Alive in Christ

When I think back to the years before I came to know Christ in a meaningful way, I shudder at my behavior and my habits. I knew Christ from an early age, but He did not matter to me. My actions testified to that fact. Not only was I not very nice to be around, I didn't even like myself.

I often wondered why I was ever born, what possible purpose was there for me in this world? Have you had these feelings?

The thing is, once I had a desire to change and felt like I really needed to change, it was as if God heard my heart.  I know I didn't pray and ask Him to do anything, but He did it anyway.  Perhaps He looked back over my life and declared it was time; that I was ready for Him to intercede. I also know that I had a grandmother who was praying for me. This fact, which I recognized after she left this world, probably is the reason God grabbed me by the hand and showed me how to turn around.!!

He truly is a Life Changing King!

Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 

How do these words make you feel? I get very excited when I read them and understand they were meant for me.  Even while I was dead from the sin in my life, God made me alive with Christ.  As I stated above, it wasn't any prayer I uttered, but it was totally by God's grace I was changed, I was saved.

Do you have a salvation story to share?  We are supposed to share our story with one another - tell the Good News to the world, shout it even!

Read Ephesians 2:1-10

Called and Equipped

1 Samuel 10:10 (NLT)
 When Saul and his servant arrived at Gibeah, they saw a group of prophets coming toward them. Then the Spirit of God came powerfully upon Saul, and he, too, began to prophesy. 

If we know any of Saul's history, this verse takes us by surprise. Who would think Saul, the King who pursued David with the intention of killing him, could be filled with the Holy Spirit? I know I had to re-read this chapter to make sure I understood correctly. Saul, was annointed by Samuel as King. What was up with that?

Life Application Study Bible tells us, Saul in his early years as king, was a different person (10:1-10) as a result of the Holy Spirit's work in him. But as Saul's power grew, so did his pride. After a while he refused to seek God; the Spirit left him (16:14), and his good attitude melted away.  

When the Spirit of God came upon Saul, his heart was changed. He was given the heart of a statesman, a general, a prince. Whom God calls to any service he will make fit for it. This gives credance to the saying, "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called."

Saul wasn't prepared to be king, he did not have the heart of a caring and brave leader, but God called him to be king and He equipped Him by giving Him the Holy Spirit.  Saul eventually threw this gift away. He believed He didn't need God's help or guidance.

We can learn lessons from Saul's life. He had it all and let it go because of pride. God's spirit rested on Saul, but Saul wanted to do it all by himself. We can turn to God, to His Holy Spirit for wisdom every day. Our hearts will be changed too.


1 Samuel 10:5-11