17 March 2008

Post #43:  Update

I thought I would take a moment and update you on Nikki and Tara.  Last week, on Monday, we stopped at Mount Carmel Hospital again, and I dropped off another letter to Nikki.  Since I've not been able to get permission to visit, I wanted her to know she could contact me if ever that were possible.  So I gave her my contact information, and offered her some more encouragement from the Bible. 

I just have to say, right here, that some people believe that the Bible is not a book for everyone to read.  They believe it's only for "holy" people to understand.  Can I just say, here and now, that THAT is the biggest, rottenest, dirtiest, awful lie that's ever been told!  Seriously, if I had never read the Bible, I truly would never have really lived.

Without getting into a deep, theological monologue, I just want to share that the day I realized the Word of God was something I could and should read, was the day I began to experience life as it is meant to be.  The Bible is the most beautiful text in the history of the world.  Not a coincidence that it's been on the best-seller list for ages.  It's filled with answers to every possible question you can fathom, including the ultimate question, "What is our reason for living?"  It's got the power to transform a life.  I only speak from experience.  My life has been, and continues to be, transformed by the Word.  I am simply praying and expecting the same to be true for young Nikki. 

Another update item:  I wanted to report that Tara ended up staying with her parents and not joining us as we thought she might.  This has been a difficult time for her, and I'm glad to be able to be an encouragement while we're here.  She and I enjoyed a little evening stroll this past week, as we met and walked the seafront and talked for a couple hours.  She's got a heart of gold and a bright future.

I'm trusting her to God, who cares for his children.  I know, as long as she remains in Him, He will remain in her.  As she draws near to Him, He will draw near to her.  She shared that she's reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, so I'm praying this will help her to better know the God we serve.  Once again, the Word of God has the power to transform lives.  I'm trusting her life will only become richer and fuller with the fruits of the Spirit of God, which are:  love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness and self-control. 

I've not been this bold in the past, with talk of faith, and I'm feeling a little timid about doing so now, but I'm reminded of a Scripture by the apostle, Paul.  He said, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is salvation to everyone who believes."  I, too, am not ashamed.  Call me a Jesus Freak, if you want.  I love it!  Because, truth is, I am a Jesus Freak!  I love Jesus, and I'm not ashamed to say so.  He's been, and continues to be, my savior, my friend, my healer, my counselor, and my king. 

There is an enemy that doesn't want any of us to hear, much less, believe the truth.  The truth, (the word gospel means truth).as you may have heard, is what sets us free.  Free from what?  Hmmm...could it be, from the enemy?  I spent far too many years cycling in besetting sins and battling doubts, depression and despair.  It wasn't until I began to seek God and read the Bible that I could finally overcome these things, and experience real peace and joy. 

I don't mean to cause any to take offense because of this talk of faith.  I pray, in fact, that none should take offense.  I pray that the enemy would not be able to continue to keep ears from hearing, or eyes from seeing, or hearts from knowing, how far and how wide, how deep and how long, is the love of God the Father, and Jesus Christ, His Son.

I am completely convinced that the truth that is told in the Word of God is the key to freedom, to joy, to peace, to love, to hope, and to eternal life.  Of all of this, I have not one single ounce of doubt.  It's an assurance of things hoped for, and a certainty of things not yet seen.  It's FAITH. 

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