I was in front of the casino downtown, on the steps actually. I had just walked out the door. I had all of my money back. I had traveled to two casinos. The first I left with less than ten dollars. I had lost fifty dollars that I really needed at the first casino. For some “really stupid” reason I had thought that I could win when I wanted to. It had all become such a burden and to make matters worse; it was my birthday.
I needed to make a phone call. That was the only one recourse for me…I said a prayer: “Father, please take this off of my heart.” I remember saying how sorry I was for making such a mess of my finances.
That was August of 2000. I had supposed that I’d have more control when I went back or that I would cool it for awhile. Instead, I never went back again. God was cleaning me up. He had bigger plans for me. It wouldn’t be long before I found a great Bible teaching church, developed a prayer life, started a prayer group with friends, began to write about God on the Internet and begin to do the work of the ministry. My life did a total revolution all because of God’s mercy.
Today, I ask you to examine yourself. Is there anything that you would like to have cleared out of your life. This is a good day to say a prayer. God is not a feeling. If you do not have a connection to God; know this: He’s just waiting to have a connection with you. He wants to meet your every need. He wants to spend time with you. He wants to take your burdens from you. He wants you to be healed, to have peace, to be wise, to be safe, to have no fear. He wants to protect you…there is no one, nothing that can want your life to be better.
We’ve all missed the mark or sinned; but we have to admit it, not to the world; but to God:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12)
“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:10)
Jesus said: “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)
I know that God sent His son Jesus to atone for our sins:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
We must acknowledge Christ as the master of our lufe:
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
We invite Jesus into our hearts to be our personal savior:
“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10)
We do this in prayer:
Salvation Prayer
My Dearest Father, I have sinned and I ask for your forgiveness today. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and that he died for my sins, and made available unto me redemption, sanctification, wisdom and right standing with God. He paid the price with His blood. I invite the Lord Jesus into my heart right now and I accept him as the Lord of my life to be my personal savior.
What’s Next?
If you’re like me…you will need direction. Develop a prayer life and get a good bible with a great reference section and start reading it.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalms 119:105)
If you do not have a church home that is teaching you ; pray and ask God to send you one.
Then…
pray about everything that comes up.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Always REmember:
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16)
And most importantly: Tell others about Christ:
“For 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.” (Romans 1:16)
SALVATION!! 