“God stilled the storm to a whisper.” Psalm 107:29
We are living in chaotic and perilous times. All around us we see families dissolving, nations crumbling. There are natural and unnatural disasters everywhere in this world. Hunger has increased, crime is out of control, suffering is on the rise…Where is it all going to lead?
In his recent book, Storm Rising, the incomparable evangelist Billy Graham discusses the rising storms facing our world. Have you ever experienced a storm gathering in the mountains? As dramatic an experience as any storm can be, and certainly a good illustration of our present circumstances..
Dr. Graham describes sitting on his front porch, watching a storm gather:…”the gentle breeze began to whistle; the tree limbs started to sway. Franklin and I listened to the powerful sounds of nature and watched the squirrels scramble for cover. Stretching for miles from my log home…we saw lightning bolts pierce the clouds, their razor tips striking the mountain peaks, and the rumble of thunder sporadically cracking like dynamite on the Fourth of July.”
In addition, so many of us are battered by our own personal storms within, even as we experience the swirling chaos around us. Depression is on the rise, emotional suffering is rampant. Evil is growing, suffocating our culture with its destructive influence. The future is uncertain at best.
But take heart! There is a Savior who is waiting to give you eternal life and a foundation on which to build your life. It is a free gift, offered to you with NO STRINGS ATTACHED. A coupon is not necessary, a discount won’t be needed. No references required, no appointment need be made…
There can be real peace, real joy in the midst of your storm! Despite life’s uncertainties and fears, you need to know that God, Creator of the universe, loves you! YES, HE LOVES YOU! And He has a plan for your life, if you will surrender your life to Him.
God loves each of us as if there were only one of us! He created you, even numbering the hairs on your head! (See Matthew 10:30)
He knew you while you were in your mother’s womb, before you were formed!
Though He loves us, each of us is born with a sin nature and has a natural tendency to commit sin. Because of this, we cannot have fellowship with a holy God. Our destiny is spiritual death and separation from God.
“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
“For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have ETERNAL LIFE.” John 3:16
Jesus Christ, God’s one and only Son, came to earth and lived a perfect sinless life; He gave up His precious life to take on the sin of the world. Not just the “WORLD” in general, but “YOU” specifically. When He shed His precious blood He was thinking of you.
Becoming a born again Christian is merely a matter of acceptance one’s sinful nature and accepting Christ’s atonement. Many people think they must earn salvation, they must work hard to be good enough. But God’s Word says:
“FOR IT IS BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED, THROUGH FAITH,~AND THIS NOT FROM YOURSELVES~ IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD…” Ephesians 2:8
Here is a simple prayer you can pray to receive Christ:
“Dear God, I know that I am a sinner. Please forgive me of my sins. I know that Jesus Christ died for my sins, and I accept Him as my personal Savior. Thank you for saving me!”
Once you have prayed this prayer, Christ will save you. God will be your own Heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit will give you the assurance of your salvation. The storms of life will continue to assail you, but you will know a new peace and joy that cannot be disturbed by outward circumstances. SO ONCE YOU’VE PRAYED THIS PRAYER, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
1. Pray often, asking God to lead and guide you in this new adventure with Him!
2. Start reading and memorizing your Bible.
3. Find a fellowship of Christian believers.
4. Follow the Lord Jesus Christ’s example and be baptized, as a symbol of obedience to Him. (Matthew 3:15.)
4. Keep these words in mind:
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; NO ONE can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all; NO ONE can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
ETERNAL LIFE AND ETERNAL SECURITY ARE YOURS!
I pray that you will accept CHRIST today!