger meaning to God. What may seem to have no importance to us, may have great importance to Him.
Isa 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Hi, Robert, thanks for visiting. I’m curious… I’m not sure I know exactly what you mean here:
“Start by locating a “Quiet” place where you can clear your head, and avoid any interruptions (Be still).”
Thanks, Lavrai.
Hello LaVrai, and thank you for your reply. After pondering what I was trying to express in that statement, I will try to explain.
With all of lifes daily trials and the cluttering of our minds with things (Work, schedules, appointments, etc) that attempt to take our focus off of whats most important ( Christ Jesus ). I have found that by retreating to a quiet place, and avoiding the interruptions of this world, I can once again (Be Still) and focus on listening to my best friend (Jesus).
Thanks again, and may God bless!
Robert
Hi, Robert. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t speaking of “contemplative prayer,” a new age practice that’s been creeping into Christianity. The phrase you use is quite similar to those who practice this unholy act also use. They speak of finding “silence” to “be still” and so forth and so on. As the days go on, we must be careful to not simply take everyone at their word and assume because they speak a similar language that they are speaking of the exact same thing.
I understand what you mean by retreating to a quiet place to avoid distractions. But that’s not always possible and should not be a prerequisite for prayer. I even pray on the loud, bustling subway occasionally. The LORD Jesus Chrst’s peace is there with me, too.
And, I’m curious… what role does the Holy Spirit play in your prayer life?
Thanks, Lavrai.
Lavrai: I am a Christian…..trying hard to be a “follower” and not just a “fan” of Jesus. However, lately I just cannot seem to get my thoughts together to pray…..I’m not much of a talker anyway, and even though I want to be in a deep relationship with Jesus, I just cannot seem to get the words out to let Him know how much I want that relationship with Him. I live alone, so being in a “quiet” place is not an issue, but words seem to fail (except for the “will” to be close to Him. My “mind” is just not cooperating anymore with my “will”.
Marilyn
Hi, Marilyn. I don’t know if you are a part of a local congregation or anything, but that might help, especially if they meet for group prayer or anything. Sometimes having others around who have a strong, steady prayer life can motivate/ encourage us in our own.
And to be quite honest, you are not the first to complain about your “thoughts” fighting against your desire to pray — there’s no obvious reason to be distracted, but for whatever reason “it” just won’t come together.
You may want to consider covering your head when you pray, Marilyn. Personally, the LORD instructed me long ago to do just that when I come before HIM in prayer. It may seem strange, especially if the concept is unfamiliar to you — but it’s really not that unusual. A sister at church was told me not too long ago that she was struggling in this manner — she just couldn’t get her head to shut up and focus. She said the Holy Spirit told her to cover her head, which she resisted at first since it was a strange idea to her. But she eventually obeyed, and she said right away, she had peace and could pray as she ought to.
There’s a passage in the Holy Bible in 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 which addresses this issue. I, for one, don’t use it to justify covering my head. I cover my head because that’s what the LORD told me personally to do. Do I always need to have my head covered when I pray? Of course not. But if I’m at home spending quality time with the LORD in personal fellowship and prayer, I cover my head. Does absolutely every Christian woman need to cover their heads when praying? — That’s up to GOD and HE has not give me any such clear cut answer.
The Holy Bible also tells us to seek the LORD in Spirit and in truth and that it is the indwelling Holy Spirit who helps us when we pray. I myself, often ask the Holy Spirit to give me the words to speak unto the FATHER so I’m not kneeling there saying vain words.
For example, Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Jesus Christ also said that those who worship the FATHER must worship HIM in Spirit and in truth, because GOD IS Spirit (John 4:24). We need the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives, but especially in worshiping the LORD — flesh and blood cannot please HIM.
So my suggestions for you, Marilyn, is to cover your head when you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to lead you and guide you and to reach out to true Christians you know have a strong and healthy prayer life. I myself will pray for you as the Holy Spirit brings you to my remembrance.
I love you, Marilyn and remember GOD loves you — HE’ll show you the way. Trust in HIM alone.
Keep in touch.
Wow the Prodigal Son story again. Thanks for sharing what is such a common story. Met the Lord, walked away into the World, came back, and found a loving father waiting for us.
