Link to Jesus

We are all linked in some way.

WHAT IS IN THE CENTER OF YOUR LIFE?

We tend to "orbit" around certain people or things in our lives. They are
the relationships, circumstances, and possessions we value most.

Here are some examples: Husband, wife, Job, Children, Finances, Parents, Friends

Now, take a minute and list on a piece of paper the thing or things at the center of your life. It may be one thing or a combination of items.

HOW SOLID IS YOUR CENTER?

In our solar system, planets have a predictable orbit because the sun is
a stable gravitational "center." Imagine what would happen to those
planets if the sun suddenly disappeared.

Now look at your list comprising those things at the center of your life. Which of those are permanent (cannot disappear or be lost)?

Most things in our life can disappear. A husband or wife can leave
the marriage. Our financial conditions can change suddenly. A parent
can die. Our health can deteriorate. When these things happen, our
"orbit" will disappear as well, sending us into an emotional tumble.

In the end, only one thing is permanent. Our relationship with God, if
we have one, cannot be taken away. Because this relationship with God
is so critical to our stability, it's important to know for sure that we have
the kind of relationship with Him that will ensure that He is permanently
in the center of our lives.

ACHIEVING PERMANENT STABILITY

How do we put God at the center of our lives? The first step is to remove
a major barrier between you and Him.

The Bible says that the things we've done wrong, the sin in our lives, comes between us and God. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," Rm. 3:23. It also says that the effect of our sin is death (separation from God). Our sin keeps us from God. Many of us try to "earn" a relationship with Him by "being a good person" and "doing good things." But notice in the verse above, eternal life (God forever in the center of our lives) is a gift.

In fact, another verse in the Bible says we cannot earn or work our way
into a relationship with God: "For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not of works, so that no one can boast." Eph. 2:8-9

BREAKING THROUGH THE BARRIER

If we can't overcome sin and earn a relationship with God, how can we
put Him in the center of our lives?

The Bible says that Jesus Christ removed the barrier between us and God
by dying in our place. He paid the price for the things we've done wrong. Romans 5:8 puts it this way: "But God demonstrates His own love for us
in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

It's also important to realize that Jesus Christ is the
only way to a relationship with God. John 14:6
reads, "Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.
"No one" comes to the Father except through me."

MAKING IT REAL IN YOUR LIFE

Maybe right now you ache for the stability, security,
and wholeness that comes by having God in the center
of your life? Once He's there, you can access His power to help you to
heal from any and all your issues, hurts, compulsions, and addictions.
He "can" and "will" stabilize your life's orbit.

HOW DO I PUT HIM THERE?

The Bible says we must ask Christ into our lives: Jesus said, "Behold I
stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the
door, I "will" come into him." Revelation 3:20.

Next, we invite Jesus into our lives. We need to ask Him to forgive our
sins and help us move away from doing those kind of things in the future.

TAKING THE STEP

If you would like to invite Jesus Christ into your life, here is a prayer you
can pray. Why not sincerely bow your head and do it right now?

Dear Lord, I know I have done many things that are wrong
and sinful. I ask You to please forgive me of all my sins. I invite
Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior. As my Lord, I put
You in the center of my life and give you full control of it. As
my Savior, I ask you to save me from my sins and the eternal
effect thereof. Thank You Lord for forgiving my sin and giving me
the gift of eternal life with You! In Jesus Name I pray. Amen!

God made a promise to people who invite Christ into their lives. This
is described in 1 John 1:5-13 "And this is the testimony: God has given
us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life;
he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write
these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that
"you may know" that you have eternal life.

Now look at a picture of your life: God is at the center
of your life; in full control and directing the step of
your life. The Bible says your relationship with
God, through Jesus Christ, can never be taken from
you. "The LORD Himself goes before you and will be
with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do
not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deut.31:8

THINGS REALLY ARE DIFFERENT NOW

If you invited Christ into your life, many things have changed. Look at
what has happened:

Everything is New

If any man be in Christ, he "is" a new creation, old things are passed
away, behold all things become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

Christ is in Your Life

"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit,
if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit
of Christ, he does not belong to Christ." Romans 8:9

Christ's Power in Your Life

"And you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the Head over
every power and authority." Colossians 2:10

Your Sins are Forgiven

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,
in accordance with the riches of God's grace." Ephesians 1:7

You Are a Permanent Part of God's Kingdom

"There, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us
be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.
" Hebrews 12:28

You Received the Gift of Eternal Life

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
" John 3:16

You Can Find God's Plan for Your Life

"The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that you
may have life and "Life More Abundantly." John 10:10 "I know
the thoughts I have towards you," saith the Lord, "thought of good and
not of evil, of a hope and of a future." Jeremiah 29:11

WHAT NEXT?

Inviting Jesus into your life is "THE FIRST STEP" in an exciting
relationship with God. You'll want to get to know Him better and learn
His plan for your life. Be assured "He has a plan for your life."

If you have just asked Jesus into your life, tell someone you know
or contact this ministry and let us know what you have done. Reach
out and find others of like faith to encourage you and help you grow
in Christ.

It is very important for you to connect with a church that will help you
grow closer to God and help you heal in your recovery. If you don't have
a church, contact us and we will help you in find a church family.

Pray. Prayer is simply, and we mean simply, talking to God. God is
not interested in elaborate, high sounding words. But rather in your
sincere communication with Him. Talk to Him about anything and
everything in your life. Belonging to a church family will help teach you
more about prayer and drawing close to God.

Read your Bible. Start with the New Testament
and read through to the end of the Bible. Find a
Bible reading schedule. Again, belonging to a
church family will help teach you how to read,
study, and grow in God's Word. His Word is essential
for spiritual growth. It's like eating. Don't eat,
get weak. Eat faithfully, grow stronger. If you need
a Bible Reading Schedule, contact us and we will
gladly mail one to you.