The Price of Your Soul | Aspiritualnotefromth

THE PRICE OF YOUR SOUL

"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it;

but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's,

the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man,

if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

(Mark 8:35-36)

What do you know about your Soul?

Most people are concerned about the value of their home, cars, stocks, bonds, and other possessions, but they never think about the value of their own soul. All their lives, they work hard to save for things they cannot take with them when they die. When they are on their deathbed and look back and say, "What is next now? Where will I go now?" I hope that you do not wait for your last breath to look for answers when you had all your life for that.

I will ask you a few very important questions:

Do you know that your soul has tremendous value?

Do you know what Jesus and the devil offer for your soul?

Do you know that your soul can be lost forever in hell?

Do you know that your soul can be saved forever in heaven?

And finally, do you know that you must care, protect and feed your soul?

Jesus himself said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul" (Matthew 16:26)? Your soul is you. It is your identity and what you are. Your body will decay and be destroyed one day, but your soul will live forever in one of two places: heaven or hell. C.S. Lewis said, "You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body."

Two things can happen to your soul. It will be either saved, or it will be lost forever. Both Jesus and the devil bid for your soul. The devil, with all his power and his deceitfulness, tries to destroy your soul and take it to hell forever. Jesus Christ gave everything, even His life, to purchase your soul. All who trusts Him as their personal Savior will never be turned away, and every soul that has been entrusted to His hands will never be lost. Bishop John Charles Ryle said, "It is the first step toward heaven to find out the true worth of our souls." If you have a valuable possession in your life, you will do anything possible to protect it and save it. Maybe you protect your valuable possession by yourself, put it in your safe deposit box in the bank, pay guards to guard it, or buy insurance for it. The same thing is true with your soul. Be wise and not foolish. Keep in mind, the soul that is given to Jesus Christ is the only one that is saved. Jesus is the best guard, safe deposit box, or insurance for your soul. If you do not protect your soul, it will be lost.

Picture this scene. You are standing before God on judgment day, and He looks you right in the eye and says, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41). I want you to think of the terror and fright that will overwhelm you with that ultimate death sentence. We read in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 the following: "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." It is so critical that each of us understands that this life is temporary, and eternity follows, but we can be saved by the grace of God to spend eternity in heaven.

• A story tells about a little girl who lived in the slums of London. One day, dressed in rags, the child wandered quite far from her home searching for a shop where she might purchase some roses for her sick mother. When she came upon a beautiful garden surrounded by a fence, she noticed a young lady walking among the gorgeous flowers. Untying a corner of her ragged skirt, she drew out her few pennies and asked the lady if she could buy some flowers. "Come into the garden, and we'll talk it over," said the lady. The gate was opened, and the little one was shown through the lovely estate. "Choose the best you see for your mother," said her new-found friend. Soon, the little shopper had a magnificent bouquet. "Oh," said the child, "would you be willing to give me all of these for my few pennies?" "No," said the lady, "these roses belong to my father, who is the king. He does not sell his flowers, but he loves to give them away! Take them home to your mother, and tell her they are a gift from the king!" Wide-eyed with wonder the child realized that she had been walking in the Royal Gardens. — Author Unknown

All of us, like that little girl, come with our poor pennies, our "good works," thinking we can buy the blossoms of salvation. Not so! The blooms of grace have all been paid for by the King's Son, Jesus Christ. Realize that salvation is not something we achieve, but something we receive. According to the Bible, if you are a religious person or a typical Christian and not a "born-again," give proper attention. Today, there are two bidders for your soul. Satan and Jesus. Satan offers you what he cannot give. He is a deceitful liar and has been from the foundation of the world, but Jesus Christ can give everything He offers, like eternal life, to every lost soul. . "The gift of God is eternal life" (Romans 6:23). Who will have it?

I hope and pray, you will accept the bid of Jesus Christ.

I hope you will choose LIFE rather than DEATH.

I hope you will choose HEAVEN rather than HELL.

Jesus says to you today, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it," but then in love, He begs you: "Whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).

If you really see the value of your soul, I encourage you to pray and say to Jesus Christ:

Dear Jesus, I realize without you, my soul will not make it. Without you, my soul will starve. I need you to be my Savior, my Lord,

and the Master of my soul. I need you to save, protect, and feed my soul. I turn my whole life over to you. Forgive my sins and give

me a new heart that loves you, yields to you, and serves you. AMEN.