May Mon Dieu continue to help you speak “LaVrai”
Hi, Larry. Very clever
As Daniel says, the LORD’s mercies endure forever.
GOD bless you.
I just started following your blog recently. First time commenting. I love your testimony. Glory to God!
What changed my life was after watching a Paul Washer sermon on YouTube a few weeks ago! GIRL, talk about conviction! It felt as if knives pierced through my soul. That’s the power of the Gospel! My story is similar to yours except, I didn’t commit sexual immorality (still a virgin) and anything in that form. My school was a Christian school, but that doesn’t mean a thing! After watching that sermon, I immediately got on my knees and repented and asked the Lord for forgiveness and to transform me.
Anyways, lately it feels like I’ve been going throught something serious internally. It feels like a spiritual tug of war! Something was pulling me back telling me to give up and do my own thing. Another part of me was telling me to keep pressing that mark! So I can gladly say that I pressed towards that mark. I didn’t hear a voice like you (is that a bad thing?), but I DID feel that pressure in my chest and ALSO in my stomach…To the point that my eating patterns have changed. (I can eat for days!) I have become completely helpless and needy and I think that is due to God breaking me down so that I have no choice but to depend on Him. It’s still early in my faith and sometimes I still am a lil confused of my assurance, please pray that since He began a work in me, He will finish it. And pray that I will not EVER lose faith. Something in me is not even allowing me to! *smiles*
Right now, I’m struggling with finding a church in New York City, but I will leave that in God’s hands.
Keep up the great work on this blog!
P.S. If you check out my blog, you will see where I clearly gave my life over to Christ! Don’t be alarmed.
Erin´s last blog ..Speak to me!
Hi, Erin. I am glad to read your testimony. Glory be to GOD!
Some of the things you mention in your comment hit home with me. GOD only removed the scales from eyes and pulled me out of the fire about two years ago. I had considered myself a Christian before then, but I sure was living up to Jesus Christ’s standards (if you love Me, follow my commands/obey Me). I very much had one foot in the world.
Though GOD had opened my eyes in the latter part of 2007, it wasn’t until June 2008 that HE performed a radical transformation in me. Let’s just say I had a close encounter (no, not aliens or angels, but close). The thing is, as with all new Christians/believers, the Devil didn’t want to let me go. Satan’s sole goal while GOD tarries in completing HIS plan, is to drag as many people to hell with him as possible — no matter who you are, your country, your language, etc. Satan wants us. But glory be to GOD, no one, no angel, no demon, no power, no man or woman can remove us from GOD’s hand (as Jesus says in John 10).
And I tell you, Erin, I was scared when GOD started opening my eyes, but slowly HE started to show me that there was absolutely no one and nothing to fear (and I’m still learning that daily as HE increases my faith in HIM and belief in HIS power and sovereignty).
You mentioned GOD breaking you down. Girl, the same thing happened here and I’m sure it happens with all of HIS children — we have to learn to rely solely on HIM because there’s nothing any of us can do to save ourselves. We must acknowledge that all god things come from HIM – our clothes, food, homes, jobs, etc. And when we come to this truth, our walk with HIM becomes easier — because we know, no matter what, FATHER will provide, protect and bless. With me personally, I was a big music fiend. I had great collections of CDs, tapes, vinyl and a slew of movies, too. The LORD had me get rid of ALL of it (I have basically started out from scratch again). I basically cleaned out my apartment and gave all that stuff away. I understood what HE was doing and I obeyed, and I’m glad I obeyed. HE IS all that I could ever need and surely all that I want.
Anyway, I won’t talk you to death
I do find it amazing though that you are as I was not that long ago and that you’re in NYC. So am I. And you’re looking for a church. So was I not long ago. The LORD lead me to a beautiful small church in uptown Manhattan last year and I love it. The people are loving and stand on the authority of the Holy Bible (they don’t just make stuff up). The presence of the LORD is truly with that congregation. So, Erin, if you’re still looking for a church, seek GOD and see if HE’d like you to come check out mine. If so, respond here and I’ll send you a private e-mail. In the meantime, keep reading your Holy Bible — GOD will so open up those Scriptures to you that you’ll start wondering if the Book was just written.
GOD bless and I’ll keep you in my prayers. No looking back, Erin.