DID YOU KNOW..............THAT YOU MATTER TO GOD?
Suppose you had to choose between two people who want to go to dinner with you. First person is very warm, takes interest in others, listens and is fun to be with. That kind of person you can have a friendship with for a lifetime.
Second person is aloof, demanding, keeps his friends at a distance, never calls unless he wants something and you never know quite where you stand with him. If it weren't for his influence and power he probably wouldn't have any friends. If your like me, you'll probably like to have dinner with the first person.
Who is God like in your mind......the first person.....or the second person? Unfortunately, many people have a distorted view of God's character. To many, He's much like the second person....distant and uncaring and can't be counted on. The only benefit you have is that sometimes He answers your prayers. No wonder people have a hard time relating to Him. Who would want to cultivate a friendship like that?
In your view of God, has He been colored by mistaken assumptions and erroneous ideas? It can be startling to learn that God longs to establish a close, intimate friendship with you. Let one truth sink in: GOD IS A FRIEND WORTH HAVING AND YOU MATTER TO HIM AND YOU MATTER TO US!
To get an accurate picture of what God is like you first have to look at what God has done. As we look at creation, nature, the world, stars and galaxies, one undeniable conclusion emerges: the ONE responsible for all this must be powerful beyond comparison. God's handiwork is so evident that you have to suppress what you see and feel in order to ignore Him.
Yet, the Bible tells us that's exactly what we do in Rm. 1:18-20, "God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, evil men who push away the truth from them. For the truth about God is known to them instinctively, God has put this knowledge in their hearts. Since earliest times men and women have seen the earth and sky and all God made, and have known of his existence and great eternal power. So they will have no excuse when they stand before God at Judgment Day." We hear the voice, but ignore it. Sin, our wrong doing, attempts to expel Him from the throne of the universe as well as our view of God.
But our condition isn't hopeless. God doesn't just DO....He SPEAKS. He sends us messages, through people and through His Word. God isn't an angry Father about to blow His cool. He's a loving Father desiring to be close to each of us.
God just didn't do and speak, but He BECAME. His Word came to us in the form of Jesus Christ, His Son. When we read His Word, we see and meet His Son, Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate picture of God....His work and the Word in the flesh. What He does, God does. What He says, God says.
This then is what God is like and why you matter to Him. I don't know what your life is like now, but I do know this one thing. If you surrender it to HIm, it will surely change the way you live and you'll live with God after death forever.
There's a very simple way that you can make Him a part of your life. He yearns to have that personal relationship with you. It doesn't matter what you've done. Nothings to big that God can't forgive. You can search in many different areas for peace, but you'll only find it in one place....JESUS!
There's only one thing permanent in the end, it's our relationship with Jesus Christ. Below, you'll find some simple steps that will help you to come into a right relationship with God. Simply follow them and pray the prayer at the end in faith and God will welcome you in forever.
First thing we have to do is remove the things we've done wrong. This is called 'sin.' Things that have kept us from God. Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Many of us try to 'earn' a relationship with God, by being a good person or doing good things, but you must know that its a GIFT that is given freely. You can't work your way into a relationship with God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, this not for yourselves, it is a gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast."
Secondly, we need to put Christ at the center of our lives. This was done by Jesus dying on the cross. He removed the barrier between us and God. He paid the price for the things we've done wrong. Romans 5:8 says, "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." It's important to know that Jesus is the ONLY WAY to a relationship with God. John 14:6 reads, "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
Thirdly, ASK Jesus to come into your life. Revelation 3:20 reads, "I stand at the door and knock and if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him." Then RECEIVE HIM into your life. John 1:12 says, "Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
Fourthly, as you invite Jesus into your life you have to confess your sins, things you've done wrong and help you to move away from doing those kinds of things.
If you'd like to invite Jesus into your life right now simply pray this simple prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that I've done things wrong in my life. Please forgive me of these sins. I invite you Jesus into my life as my Savior and Lord. As my Savior, I ask you to save me from the effect of my sins. As my Lord, I put you in the center of my life and give you control of it. Thank you for forgiving my sin and giving me the gift of eternal life with you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer Jesus has come into your life and you have life eternal. God's made this promise to anyone who has invited Him into their lives: "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."
I John 5:11-13
Inviting Jesus into your life is only the first step in an exciting relationship with God. You'll hopefully want to get to know Him better and learn His plan for your life. If you've just asked Jesus into your life, let me know about it. I'd like to rejoice with you. If you'd need help with suggestions as to how you can deepen your walk with Christ, I'd be willing to give you some. One other thing. Find a Bible Believing Church and get connected with other believers and a place where you can grow in your faith. That's real important. Also, begin reading God's Word. It will help you to understand Him better.
There's no other important decision you can make in your life than the one you just made. May God continue to fill you with His Spirit and peace.
God Bless You
Larry Pickar, Sr. former pastor
Egypt Community Church