Five Reasons Why Your Soul Matters

Your soul has great value and must matter to you

because IT IS BREATHED INTO YOU BY GOD. "The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." (Genesis 2:7)

because IT IS THE SOURCE OF ALL YOUR ACHIEVEMENT. "The body without the spirit is dead." (James 2:26)

because IT IS THE CAUSE OF ALL YOUR SIN. "Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." (James 1:14)

because IT WILL LAST FOREVER. ”Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” (Matthew 10:28) and

because YOUR SOUL WILL EXPERIENCE EVERLASTING JOY OR MISERY. "The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hell, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side." (Luke 16:22-23)

Two things can happen with your soul. It can be saved or it can be lost. Jesus said: "Whoever will save his life will lose it" (Mark 8:35). Maybe you ask the question, how does that happen? It is very simple. Your soul can be lost

IF YOU STARVE YOUR SOUL. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)

IF YOU STRANGLE YOUR SOUL."The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." (Mark 4:19) and

IF YOU SURRENDER YOUR SOUL. "Beloved, I urge you…to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11) The passions of the flesh destroy your soul. — By Pastor Colin Smith, Unlocking the Bible (Full Message "Five Reasons Why Your Soul Matters"

“And fear not them which kill the body,

but are not able to kill the soul:

but rather fear him which is able to destroy

both soul and body in hell.”

(Matthew 10:28)

BIBLE VERSES

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7)

Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was:, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37)

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth His ways shall die.” (Proverbs 19:16)

“The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.” (Proverbs 16:17)

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9)

“Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezekiel 18:4)

“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28)

“Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:” (Psalms 26:9)

“O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.” (Psalms 30:3)

“None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:” (Psalms 49:7-8)

“For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?” (Psalms 56:13)

“He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence;” (Psalms 78:50)

"Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.” (Psalms 97:10)

“The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, [and] my feet from falling.” (Psalms 116:6-8)

“He restoreth my soul.” (Psalms 23:3)

“Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55:3)

“Obey, I beseech thee, the voice of the Lord, which I speak unto thee: so it shall be well unto thee, and thy soul shall live.” (Jeremiah 38:20)

“Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.” (Ezekiel 18:27)

“And it shall come to pass, [that] every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.” (Acts 3:23)

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21)

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20)

“Receiving the end of your faith, [even] the salvation of [your] souls.” (1 Peter 1:9)

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:” (Revelation 6:9)

“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead [man]:and every living soul died in the sea.” (Revelation 16:3)

“But God said to him,'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’' (Luke 12:20)

“He that winneth souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30)

"The beginning of the way

to heaven

is to feel that we are on the way

to hell."

Evangelical Bishop, J. C. Ryle

QUOTES

"The beginning of the way to heaven is to feel that we are on the way to hell." — Evangelical Bishop, J. C. Ryle

"The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit, which makes men look to themselves for salvation." "Free will carried many a soul to hell, but never a soul to heaven." "The first link between my soul and Christ is not my goodness but my badness, not my merit but my misery, not my riches but my need”. "To be a soul-winner is the happiest thing in this world. And with every soul you bring to Jesus Christ, you seem to get a new heaven here upon earth." — "Quotes from "Prince of Preachers," Charles Spurgeon

"Souls are made sweet not by taking the acid fluids out, but by putting —something in—a great Love, a new Spirit—the Spirit of Christ." "Let man choose Life; let him daily nourish his soul; let him forever starve the old life; let him abide continuously as a living branch in the Vine, and the True-Vine Life will flow into his soul, assimilating, renewing, conforming to Type, till Christ, pledged by His own law, be formed in him." — Evangelist, Henry Drummond

"I will charge my soul to believe and wait for Him, and will follow His providence, and not go before it, nor stay behind it." — Pastor, Theologian, and Author Samuel Rutherford

"Heaven offers nothing that a mercenary soul can desire." "God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love." — Quotes by Novelist, Scholar and Broadcaster, C.S. Lewis

"Do not let Sunday be taken from you. If your soul has no Sunday, it becomes an orphan."— Albert Schweitzer

"To be able to look into God's face, and know with the knowledge of faith that there is nothing between the soul and Him, is to experience the fullest peace the soul can know. Whatever else pardon may be, it is above all things admission into full fellowship with God."— Missionary Bishop, Charles H. Brent

"I feel it is far better, to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another. In general it is best to have at least one hour alone with God before engaging in anything else.”— Clergy, Attorney and Author, Edward McKendree Bounds

"The soul is placed in the body like a rough diamond, and must be polished, or the luster of it will never appear.”— Writer, Journalist, and Merchant, Daniel Defoe

"As the soul, itself invisible, is seen by what it does through the body.”— Pietist Clergyman and Greek-language Scholar, Johann Albrecht Bengel

"Suppose you could gain everything in the whole world, and lost your soul. Was it worth it?” — Evangelist, Billy Graham

"Christ's voice sounds now for each of us in loving invitation; and dead in sin and hardness of heart though we be, we can listen and live. Christ Himself, my brother, sows the seed now. Do you take care that it falls not on, but in, your souls.”— Minister, Alexander MacLaren

"There's not a single thing on offer in this all-too-temporary world for which you should ever sell your soul."— Ambassador, Alan Keyes

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

(2 Corinthians 5:8)

A Ballast for My Soul

Life is like a stormy sea

That tosses to and fro,

But God's Word will ever be

A ballast for my soul.

