You always hear people say “he or she can’t ever change”. If you are a person in this world today and you were trying to change without the help of God, that statement is 100% true. But if you decided to give your life to the Lord Jesus Christ he can wash you white as snow and change your heart immediately (Isaiah 1:18). People find it hard to believe, that people can change that quickly but I have witnessed it time and time again over the last 4-5 months.  I have seen God give people a brand new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)! How can that be possible you ask? Let’s find out!

Jesus, the Master Redeemer

My experience in life has shown me that it is hard to change the way you live, the way you react to things, the things that come out of our mouths,  and the way that you are in general especially to those that you are comfortable with.  For years I tried to do better and make better choices and the reality is that I just wasn’t able to break the chains that I had by myself.  As men, I feel that this type of change is ever harder for us than the ladies.  However, I know some real stubborn women as well!  In all seriousness, making meaningful change can only be done when you think less of yourself and more of others.  I have only seen one thing that can change hearts that much, and that is Jesus Christ.  It is no wonder then, that people are skeptical when Christians makes a change.  We cannot worry about things like that because we need to remove the log from our own eyes before we remove the spec from others (Matthew 7:3-5). Time will tell whether they are “fake Christians” or not by their actions and if they continue their new ways. when discussing this, Pastor Rick said  let your kids, your family and your friends find out on their own and be the ones that speak on your behalf as they tell others how much you have changed.  I have had dozens of these instances happen to me over the past 3 months including lifelong atheists being led to the lord through the mess that I am in now because they saw a ridiculous calm and lack of anger over what was in front of me.  Only God can change a heart. I spent my life saying things like “well at least I didn’t do that”, or “at least I didn’t commit that sin”.  God doesn’t compartmentalize sin and He believes that lying, stealing, or giving false witness, is just as bad as murder or adultery (Romans 1:18-32, Romans 6:23, Mark 7:21) .  Does your heart need to change?  Mine did and my kids see it and love the new Vernon.

Jesus said  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).  If you truly desire to change who you are and what you are about, the first step is to accept that you cannot do it it alone.  Ask Jesus into your heart and to save you (John 3:16) and beg Him to forgive your sins.  Once you have done this, allow God to lead you because he will.  Get connected to a church that teaches repentance and redemption and then make amends with those who need it and a find a mentor that will not only tell you the truth but hold you accountable!

Resources- Tony Evans and Rick Warren are a good start for those who want to learn who to be a repentative Christian.

15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”