~ Call on Jesus ~

~ Call on Jesus ~

If ever you feel lonely,
Depressed or afraid,
Just turn your eyes toward Heaven 
And call the Savior's name

Say it in a whisper,
Shout it to the world,
Or just think it to yourself
And your call will be heard

Open up your heart
And you will feel His touch
The touch of a brother
Who loves you very much

So much so He gave His life
So that yours could be saved
All He asks you in return
Is to have faith in His name

Sometimes it's hard, I know,
To hope when you are down,
But place your life in the Lord
He will turn your life around

It may not always happen
In the way that you expect
But He is with you all the way
Through every laugh, every tear, 
- Through every single step.

~ Sinners ~

~ Sinners ~

You are a sinner, but no more so than I am. In fact, with all of the evidence I have at my disposal, I would have to say that I am a far worse sinner, for all I know about you is that you are human and, as such, are guilty of the human condition of sin. But I, I know each one of my sins. I can recall each one though I struggle to forget them. And although I may never forget them, I put much effort every day into making sure you never discover them. Why? Because I am ashamed of myself and what I have done with the blessings the Lord has given me.

That's one of the things I love about the saints; they were human, too, and as guilty of sin as you and I. Many people think of St. Mary Magdalene as one of the best examples of a converted sinner, but are there not many others? St. Paul persecuted Christians; St. Longinus wielded the weapon that pierced the side of Christ. And yet they were all converted to the Lord and, I have faith, are now in Heaven with Him. I could name many other saints, but I do not know of what sins they were guilty. A part of me wishes I did. I try to look to the saints for inspiration in all areas of my life and repentance is one I really struggle with. All of the explicit examples of Heavenly forgiveness are a great help in guiding me toward a fuller reconciliation with Jesus Christ.

I am a sinner now, but I hope one day to be a saint. I know that being a saint is a struggle, but I also  know that it is far from an impossibility. You can be a saint, too, if you open your heart to the Lord. Every day, every moment - pray as often as you can to be converted to the Lord and to resist the temptation to sin. If you are afraid that you might not have quite the right words to say, don't worry; remember that God is good, God is just. Remember that He loves you, and remember the beautiful prayer that Jesus taught us:

Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on Earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

May the good Lord bless you today and every day with His peace.

ACTS 26:29 - Food for Thought

ACTS 26:29

And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” ~ ACTS: 26:29

Food for thought:

Do you want others to become as you are? If not, why not? And how can you take a step toward this end?

I would not be happy if others became as I am. I know my own sins all too well to want others to become like me. There are parts of me that I think are capable of brightening the world a great deal, but as a complete package, I am one sorry mess of a person. 

Still, I have inside me a light that shines, and that is enough of a start to give me hope that I can kindle that flame and make it so bright that the world can't help but see it - and come to love the Lord as much as I do and even more. 

To make it to that end, I will endeavor to pray always - to make my life a living prayer, an offering to the Lord. I will also endeavor to surround myself with people who will inspire me in my faith, encourage me along my journey, and who will be an example to me of how to be the kind of light I want to be for others. 

Lord Jesus, please help me to become the child of Christ that You made me to be. Amen.