A snapshot of my testimony

A snapshot of my testimony  

by Michelle M. James

For many years I lived lukewarm. I had enough of Jesus to make me feel good but not enough to make a difference. I loved Him as Saviour but rejected Him as Lord. I indulged when it was convenient but neglected Him full time. I always knew to cry out in times of need but as soon as things were "right my way" I quickly parted from His feet.

I never really understood my surrender was required or how serious God sees sin as vile wretched and evil. I had head knowledge of Christ but my heart was hard as stone. There was nothing personal about my relationship with Him. Actually to say a relationship existed is blasphemous in itself!

Then one day He showed me I was no different from anyone else. I talked just like them, dressed just like them, acted no different, indulged in the same music, movies and entertainment that contradicts Him. So on and so on things were made clear.

Truth struck at my heart as lighting to a dead tree. I was Christian in name only as I really didn't know this King. I knew of Him, that much was true but in reality I created a god of convenience who looked no different than me and you.

His love hurts, then heals as He makes all things known. His character is real and without compromising Himself, He is true to His Word. His attributes are divine and His ways are so much different than mine.

If you say you know Him, are you sure it's the One who gave His life for you? Is there evidence of Him in your thoughts, life, behavior and in your love for Him and others? Is there a change that continues to be seen, felt and heard?

#SelfExamination #HeartCheck #SurrenderRequired

 #honestyispowerful #bringingtruthtodeceivedpeople

Known by Christ or a Grapevine Experience

I remember in my younger days a lot of people knew who I was, but not because then knew me personally; they knew me by association-- they knew others who did know me... that were close to me. 

Even still with business I encounter similar situations. Many know who I am but aren't close enough to know me personally. I'm not into popularity. No, I share this because as I pondered these things the Lord spoke to my heart. 

He brought this passage to mind: 

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7:21-23

Many know of Jesus yet very few know Him personally. Key question is: Does He know you?

He said, "Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:14

Knowing Him is personal, a genuine relationship. Religion leads one to believe it's collective or a grapevine experience. It is not by customs, traditions nor through any other coattail experience that we are forgiven, redeemed, and set free... Come to know Christ, turn to Him. Only He has the power to save. 

Will you be a stranger saying unto Him, "Lord, Lord..." only to hear those dreaded words, "I never knew you" and be eternally cast away? I pray you are not rejected by Him.