Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Not ashamed...

Sometimes when I write a post, like the previous one, I'm afraid of offending somebody. Then I remember I can not be ashamed of the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST. I need to be bold in my faith and what I believe in. Some people won't understand, some people won't agree, but I have to remember it's not me they don't agree with, it's not me they don't understand. It's GOD in me.

Romans 1:16 (King James Version)
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.


I think too often, we as Christians, are worried about offending someone so we try to be polite, or even politically correct, instead of being bold in our faith. This doesn't mean we go around and purposely are rude or inconsiderate. This means that if the LORD lays something on our heart, HE gives us the words, we are to say it boldly and unashamed. We might offend the person because of their beliefs or lack of them. ;)

Do you remember when you first became a Christian? Do you remember before becoming a Christian how things of Christians would offend you? I do! I remember going out with this guy and he would always play Christian music...it was so annoying to me. It was like...slap...right in the face. Anyone that disagreed with my religion, I had a problem with.

Now I see what the problem was, that's what I had...religion! I didn't have a relationship with the one, true, living GOD. I believed in GOD-don't get me wrong...but I didn't have a relationship with HIM. I went to church, I did the Holy days of obligation, I took communion, I went to confession. I did it all, and yet something was still missing...it was a relationship!

After my mom died, I started searching...I knew there had to be more to church than just the things I mentioned above. I didn't understand why when I went to confession and did the repentence, why I still felt unforgiven. Again, it was not having a relationship with GOD, through HIS SON, JESUS, that I was missing. Thank GOD, HE sent people along my path that knew HIM and had a relationship with HIM, so I wasn't lead astray.

My life has never been the same. I'm living the greatest adventure here on earth-Serving the one, true living GOD! Everyday is a day of growth, adventure, of amazement and wonderment. I no longer fear the unknown...

1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.

Psalm 121

When I have a problem now, I just turn it over to GOD, knowing according to HIS WORD, HE hears me, HE's going to answer me, HE's going to give me peace that passes all understanding, that I can go boldly to HIS throne, that I can ask anything-forgiveness, help, etc.

I can look up and say GOD, I am excited about today...I am excited to see how YOU are going to turn this situation over for my good and not evil, I'm excited to see how YOU are going to change it from glory to glory.

If your life isn't like this, if you don't have a personal relationship with the one true, living GOD, if you are seeking answers or forgiveness and feel like nothing ever changes, will you let me pray with you, or will you pray this prayer?

FATHER GOD, I have come to the realization that I am a sinner, and that I need to be saved, through YOUR SON, JESUS CHRIST, who died on the cross to take away those sins. LORD, I accept HIM now, and with my mouth, I boldly confess YOU are the way, the truth, and the life, and with my heart, I believe. I will follow YOU and have a relationship that is ever growing with YOU starting today. In YOUR precious SON, JESUS' name. Amen.

I encourage you to go get a good Bible and read the book of John first. Ask GOD to open HIS truth to you. It says in the book of James 1:5, If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask GOD. I prefer a Bible with several different translations in it. My Bible has the King James, New American Standard, Amplified, and another version (just can't think of it now)
I also encourage you to find a great HOLY GHOST filled church...yes, it might seem weird at first, you might be taken out of your comfort zone, and out of your religious box, but you will be blessed. If you have a problem understanding what a HOLY GHOST filled church is, please feel free to email me or leave a msg here. I will be happy to explain and/or point you in the right direction.

Wow! This post did not go the way I intented. LOL...but I was changed to another course by GOD. :)

Blessings to you, until next time!


3 comments:

Susan said...

Yes we must all be bolder in our faith and confession. I'd rather be BIBLICALLY correct than POLITICALLY correct! You are.
Susan

Anonymous said...

Love that song! Stand up and be counted, sister!
love you,
Rosemary

Judy Dudich said...

I LOVE Susan's comment...BIBLICALLY correct!!!

It is because you are a compassionate and empathetic person that you worry about offending Bobbi...those are gifts from the Lord...as long as they don't keep you from witnessing to the Truth of His Word...you CLEARLY are not ashamed...May He bless and reward you for your faithfulness!

I am so thankful that He ALLOWS us to have a personal relationship with HIM...OUR SAVIOR...aren't you?
I mean, He certainly doesn't NEED us...as we need HIM...so the fact that He loves us so much that He's WILLING to have a one on one personal relationship with me...and you...and the next guy...is an AWESOME GIFT!

I am especially thankful for the personal relationship He offers me in the Most Holy Eucharist...for me...it doesn't GET any more personal than that! Thank You Lord!

GREAT post Bobbi...thanks for the inspiration!