Magnificent idea for a thread, JP
I don’t know the exact date I was saved, but it was only maybe 3 months ago. All I know is that life was miserable…I had many great things in life going for me, but was still unsatisfied.
I had prayed almost every day of my life, but (at best) was a Christian in name only. I had never read the bible, and even (up until coming to China to work) adopted a Taoist philosophy that I had coupled with God to produce my own brand of worship.
Whatever.
So I get this irrestible urge to take the job in China. Then I wind up in a small town in which life was miserable for me (I don’t drink or smoke anyway…gave that up about 5-6 years ago).
One day I had the same urge to apply for another job in this city. I never knew of it, or even heard of this city before.
Next thing I know I have the job and am here in “the Hawaii of CHina.”
But it was still incomplete.
One day I get this same urge to call my only friend here, a person who isn’t Chinese.
It turns out that he and his g/f were praying for Him to use them. They just said “in Jesus’ name” and then the phone rang immediately…it was me calling.
Over the next few weeks, they helped me on my way. I had to accept Him and do the work, but to have a brother and sister encouraging me really helped.
I suppose because I didn’t “feel” any different I wasn’t sure I was saved. But boyohboy I know I am now.
What has changed since then? Where to begin?
I’ve begun to learn what true love is, and this love can only be given by the Father, who IS love.
My heart has softened…I’m more gentle…I’ve made more friends (brothers and Sisters in Christ) than I’ve ever had at one time.
And I’m MUCH more acutely aware of how truly horrible I am…THAT one blew my mind because before I used to say: “you know, when compared to most other people I’m not that bad.”
What a deception to myself. And boy, accepting how wicked and whack I am really hurt…but allowed more good works to be done by HIM!
People tell me that I’m ministering to them…already. WOW!
Heck, I had a friend come back here from the US and she asked me right after meeting: “What happened to you?” Which is to say that the changes that the Lord has made in me are manifesting themselves in an undreamed of rate.
And…I kid you not…I HEARD THE VOICE OF THE SPIRIT!! It was when I was having sex (only for pleasure)…It was SO intense and LOUD that I can’t even explain it in the written word…AMAZING. It said “Don’t do this.”
Needless to say, the sex was ended after that. lol
Since that time I’ve been blessed to be given a Schofield bible that I study from daily. At first it was just reading the gospel of John three times in a row, but soon it turned into following the “breadcrumbs” the notes lead us to…next thing I know I’m meeting King Hezekiah (spelling? sorry), Elijah, Joseph…and so many others. Then these lead into Leviticus, Issiah, Deuteronomy…you know the drill
Praise God!
Secrets are being revealed too…many of them make my jaw drop…literally. When I read what the name Israel really means (at least what little I know), I almost slapped my forehead.
Romans 8:5-13 changed my life and helped me to curb my lusty nature (well, finally allowed me to accept why certain “bodily” things are immoral) by the Lord doing his good work in me.
Anyway, obviously I can talk about this a lot…I have a LOT more to say too, but I’ll end it with:
Currently I’m reading an inductive bible study which is helping me to get a good foundation in the basics.
Otherwise, I’m reading Proverbs (trying to do 1/day), Acts and Matthew…unless He leads me to read another story/book.