Monday Inspiration

It is not the pace. It is the focus in the right direction. Remember, the snail made it to Noah’s Ark in good time.

“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Psalm 25:15

Have a wonderful week and a Happy New Year!

Choices

Every day is a choice we make. Do we follow Christ or do we follow the world and its ways? What choice did you make today? What choice will you make tomorrow? Every morning when we put our feet on the floor we have the freewill to live a life of sin, breaking Christ's heart, or we can live a life for Him. Surrender, Scripture, and the Spirit gets us disgusted with the sin, through the darkness of the world, and moves us on towards Christ. Remember every temptation is a choice- will you fall to sin or stand with Him? Choose Christ, surrender to the Spirit, cast off all sin that entangles you, and remember His redemption, love, and forgiveness. Jesus is there with open arms so run to Him instead of that sin and that temptation. Make the choice that will save you in more ways than one.

1. We are separated from God. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9 Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?" says the Lord; "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the Lord.Jeremiah 23:24
2. Our sins separate us from God But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one... For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God"  Romans 3:10,23.
3. Our sin brings Judgment and Death Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned Romans 5:12 "Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die. Ezekiel 18:4 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  Romans 3:23
4. Jesus Christ came to pay for our sins "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 5. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6
5. Those who receive Jesus are forgiven of sin For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.Romans 6:23 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word (Jesus) and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24
6. We must choose to accept Jesus Christ "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" Romans 10:13 How does someone accept Jesus as Savior? A simple sincere prayer, with a willing heart is all that is required. "Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner and cannot save myself. Right now I turn from my sin and accept You alone for my salvation. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus Name, Amen."

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Christmas Eve Service at Shepherd of the Hills

This is the video of the Christmas Eve Service at Shepherd of the Hills- check it out:

December 24, 2009 Dudley Rutherford

Connected to the Vine A God Who Travels

http://callonjesus.com/media-messages-video.php?messagesID=173

God Bless!!! Merry Christ-mas and a happy and healthy New Year!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Merry Merry Christ-mas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember the reason for the season- Jesus Christ :D!!!!!!


All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Transform

The holidays always get us thinking of resolutions, of changes we need to make, and of things we need to or should do. Today the Lord has especially laid it on my heart to continue to change. We are all sinners, we all have fallen short of the glory of God, and we all make mistakes. We are not perfect, we do not have life down, and we do not know what is in store for us in the future. Although, we can trust the Lord for the perfection, for the control, and for the future. Striving to be like the Lord completes us as people, it draws us near to God, and it praises Him as well. I pray that we all long to change to be like our Lord and to serve Him in every way stated in His Word. I pray that we all have a deep desire to read His love letter to us, the Bible. I pray that we are not satisfied with who we are but unceasingly climb to new heights of loving and living for Christ. I am a sinner, I have and will sin, and I am beyond blessed to know that my Lord will forgive me and set me straight. He will love me, teach me, and turn me around. I pray that the Lord continue to change us, transform us, and make us more like Himself with our every breath and our every heart beat. Remember who we are celebrating- Jesus- so do what would honor Him and give Him the present of your obedience, your faithfulness, and your Christ-likeness.

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Help the World- Just Click!!!!

http://www.care2.com/click-to-donate/


The site listed above only ask that you "click" to create a donation. The charitable organizations here are dedicated to ending human welfare issues such as poverty, homelessness, and slavery.
The sites have their differences in how your clicks translate into resources. In general, you click some place on the site and either you are shown ads and the revenue from the ads goes to a charity, or there are sponsors who pledge to pay or donate to the charity based on the number of clicks generated. So it costs you nothing but time.


All you have to do is click to help!!! So click away every day!!!

Have a Merry & Blessed Christmas!!!

Monday Inspiration

Christmas is not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, nor even the carols. It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future when the humble heart receives anew God’s wondrous gift, Christ.

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas!

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Use Your Life's Every Moment as an Opportunity

Whatever is happening in our lives is happening for a reason. We can use where we are and what we have to glorify God or we can use it to do our own will. What path are you going to take? Sometimes it's hard to stand up and do the right thing or to do God's will when it goes against our own sin nature but God calls us to a new life. He calls us to run from our sin nature to deny the world and sin around us and to jump into His will and His arms. Every moment of our lives is an opportunity to serve Him. Don't get distracted by the people who want to pull you down or the sin issue that wants to take its hold! Keep your eyes fixed on Him! Use your life's every moment as an opportunity to serve Him and teach others about His greatness!!!

