Yes! Jesus Loves Me.

Something wonderful has happened in my spiritual life. I finally believe God loves me. I really believe it with all my heart for the first time in my life.

Growing up with a stern and abusive father has always colored my perception of God, I think. My father was religious but didn't really know God. You could see that in his actions.

I've always been afraid of God and thought he expected me to be perfect. The Bible said God loved me, so I tried to believe it and sometimes I did, but not like now. I don't have to try anymore; I believe.

This all happened because of  talks by Ty Gibson I found online, I finally saw the deep love God has for me and the human race. Ty tells us that God would rather die than live without us. What a revelation that was for me.

Here are a few addresses where you can find Ty's Bible Studies on the Love of God:

http://betterlifetv.tv/watch_videos_now.php?ProgID=4

http://www.pilgrimskeyradionetwork.com/sermons/sermons.php?speak=40

You can also watch Ty on youtube.com

He is Special - We are Special.

As a lily among brambles, so is my love among the young women.

Photo by Cillas

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lilium_%27Gran_Paradiso%27.jpg

As an apple tree among the trees of the forest, so is my beloved among the young men. 

With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste.

Sustain me with raisin cakes, Refresh me with apples, Because I am lovesick.

He has brought me to his banquet hall, And his banner over me is love.

His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.

Song of Solomon 2:2-6

I love the Song of Solomon because it is a picture of our love for God and His love for us.

I pray to be in love with him every day. May we all know his embrace.

A Question for God.

Last night I was at the casino with my mother. I went outside for a cigarette and while I was smoking I asked God, "I love to gamble, I love to drink, I love to smoke and I love to swear (the F bomb). What kind of a Christian am I?"

I didn't really expect an answer. I was just sharing my feelings with him. But he did answer. He said to my heart a verse from the Bible, "But we are saved through faith, and even that doesn't come from ourselves, it is the gift of God; not by works, lest any man should boast."

I looked that verse up this morning. It is found in Ephesians 2:8.

I know that few Christians would think I was a Christian because of some of the things I do. But thank God he is different. "For the Lord sees not as man sees. For the Lord looks at the heart." I am so thankful to God that he doesn't judge harshly, that he is merciful, forgiving and kind. Thank you God for loving me just the way I am.