Kirsten Strawn
The Faith Coach
Be Empowered to Love Like Jesus
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At some point in life we question who is God, does He care for me, which religion is right, are there many paths to God or only one way? I questioned, Does God even exist?
Raised with parents who claimed to be Christians we went to church on and off in my childhood. Yet I never read my Bible, we never prayed together other than occasionally at dinner time, and I never knew why Jesus died on the cross. We were even baptized as a family in my early teens, but my ears and eyes were shut to the message of God preached at my church.
For many people they seek God after having children. Not me. I never saw the miracle of a newborn baby, emotionally detached after my abortion and being raised by detached parents. In fact, my identity was not as a mother, but in my career. Once again following in my parent's footsteps.
When I lost my job after the birth of my second child some would think I might blame God or turn to him, but I never did. Why would I? In my mind he never existed. My motto to get me through a tough time was, "it's meant to be," a phrase I accepted from my agnostic husband.
Eventually after thirteen years of marriage my frustration with my husband drove me back to church. I started looking for the answers, who is God, does he exist, and can He help me?
Due to some divine encounters I began reading the Bible for the first time, listening to my pastor, and praying. God opened my eyes and my heart. He revealed himself in a personal way that convinced me that we have a God who loves me.
Throughout the Bible from beginning to end the message is consistent that we will be redeemed and reconciled to God by a Savior, the Messiah.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. Only through me you can come to the Father." He was either telling the truth or a liar. Most liars are not considered great people or prophets, yet most people who are not Christians think that Jesus is at the very minimum a great person.
Jesus claimed to be God, said he would die for us, and said he would be raised on the third day. He taught to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and then to love everyone else as yourself.
Salvation is a gift that we don't deserve. We are saved by the grace of God not by our achievements. There is no spiritual awakening, no nirvana experience, or anything at all you can do to get into heaven. We are saved by grace not by works so that none can boast, (Eph. 2:8-9). We only have to believe that Jesus died in our place taking the punishment of our sin upon himself.
Jesus left heaven to pay the consequence of your sin, and mine, by dying on a cross so that we can stand before a Holy God forgiven, unashamed, and cleansed by the blood of Jesus. He paid the price, going to hell for you and me, then conquered death. Our punishment has been paid in full by His sacrifice. Jesus rose from the dead. He is alive. History proves it, scripture verifies it, and personal experience testifies to it.
Consider that the God of the universe wants to reveal himself to you today. Jesus is a gentleman. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks, (Revelation 3:20). Will you trust Him and invite Him in?
Take a step of faith by saying this simple prayer believing that Jesus loves you and died for you: Dear Jesus, Please forgive me of all my sin. Thank you for going to the cross on my behalf and paying the consequence of my bad choices. I believe you are the Son of God and I invite you into my heart to live and reign. Please help me develop a close relationship with you by reading my Bible and spending time with you in prayer, in Jesus name I pray.
Start reading God's love letter to you, the Bible. This is our instruction manual to experience his peace, power and presence. We all know that spending time with family and friends will strengthen our relationship. The same is true with God. As you spend time in God's word and in prayer your life will change. You will experience His peace, joy and presence as you seek him with all of your heart, know God's promises, and obey His Word.
God has transformed my life as I follow Him. He forgave me of my sin, delivered me of my shame, healed my son of cancer, and resurrected my marriage from the dead. Jesus is alive today and He wants a relationship with you. Will you invite him into your life?
God's Word to Live By:
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
