Hey Brethren,
Just wanted to thank you for providing a place for 4 simple Christian friends to worship the Lord Jesus and learn more of Him this past weekend. We are connected to you through youth ministry over the years, so we just wanted to come to beautiful Carpinteria and praise our Savior, Jesus Christ. And on our first night, we already met a wonderful sister in Christ working at the restaurant we ate at, and she gave us directions to your fellowship. So what can I say? Our Father in heaven loves to bless His people as we seek Him together!
A year ago i was completely dead in my faith until Christ provided me with a friend who was an amazing example of His love. I was broken and dependent upon others but God has since freed me that as well as from partying and drinking and brought me back to the cross. I can now be proud of the person that I am and others can see a new light that i have. I have been going to Reality since August and although I thought I was living out my faith my whole life, Reality has pushed me to follow the life of Christ. Praise the Lord that He calls us home and that Jesus Christ did conquer the grave!
I don’t understand it, but I know its true, and by letting go of control of my life, a daily surrender, I have been introduced to a family that is healing my thoughts regarding families, coming from a broken home this was all I had ever wanted but the last thing I knew how to find, I am realizing what it means to get priorities straight and to live for serving others, Without the cross, I would be on my own to repeat the pattern of God-less living but by His blood, I am convicted and guided to what is best for me, even when it hurts-like a lot, especially at a young age, I wonder why? But God knows his discipline for me is far greater than anything I could ever gain by taking my life into my own hands, somehow, I am gratetful for prayers and thankful for His kind, tender, and merciful discipline. God is my father and I praise him for his kindness, love and faithfulness! Amen.
I just came through a refining fire, a really hot one. Not too long ago, I was in a horrible marriage which ended like a train wreck. As I was packing my bags, I learned that my father had been diagnosed with cancer. A year later, he died. During that time, I could barely lift my head. I knew God was speaking to me, and I tried to keep myself open to the lessons He was teaching me. Like bitterness. He really protected me from bitterness during that time, which I was in real danger of. And forgiveness. Learning how to forgive what you never thought you could forgive. And repentance. Repenting of a ton of crap, especially my lukewarm Christianity. I had to learn how to listen again. I had spent so much time drowning myself out that I had lost my ability to listen. So I began listening to the Lord. Trying to hear what He was saying to me. And He revealed His beautiful heart to me. His love became so real and awe inspiring that all I wanted to do was be in His pocket, be near Him always. So I came out of the fire with Jesus by my side, just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (or Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) (Daniel 3). I wish I had come out like they had, without the smell of smoke or any trace of the fire. But I came out covered in ashes and tears, and all burnt up. I guess the difference is trust. Trusting Him through the fire will make all the difference.
My husband and I are recovered alcoholics, drug addicts, etc. It was by God’s loving grace that he pulled us from the pit of hell. I am a Cancer survivor. I remember it like it was yesturday that I was diagnosed. The amazing power of God used that bad for His Good “We are saved!” I am on my 5th year and I am “Healed”.
Recently I asked God to reveal an issue with the pain medication I needed to take. I was afraid I was addicted. After prayer one Sunday…..Jesus so faithfully and gently delivered me from that too and I don’t have to take anything else accept maybe an advil once and awhile.
Thank you Jesus for cleasing me with your blood!