The First Post

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Well, here I am.  After weeks of working to set up this site and problem after problem causing me to have to start from scratch several times, I am ready for the first post.  My first thought was, what should the number one post be about?  I did some research; and got answers such as 'who you are, what is your story, and why are you here', among other things.  Sounds like common sense after you have been given the answer, doesn't it?  Then I started thinking 'but that's the basic information in the About page'.  Why would I want to tell you the same things twice?  Ah, but it's not twice because here and now I get to tell you a little more detail.

First - Who am I?

Since I started going to the church I attend 2 yeas ago, I have learned, for the first time, exactly who I am.  One of the first times I went there they gave me a bookmark that told me who I am.  As a matter of fact the title is "Who am I?".  Since then I have come to understand that I am royalty.  I am a daughter of the King; a child of the living God who created the universe.  See, according to God's Word, I am:

• Wonderfully made – Psalm 139:13-14
• Created to do good works – Ephesians 2:10
• Chosen – Colossians 3:12
• Rescued – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Child of God – John 1:12
• Forgiven – Colossians 1:14
• A new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Free from condemnation – Romans 8:1
• A Saint – Ephesians 1:1
• Righteous and Holy – Ephesians 4:24
• Able to approach God – Ephesians 3:12
• Complete in Christ – Colossians 2:10
• A temple where Christ lives – 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19
• A member of Christ’s Body – 1 Corinthians 12:27
• An heir with Christ – Romans 8:17
• A citizen of heaven – Philippians 3:20
• An alien here – 1 Peter 2:11
• A minister of reconciliation – 2 Corinthians 5:18
• An ambassador for God – 2 Corinthians 5:20
• Salt & Light – Matthew 5:13-14
• Christ’s follower – Matthew 28:18-20
• Empowered – Acts 1:8
• Gifted – 1 Corinthians 12
• Friend of God – John 15:14-15
• Beloved – Deuteronomy 33:12

• and most of all I am LOVED – John 3:16.

Second - What's my story?

In a nut shell my story is this: I am a sinner.  I am someone who messed up so badly and got myself into such a mess that only God, Himself, can get me out of it.  I needed help to bail me out of my dire circumstances, so I called on my Father.  I did that after years of not being close to Him or listening to anything He had to say to me.  Kinda 'nervy' now that I think about it.  After all, He had every right to send me away.  He had every right to walk away from me and leave me in that dark prison; and to find my own way out.  

This well known poem by Carol Wimmer sums it up nicely:


When I Say that "I am Christian"

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting “I’m clean livin’.”
I’m whispering “I was lost,
Now I’m found and forgiven.”

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak of this with pride.
I’m confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong.
I’m professing that I’m weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success.
I’m admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my
mess.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say… “I am a Christian”
I’m not holier than thou,
I’m just a simple sinner
Who received God’s good grace, somehow.

Third - Why am I here?

God has called each of us to praise Him and to share His Word.  I'm here to tell you my story, but I'm also here to tell you that God wants to do the same thing for you that He did for me.  See, even though God has every right to walk away and leave me in prison; He did not do that.  Instead, He bailed me out of hell; literally.  The good news is that we do not have to stay in prison.  He sent His only Son, Jesus, to pay my fine.  Our bail has been paid and the judge has thrown out the case.  Jesus died for me; defeated death and hell; and brought me back home.  Awesome Father, huh?!  I am going home and He has this awesome place already and waiting for me to live with Him.  That is so cool! 

This great gift does come with a catch though.  That is, you have to willingly accept it.  You do that by asking Him to forgive you and then inviting His Son, Jesus, into your heart and allow Him be your Savior.  Then you have to believe, have faith; and follow Him in every thing you say, think and do. 

God wants you to know that He thinks you are awesome!   He loves you so much and He misses you so badly that He does not care how terribly you have messed up.  He just wants you to live with Him forever.  He wants to live with you every day in this world.  He wants to be part of your life, your home, your family, all your decisions... everything.   

If you have never invited Jesus into your life before; you can do it now, right where you are in front of your computer screen with this prayer. 

~~ Dear God ~~ I want to know you personally.  I know that I have done wrong and I am sorry.  I am willing, with your help, to turn away from my sins and turn to you.  I believe, Jesus, that you died and rose again for me.  Please come into my life.  I receive you as my Saviour and Lord, as best as I know how, right now. AMEN.

Once you have prayed this prayer from your heart, contact a local bible-based church in your local area and speak with a pastor and tell him / her about your decision. They will help guide you in your next steps.

If you did say this prayer from your heart for the first time because of something I have said here, than that is why I am here.

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Here's a video with people like you and me reciting the poem "When I Say that I Am Christian".  Afterward there's a song.  Enjoy.

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