Hebrews 12:2 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Dance in the Rain

Perserverance

Have you ever felt exhausted by life's difficulties, obstacles and tests? Have you felt like today you have run many of those races and are just too tired to continue?  Do rising up, victory, and perseverance seem so distant, unreachable, and to be just mere words? If you are feeling this way, you are feeling human weakness. The beauty of this weakness is that there is strength, their is power, their is peace, and there is victory in Christ. He can give you the extra step, He can give you the peace of mind, He can give you the joys of a life in Him and so much more. When you think you can't do it anymore look up and rely on the God who is the definition of victory. Let the Lord Almighty support you, strengthen you, and give you the extra ability you need to succeed or to just keep on moving with a purpose. Remember in everything there is the beauty and blessing of the life that the Lord has given you and the God moments He has placed in your path. Open your eyes and heart to see them. Stop and smell the roses, look at the clouds in the sky, and take in His heavenly surroundings.


2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But [the Lord] said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.




All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Monday Inspiration

There never was a great soul that did not have some divine inspiration.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3

Have a wonderful week! 

The Life of An Angel

The Life of An Angel

By:  Amber Johnson

Dedicated to: My Angel Kerry

To care

And to give

In Prayer

She lives

A life filled with God

Is her daily song

A smile you see

And we all agree

This is the life of an angel

Her heart beats for right

All near becomes bright

Eyes see Christ’s light

In her smile and life

This is surely the life of an angel

Sent from above

She is nothing but love

Her caring transcends

Surpassing the earth’s ends

This is the life of an angel!

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

The Grip of Grace

The Grip of Grace

by: Amber Johnson

The grip of grace

His sweet embrace

Erases all the disgrace

And leads us to replace

Sin with righteousness in our hearts every space

To make us right so we can see His ever-forgiving face

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

What do you think of Jesus Christ?

What do you think of Jesus Christ? What do you know about Jesus? I start reading about Him in the Bible and find His truths and His promises lining the pages of His holy word. I read about His miracles, His power, His authority, His perfection, His holiness, and I just want to know more. The greatest thing is that I can because the list certainly does not stop there and the Lord won’t stop there either. He reaches out to His followers and wants to instill in them His word and His likeness. Thankfully, He will help me to change me into Himself. Can you even fathom THE FACT that the Lord of all Creation, the King of all Kings, the Alpha and Omega reaches out to us and loves us? Even that one truth overwhelms my mind and heart. 

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

To All the Students Out There....

To all the students out there....these past few weeks have been filled with finals and there are more to come in the coming weeks and I want to pray for you all. Pray that you are diligent with your studies, pray that you absorb the information, and most importantly pray that you will use all that you study to further the kingdom of Christ. The subjects that we are studying now are just a means to reach out to other people and connect to them. They are opportunities not just something we need to check off our list to get to graduation. So get out your coke, your Starbucks, or your caffeine of choice and study with the Lord's work in mind. Have a blessed night and an awesome finals week!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Monday Inspiration

Your THOUGHTS are seeds, Your WORDS water them; what are you growing today?

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24

Have a blessed day and an amazing week!!!

He Takes Us As We Are

The Lord is so accepting and takes us all as we are. He meets us where we are, our flaws and all. The great thing about Christ and accepting the gift of Christ is that we don't have to be perfect before we accept Him. If that were the case, well, no one on the face of the planet would be able to receive Him because we are all sin filled flesh bound creatures. The Lord knows we are not perfect and yet He reaches out to us and works through us to do mighty works. How amazing is that! The Lord sees us in our sin and gives us a gift to save us from it- His only Son!!! He doesn't just stop at saving us from an eternal death in flames and our own sin but He works to make us more like Himself. He helps us with our flaws and our sins so we can be more like Him- more loving, caring, kind, gentle, joyful, peaceful, patient, faithful, and self controlled- the list goes on and on. Just know that you don't have to be perfect to accept Christ or do the work of Christ. When you accept Christ He will begin to do that work in you. So accept Jesus Christ's calling today, let Him into your heart and into your life, so He may begin a glorious transformation in you. 

