When I was a teen, I looked at the world differently. I felt that I could do ANYTHING I wanted, all I had to do was want it badly enough. No obstacle was too high, absolutely NOTHING could stand in the way of what I wanted. Boy, was I deluded!!! Then, during my last couple of years of High School, I spent a total of 18 months on crutches and things looked different to me. For one thing, my girlfriend, who carried my books between classes, had become my steady and soon my life just wasn't about ME anymore!!! I had to improve; to be a better person- for her!!! Years later, we were married and along came three daughters and very quickly we understood that life was no longer about US, but rather THEM!!! So, I (we) did the best we could and worked hard at being parents!!! But, I was still looking for something, but had no idea of what it might be. Then, I started reading a Bible, given to me by a co-worker. Then, I really started to change. I began to realize that my standards of "GOOD" were not what God had in mind. Eventually, I became a Christian and in the late seventies, and began looking for a way to serve the Almighty. The rest is history- but, it began with a question: Can I really change? And the above picture reminded me of that question and its relation to the following Scripture...
1 Timothy, Chapter 1
8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully, 9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for man slayers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; 11 according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; 13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
We all have faults, but its what we strive to do about them that really matters!!! If you think you are too bad to change your life- look at the list in the picture!!! Even someone like Paul (who murdered and/or imprisoned Christians) could change. Really takes away excuses, doesn't it??? I remember my neighbors in Valley Falls laughing at me when I announced that I wanted to serve the God of the Heavens, but that was long ago and far from here. No one is laughing about this now. Why? Because I am not the same man I was in my twenties- I have changed for the better. OK, I still have things to work on, but, God will help me with those. Searching? Looking for a change? The Bible has the answers all through it. Next step is up to you... "Can I really change"?