I was a mess when I met Jesus. Were you? I ran from Him for years, I was 40 when I finally ran TO Him. I was mean, hateful, and had a real sarcastic mouth on me. As a result, I was also lonely, depressed, and of course, angry. What made Him want me was a mystery to me- until I got to know Him.

I got to know Him through a love of God's Word. At first, the bible seemed like the most boring book in print. Dry, dusty, and I just didn't get it. But I learned from Jesus Himself........if you want to receive, you gotta ask. So I asked for  a desire for the Word of God. Well, God musta been holding His breath, cause it wasn't any time, and it seemed all I wanted to do was read the Word. Boy, did I find out some things.

I first learned that though he loved me unconditionally, that didn't go for the things I said and did. I saw that I needed to change my words if I wanted to change my life. Believe me, I wanted to change my life! Two abusive marriages, four angry step-kids, an emotional breakdown- you know the drill. Chances are, you have lived some of it.

So I prayed again, and asked Him to show me how to start. When I opened my bible, it was to Psalm 19:14- "Let the words of my mouth, and meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer."

I learned a lot from this.  I recited it to myself several times a day. I kept finding scripture that guided me into God's way of doing and being. I printed them on file cards. I posted them in my house where I would see them. I confessed them. I worked it like a job.

I also started considering the things I listened to, and looked at. If God was always with me, if he never left or forsook me- He was listening and seeing too. I changed my world-rock to God-rock. I considered the movies and TV I watched. 'Friends' who did not like my new styles fell away. I was OK with that. My life was changing. I had a new attitude. I had hope. I was glad to see each day come. I had new opportunities. And, I had new friends- who built me up, and encouraged me.

You say- "how extreme do I have to be"? I'm just telling you what God dealt with me about- when I said what I wanted, He showed me what to do. You are someone different, He has a plan for your life too. But I know that I know- the Word works. If applied to your life with faith and in His will- it will work for you too. The spoken Word of God is a creative force that is powerful and mighty. It turns away the devil (just ask Jesus- Matt 4), and causes mountains to move (again, see Jesus, Mark 11:23). It even makes dead men rise (you guessed it, Jesus- John 11). It will do the same in your life- it will run off oppression, move mountains of problems, and revive dead relationships. Just to name a few. Or whatever you need. Just call on Jesus, and open your Word.

Blessings and peace that passes understanding, Kim