Galatians 5:22-23 

 ²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,²³gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Open Arms

Open Arms

By: Amber Johnson

Someone I can rely on

When everyone’s gone

Someone I can run to

When I wish somebody knew

A heavenly understanding

That keeps me standing

Arms open wide

The only place to hide

I had cried

For a place to confide

For a place to heal me inside

Why hadn’t I tried

The open arms of Jesus

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Monday Inspiration

Always be thankful for what you have. Would you sell both your eyes for a million dollars... or your two legs... or yourhands... or your hearing? The best things in life truly are yours!

“You are my God, and I will give you thanks.” Psalm 118:28

Have a blessed day and give Him thanks and praise!!!

In Awe

In Awe

I am in awe of Jesus so much so today....humanly words can not express... and this picture just gives you a glimpse of how truly awesome, amazing, glorious, strong, loving, gracious, miraculous, grand, heavenly He is... no words can explain my overflowing love, my confounded and impressed finite mind, or my unendingly thankful wretched soul. Yet, I hope together we can set aside the words and focus on what is most important... Jesus Christ. So today focus on Jesus and who He is to you and how amazing He truly is. Have a blessed day focusing on the Lord God Almighty!!!!

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."- Hebrews 12:2

You Say....God Says

He Knows Your Name

He Knows My Name (I Have A Maker)

By: Paul Baloche

I have a maker
Before my heart,
before even time began
My life was in his hands

He knows my name
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

I have a father,
he calls me his own
He'll never leave me,
no matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
He hears me when I call

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Who is Your Physician?

Who is Your Physician?

Who is your Physician? What are you using to heal yourself? What are you trying in order to stop the pain? Is it working for you? Jesus is the Great Physician. Jesus is the healing to every pain to every hurt and sadness. He is the solution, the aid, the love, and the unending help. Jesus is the answer! No matter how broken, how hurt, how lonely, how lost, how hollow, how confused, ...whatever your condition; Jesus saves and heals. Cry out to Him in all your pain and all your need and He will answer. He will hold you through your tears, He will wipe them away, and He will give you love to last, truth to stand on, and hope for a grand present and future. The Lord Jesus created the heart you feel is broken and He can just as easily fix it. Pray for understanding, help, hope, love, and a deeper brighter relationship with Christ. The closer you are to the heart of the one who made you and died for you, the closer you will be to heaven on earth, penetrating healing, wisdom in difficult situations, encompassing peace, and to becoming more like the Lord God Almighty. Run to Jesus first, cry to Jesus from the depths of your pain, trust Him to heal and help you! Know that Jesus deeply and unendingly loves you and wants to help you!

"... for I am the LORD, who heals you."- Exodus 15:26


"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."- John 3:16






All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today just think about the Lord and all He has blessed us with. I think sometimes we can overlook the everyday things, the common things, the noticeable things, and just walk right on by without giving them a second thought. Yet, there is so much beauty, so much of God's love and glory surrounding us every second of every God blessed day. The beauty of the song from the wind through the trees, the glory of the towering trees swaying, the endlessness of the blue sky, and the bluebird that flies by. The Lord created. He created nature and the grandness of you and I. Pray that your eyes are opened to His wonders and to every facet of Himself in His glorious creation. Have a blessed day and a God filled Thanksgiving!!!


"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever."- Psalms 136:1



"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."- 1 Chronicles 16:8-9

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

What is Life?

What is life...

By: Amber Johnson

What is life

But a learning experience

A journey

To grasp

Love

To Feel

Whole

To Be

To Become

Life is more

A purpose

Between Three

Genesis

Psalms

Revelation

Hits you

And there you see

Christ

Life

For what it is

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Leave the Past Behind

Leave the Past Behind

By: Amber Johnson

Do you dwell on the past

allowing those memories to last?

How do you feel?

Do you think it helps you deal?

Or are you just not letting yourself heal?

The sin you try to conceal

And only the righteousness reveal

What does that do to you

who ends up being untrue?

What are you putting yourself through?

