Have you ever wanted to press pause, rewind, and start over in life? To have a complete makeover? Probably, we have all had that thought cross our mind at some point in our life. Those times may have been caused by something you did or because of what someone else did to you. Either way, you wanted to change the outcome to escape the pain, frustration, hurt, embarrassment, anger and any other emotion you can name. No matter how much you wanted a “do over” at that time, it wasn’t happening. You basically had to face the grim reality of the moment and start from that point to make any necessary adjustments. You hoped that the situation or relationship would improve--all the while accepting the fact that there were no guarantees on the outcome. If I think of the many times that I would have welcomed a do over, one day stands out where I was actually provided the opportunity to press pause, rewind and start over in life. My past mistakes--sins and all--were completely erased and forgiven. I was able to start life over with a clean slate. You may have never experienced freedom like this unless you can identify with what I’m about to share. You may be asking, “What happened or how can you have this happen in your life?” I’m glad you asked. It’s in the message of the Gospel, which means “Good News.” In the beginning, God… – Genesis 1:1 God created mankind—Adam and Eve—and placed them into a perfect environment, the Garden of Eden. He gave them freedom to enjoy life—to be fruitful and multiply. There was only one restriction; God commanded that they could not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve submitted to the command and were obedient until one day Satan started talking to Eve when she was alone. He started to make her question what God had requested of them. Satan planted a seed of doubt in her mind and caused Eve to distrust God. He began to make her think that God did not have her best interest at heart. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord – Romans 6:23 Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptation and encouraged her husband, Adam, to do the same. They disobeyed God and both ate from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Because of their disobedience, they “died.” It wasn’t an actual physical death at that moment, but a spiritual one. Their relationship with God was broken since sin disrupts fellowship with God. And the rest is history. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; - Romans 3:23 Mankind has been in a downward spiral ever since. Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, they immediately became afraid and ashamed and hid from God. Their relationship with God was forever changed. Instead of them approaching God with openness, they now felt fear and wanted to hide. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8 But God never withdrew from them; instead, he pursued them. And he still pursues us today. This is the Good News. God loved mankind so much that he wanted the relationship restored. Only how could a perfect God have fellowship with imperfect mankind? God had an answer—through His Son, Jesus. He did not wait for us to get it right before he provided a solution. Even when our heart was far from Him, He sent His Son to die for us. 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 Jesus is the true manifestation of God’s love to mankind. In order to restore the broken fellowship between God and mankind, Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. As sin entered the world through the disobedience of one man, Adam, salvation came by one man, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17-20). Just as God required Adam and Eve to trust His "word” back in the Garden of Eden through simple obedience, He requires us to have the same trust in His Word (Jesus) today (John 1:1). Trust in the Word allows us to receive forgiveness of sin and to enter back into restored fellowship with God. Although Jesus through his true love made the ultimate sacrifice for us by His death on the cross, we are not forced to receive His love. As God did not make Adam and Eve robots—forced to love and obey him (the two actions can’t be separated)—neither does God today force us to receive His love. We have a choice. Trusting God’s son, Jesus, requires a measure of faith which God gives each of us (Romans 12:3). But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. – Hebrews 11:6 Nothing we do can ever earn God’s love for us. Even before we thought about Him, He had us on His mind. We receive gifts for many occasions—birthdays, holidays, thank yous, etc. Because of the occasion, many of us may think that we deserve a gift. But God’s gift of salvation through His Son is different. We didn’t earn it; nor do we deserve it. God provided His gift purely out of His love for us. We all come with humility to receive this Gift. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 So, would you like the opportunity to press pause, rewind and have a do over in life? If so, you can right now. You can pray a prayer as short as Peter did when he began to sink while walking on the water, “Lord, save me.” (Matthew 14:29-31) or if you desire to express yourself in more words, you may pray something along the lines of the following. Either way, God knows your heart and your desire for Him. Lord, forgive me for my sins and my disobedience against you. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and was buried and arose to bring salvation to humanity. Blot out every sin that I have committed against you and mankind and write my name in the Book of Life. Make me a new creation in You. I receive You into my heart. I trust You with my life. Now fill me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to be a witness for You through my words, thoughts and actions. Thank you, Jesus, for loving me and providing for my salvation. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. - Luke 15:10 If you made a decision to follow Jesus, you have now experienced the "ultimate makeover." Heaven is rejoicing! Click here to obtain information to help you begin your journey with Jesus. Also, share your experience with us by connecting with us through our contact page. Welcome to the Forever Family of God! Have you made a decision to follow Jesus? Please share something about your relationship.
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About UsHi! We're Mario and Karen, the "sunshine couple". We love each other and actually like each other too. As health enthusiasts, we share our experiences as it relates to culture, health, and faith. We hope that you are encouraged in making positive lifestyle choices for a healthier body, mind, and spirit. Archives
March 2023
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