A bit of my story ...

 Just in a reflecting mood, I guess...

It’s been about 18.5 years now since the LORD literally regenerated this heart of stone in me.

I was sitting there... drifting, really. Dead in sin. On my way to meet a holy GOD, somehow thinking my résumé of a “pretty good” life would be enough to pass through those pearly gates and stand before a loving... yet holy and just... GOD.

It’s crazy how long ago that feels, and yet how recent at the same time.

I walked into a church like I had many times before... and by the grace of GOD, I walked out a new person.

No, my whole lifestyle, words, actions, and habits did not change in a single instant. But my desires did. It was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes. Suddenly everything looked different... my life, my family, my relationships, my recreation... it was all HIS. HE consumed me that day, and far from being some flash-in-the-pan emotional moment, it has only continued to build and build and build.

What happened was simple.

After fighting, wrestling, resisting, and holding on... GOD brought me to the end of myself. I finally just said, literally:

“OK, GOD... it’s not my will anymore. It’s YOURS.”

Many of you, even if you disagree with me, have heard the phrase “LORD and Savior.” But that is exactly what it came down to for me.

I recognized... and I keep recognizing more every day... that I will stand before a holy GOD who demands perfection. In HIS justice, HE cannot simply overlook sin. A judge who shrugs at guilt is not good... he is corrupt.

And that is our problem.

Not just that we make mistakes.

Not just that we have struggles.

But that we are sinners before a holy GOD.

But GOD...

Because HE is not only just, but also love, HE gave HIS Son, Jesus Christ... the only One who lived a perfect life, deserved no judgment, and could truly stand in the place of sinners. On the cross, JESUS bore the wrath that I deserved. HE paid a debt I could never pay.

And HE did not do this for “good people.”

HE did it for the guilty.

For the helpless.

For sinners.

That means the answer is not “try harder.”

It is not “be more spiritual.”

It is not “clean yourself up first.”

It is repent and believe.

Turn from your sin and trust in CHRIST alone.

Mock me if you want... many do, even politely and silently. But I am not part of some club of worthy people with secret handshakes. I do not deserve to be here. I’m here because of mercy.

And I would love for you to know that same mercy too.

HIS Name is Jesus.

And the best part is not only that HE died for sin... though that would already be beyond words...

It’s that HE rose from the dead.

And yes, I really believe that happened... based on Scripture, eyewitness testimony, and the sure hope GOD has given. Which means sin has been conquered... and death too.

So the Christian hope is not escapism. It is not floating on clouds playing harps forever... where do we even get that stuff? 😄

It is resurrection.

It is life.

It is CHRIST.

It is forever with the One who saved us.

A day with no sin.

No pain.

No pride.

No envy.

No anger.

No depression.

No anxiety.

No brokenness.

Just joy... always... with CHRIST.

If you made it this far, first... I’m impressed 😄

And second... enjoy this song that still makes me smile today ...