Just living like you used to

Taking those memories and letting them override

Does that allow you to abide

In the Christ who is supposed to be inside

Don’t dwell in the past

But in the present stand fast

For Christ erased the old

So the present you could hold

Take every thought captive

So that here and now you can live

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

My Heart Broke Today

My Heart Broke Today

By: Amber Johnson 

My heart broke today
as I had to sit still, not one word could I say
As the Lord and His Word
were being called absurd
in a class with a teacher
carrying on as a preacher
getting students to agree
with a simple don't you see

My heart broke today
so i started to pray
pray for the day
my teacher would say
Jesus is King
and only the truth of His Word do I want to bring
Jesus is greater than my stand up and shout
That He is Savior without a doubt

My heart broke today
for the things I couldn't say
and those living their way
choosing to stray
but God reminded me of the day
when all knees would bow
and all to Jesus would vow

My heart broke today
for people who weren't living God's way
but when the hurt cleared
a smile appeared
when I remembered Christ will one day by all be revered


All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved. You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Monday Inspriation

Thanksgiving is a word of action.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalm 100:4

Have a blessed day and Happy Thanksgiving!

Take this Quick Test if You Dare

http://www.needgod.com/

Everything Skit by Lifehouse

"Click on the video player to view the powerful and spiritually moving drama that depicts Satan's hold and Christ's all-encompassing grace, courtesy of the Church of God." -http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/268780.aspx







Everything: by Lifehouse


Find Me Here
Speak To Me
I want to feel you
I need to hear you
You are the light
That's leading me
To the place where I find peace again.

You are the strength, that keeps me walking.
You are the hope, that keeps me trusting.
You are the light to my soul.
You are my purpose...you're everything.

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

You calm the storms, and you give me rest.
You hold me in your hands, you won't let me fall.
You steal my heart, and you take my breath away.
Would you take me in? Take me deeper now?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
And how can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Cause you're all I want, You're all I need
You're everything,everything
You're all I want your all I need
You're everything, everything.
You're all I want you're all I need.
You're everything, everything
You're all I want you're all I need, you're everything, everything.

And How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?
How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

How can I stand here with you and not be moved by you?
Would you tell me how could it be any better than this?

Would you tell me how could it be any better than this? 


This song just shows how much we need Christ and how much He truly loves us. In Him there is peace, overflowing love, and unending joy. There is nothing that can fill our soul and that can complete our life like Christ. He is life! Jesus is everything to me and He can be everything to you! He can fill that deep void in your life that nothing else has been able to fill. Accept the free gift of salvation, as well as, the true joy, love, and happiness that only Jesus can provide. All you have to do is believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again to pay the penalty for your sins, repent and turn from your sins, and follow Him in obedience. Make Jesus your Savior TODAY!!!


"for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"- Romans 10:13. 


"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." -Romans 6:23

Let Christ in the Boat!

Let Christ in the Boat!

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.- John 6:16-21

When the disciples let Jesus into the boat they IMMEDIATELY got to their destination. They escaped the treacherous wind and the exhausting rowing they would have had to continue. Why don't we allow Christ to do that in our lives? It is either we don't let Christ in at all or we just let Him visit when we want Him to. Relying on and trusting in the Lord always turns out better than we could ever picture it. Just look at the case with the disciples. They invited Jesus in, they trusted Him, and they let Him be in control and the Lord took them where they needed to be. Let Him into your heart and your life and turn over the reigns to Him and you will see His greatness! He can calm the storm and he can get you where you need to and should be. So LET GO and LET GOD!!!

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved.
You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

God’s Message through His Vessel

God’s Message through His Vessel By: Amber Johnson
The Lord’s Word and glories have been on my heart
that is the message I am attempting to impart
a filthy sinner am I
but who am I to deny
Christ’s grand abilities
and my moral and servantly responsibility
to spread the good news
of salvation, news you shouldn’t refuse
A cross and a resurrected Savior
should change your behavior
and if that wasn’t all
at least answer the eternal heavenly call
We are all depraved, but will you be the Saul turned Paul
Christ can transform a mess into art
so give Him your heart
and decide never to part
from the Lord of Lords, the King of all Kings, and the Savior of hearts

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved.
You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Is Blood on Your Hands?

