John 1:29 “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Dearly Beloved: May God’s grace, peace, mercy and redemption be ever upon you. May you bask in the glory of the Lord for all eternity.
I remember what it was like being unsaved. That was about four years ago. Boy, what a confusing time it was. I remember feeling so cold and lost. Each day just dragged into the next. I was always stressed out and worried. I ran with sinners and lowlifes. Thus, I was always paranoid that one of them would backstab me or cheat me. Yes, sir, I remember like it was yesterday. Often times, I didn’t live day by day, but from one drink to the next. I remember not having a sense of direction, feeling like I was wandering aimlessly. I remember the pain. Lord knows, I was hurting so bad. The pain was deep and excruciating. I remember feeling like my only reason for being was to provide for my family and find ways to numb the pain. I remember chasing false remedies. I remember grasping at what I thought was a cure, only to find out it was nothing but a deep, dark pit – a vast expanse of nothingness and solitude – a cold dark place where once you were trapped, you felt as though there was no way out. Every time you tried to escape it, the pit got deeper. I remember how scary that was. I remember how hopeless I felt. I lost faith in everyone and everything – especially myself.
I remember committing sin in almost everything I did. I remember the shame of it. It still haunts me in my nightmares. I remember the realization of what I had become. I remember begging for death. And, I remember death stalking me. I remember it creeping and inching closer and closer with every breath I took, until finally, I was staring it right in the face, nose to nose. I remember the horror of that moment and the events surrounding it. And, I remember praying for the first time in seven years. I remember repeatedly asking Jesus not to let me die. I remember the light bulb going off in my mind when I realized that deep down inside I still believed in Jesus. I remember having an epiphany – I did not truly want to die; I wanted to live. “Oh, Lord! Please don’t let me die!!!” That’s what my heart was screaming. And, in that moment, I remember having something that I had not had in a very long time – HOPE! – sweet, beautiful and merciful Hope. I remember believing for the first time that Jesus could save me. Hallelujah! Praise His Name! And, oh what a feeling that was.
I remember embarking on a journey. I remember seeing a path up ahead. I remember wanting to walk on that path, but feeling unworthy. Lord knows, I felt wretched and worthless. I remember seeing a bright, shiny light and being too afraid and ashamed to walk in it. But, that Light, Oh!, it just kept calling me. I remember not trusting the Light, so I walked on the edge of it. I didn’t trust anyone or anything completely. But, oh, that Light just kept beckoning me. I felt that I would be welcome there on the path walking in the glorious Light. And, so I stepped closer and I grabbed the hands of some people who were already on the path. I opened my heart and I accepted Jesus as my Master, surrounded by those people. And, as the Light shined on me, I suddenly felt like dancing; For, I had finally found what I was looking for.
I am headed in the right direction. I know my true purpose, Jesus. My eyes have been opened and everything is starting to become clear. I feel whole. And, even though it has been four years since that day and my physical body remains in prison, I am finally free and I do not regret my decision to walk in the Light. It remains the best decision that I have ever made. Words cannot express what a glorious feeling it is to walk with Jesus. In fact, my only regret is not walking with Him sooner.
Some of you are shaking your heads. You think I am crazy. My station in life lends credence to such thoughts. You think a man in my shoes has to be crazy. Some of you think I am just spinning a yarn; a fairy tale. You think I am selling wolf tickets. Or maybe you think I am just another con trying to run game on you. I am not crazy. This is not some kind of jive game. This is serious. The stakes don’t get any higher.
Some of you are miserable. Your life seems pointless and hopeless right now. The cynic in you is telling you to be skeptical. But, you are at your wits end. You feel something tugging at your heart right now. That’s the Lord. I am on the path. I am holding my hand out to you, friend. The Lord and I want you to hold hands with us spiritually. We want you to be our spiritual kin. I love you and more importantly, Jesus loves you. But, you gotta love yourself enough to let go of your old life and start a new one. We want to help you do that. It is time to heal your mental and spiritual wounds. It is time to forgive and be forgiven. if you are ready to begin your new journey, then repeat the following:
“Dear Jesus, I know that because of my sin I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins. I believe You rose again so I could live with You. I want to stop living for myself and start living for You. I want Your peace in my life. I want forgiveness for my sins. Please come into my heart and change my life. I want to live with You forever. I want You to be my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
If you said that and you meant it, then you are my brother or sister and I welcome you to the path. Come and walk with Jesus and I. All that pain you are feeling will gradually be taken away. You don’t have to bear your burden alone. Jesus is the ultimate redeemer. He can give you a fresh start and make you complete. Come as you are and receive redemption! Amen!
John 6:39-40 “This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
May God bless and keep you! May you join us on the path! May you forever walk with the Redeemer! Amen and amen!
Love In Christ,
Randall
(A man who has been redeemed and wants to help you be redeemed, too!)