I wrote this poem based on Ezekiel 33 which talks about getting the Word of God out to all the people you know. If we have the greatest truth of all, the truth to everlasting life, don't we have an obligation to share it? If we have that truth and don't tell the people in our lives the blood of their life is on our hands. Is there anyone you need to tell about Jesus today? Spread the Word....Save lives!!!

Is Blood on your hands
By: Amber Johnson

Is Blood on your hands
Have they been warned
The lost souls numbering the grains of sand covering the lands
Or are their lives to be mourned

Forever in an eternity of flames
Are you to blame?
Did you point them to the Name above all Names ?

What’s to fear but the muted
Where Christ Himself should be rooted
Has the world of self image polluted
The chance of the lost to be recruited

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved.
You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

Shouldn't It Be Thanksgiving Everyday?

Shouldn't It Be Thanksgiving Everyday?

Thanksgiving is coming up and this is the time we say what we are thankful for but hasn't God blessed us daily? Remember to always see your blessings in life and open your eyes to the blessings of God. You will be surprised to see all the amazing and glorious things around you. God moments are everywhere you just have to have your eyes and heart open to see them. Oh, and happy happy blessed day and early Thanksgiving :D!!!

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved.

You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

My Testimony

My Testimony

After hearing God’s word faithfully preached and seeing my mother and father’s faith demonstrated each day, the Holy Spirit moved my heart at the age of seven to long to belong to Christ. January 5, 1997, I stood before the church congregation to confess Jesus Christ as my Lord, Savior, and King because I knew that I would remain lost without Him. Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” I was in good hands the day I was baptized; my mom was the decision counselor in charge of all the preparation before being baptized and my head pastor, Dudley was going to baptize me but it is not that I remember the day, it is that I remember accepting Jesus making it the happiest day of my life. I realize this more and more as I grow in Him. In Acts 2:38 Peter replies, “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.” God loves us more than we could ever imagine and that is why He freely gives us the gift of salvation.

I feel my Father’s overflowing love when I think of His perfect son, whom He gave, nailed to the cross dying as thieves do for me, a sinner. I am saddened to think of my Lord in such pain yet I am exceedingly grateful for His sacrifice to save my imperfect soul. His gift is open to all and I accepted this gift in order to be all God created me to be. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10). My old self was buried and I resurrected anew, ready for the Lord to mold me into the Christian woman He created me to be. I am a new creation in Christ being transformed through the renewal of my mind, heart, and soul.

Christ works to form me into the person I will be but I sustain the heavenly makeover by reading my Bible, talking to Him, carrying out his missions, and living in a way that everyone can see I belong to Christ. In accepting Christ Jesus as my Lord, Savior, and Master of my life I am promised “the gift of God [that] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Thinking about eternity with the Lord makes my heart race and overflows my soul with exhilaration. I want to live my life so on that glorious day when I see the Lord face to face He will smile and say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Have you accepted Christ into your life? Do you want to do that today, right now? Follow the Scriptures above to do so- confess that Jesus is Lord, repent and turn from your sin, and be baptized. Get plugged into a church that can support you in your walk with Christ. God Bless!

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved.

You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.

If Today Were Your Last Day

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."- John 4:13-15

If our life is just a vapor, which is here today and could be gone tomorrow shouldn't we make our every second count? We need to ditch those sins that we plan on stopping soon, forgive those people who are begging for it, love the people we care for, befriend our enemies, right our wrongs, love and live for the Lord, and live each breath to point to God Almighty. Who knows how much longer we have, so make the most of it-live for the King of Kings, the Alpha Omega, the Creator of the Universe, the Lord God Almighty. 

"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."- Psalm 118:24

If Today Was Your Last Day

By: Amber Johnson

If today was your last day

Would you have any more words to say?

If today was your last

Would you dwell on the past?

If today was your last day

Would you continue to stray?

Would you begin to pray?

If today was your last day

Would your world still be colored grey?

Today…

Keep the devil at bay.

In Christ alone you’ll stay.

Do not stray.

Choose the right way.

Now…

Do not ask how

Or at what feet do I bow

Simply sin… disallow

And accept righteousness right here and now

All content copyright © 2009 Amber Johnson. All rights reserved.
You MUST GET WRITTEN PERMISSION to reprint or republish any of this material.