By its truth I'll be held fast

Till I reach heaven's shore

Where I will be home at last

And sail life's sea no more!

—Perry Boardman

A Bid For Your Soul.

There is a story told of Rowland Hill. He was once preaching in the open air to a vast audience. Lady Anne Erskine was riding by, and she asked who it was that was addressing the vast assembly. She was told it was the celebrated Rowland Hill. Says she, "I have heard of him; drive me near the platform, that I may listen to him." The eye of Rowland Hill rested on her; he saw that she belonged to royalty, and turning to someone he inquired who she was. He went on preaching, and all at once, he stopped. "My friends," he said, "I have got something here for sale." Everybody was startled to think that a minister was going to sell something in his sermon. "I am going to sell it by auction, and it is worth more than the crown of Europe: it is the soul of Lady Erskine. Will anyone bid for her soul? Hark! me - thinks I hear a bid. Who bids? Satan bids. What will you give? I will give riches, honour, and pleasure; yes, I will give the whole world for her soul. Hark! I hear another bid for her soul. Who bids? The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, what will you give for this soul? I will give peace, and joy, comfort that the world knows not of; yes, I will give eternal life for her soul." Turning to Lady Anne Erskine, he said, "You have heard the two bidders for your soul-which shall have it?" She ordered the footman to open the door, and pushing her way through the crowd, she says, "The Lord Jesus shall have my soul, if He will accept it."

That may be true, or it may not: but there is one thing I know to be true--there are two bidders for your soul. It is for you to decide which shall have it. Satan offers you what he cannot give; he is a liar and has been from the foundation of the world. I pity a man who is living on the devil's promises. He lied to Adam and deceived him, stripping him of all he had, and then left him in his lost and ruined condition. And all the men since Adam, living on the devil's promises, have been disappointed and will be, down to the end of the chapter. But the Lord Jesus Christ is able to give all He offers, and He offers eternal life to every lost soul. "The gift of God is eternal life;" Who will have it? Will anyone flash it over the wires and let it go up to the throne of God, that you want to be saved? — Moody.

In whose hand are you?

You may want to carefully look at those two hands again. One hand is open and has a wound in it. That innocent hand was WOUNDED FOR YOU. The other hand is gnarled up and is dripping with blood. That guilty hand is dripping with YOUR BLOOD. In which of those hands are you? Which hand controls YOU?

“I am not in anyone’s hands, BUT MY OWN!”

Is that what you think? No one controls you? No one tells you what to do? Ah, but YOU ARE IN ONE OF THOSE HANDS pictured on the front cover, and may not even know it!

Whose hand is dripping with blood, and why?

That is a picture of SATAN’S HAND, and it is dripping with the blood of millions of people. “Ye are of your father THE DEVIL, and the lusts of your father ye will do. HE WAS A MURDERER FROM THE BEGINNING, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him” (Holy Bible, John 8:44, KJV).

God had told man not to eat of a certain tree in the Garden of Eden. “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Holy Bible, Genesis 2:16,17, KJV).

SATAN LIED to Eve. “And the serpent said unto the woman, YE SHALL NOT SURELY DIE: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Holy Bible, Genesis 3:4,5, KJV).

Satan’s lie tempted mankind, and is responsible for the death of every person — including YOU.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, for that all have sinned” (Holy Bible, Romans 5:12, KJV).

“The devil does not control ME and MY destiny!”

If you have not repented of your sins, and received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, THEN THAT HAND DRIPPING WITH BLOOD DOES CONTROL YOU. “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them REPENTANCE to the acknowledging of the truth; And THAT THEY MAY RECOVER THEMSELVES OUT OF THE SNARE OF THE DEVIL, WHO ARE TAKEN CAPTIVE BY HIM AT HIS WILL” (Holy Bible, II Timothy 2:25,26, KJV).

If you are not saved, then the Bible says that the devil can take you captive AT HIS WILL.

What about the other hand pictured on the cover? It is wounded. Why? It is a picture of Jesus’ hand. “But he was WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS... the LORD hath LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US ALL” (Holy Bible, Isaiah 53:5,6, KJV). “While we were yet sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US” (Holy Bible, Romans 5:8, KJV).

Would you rather be in the hand of a FRIEND, or in the hand of an ENEMY?

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS” (Holy Bible, John 15:13, KJV). “Who his own self BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY on the tree” (Holy Bible, I Peter 2:24, KJV). “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (Holy Bible, I Corinthians 15:3,4, KJV).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Holy Bible, John 3:16, KJV).

The decision is in your hands.

Will you bow your head right now, repent of your sins, and accept the gift of salvation through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ? “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (Holy Bible, John 1:12, KJV). “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts” (Holy Bible, Isaiah 55:6,7, KJV). — LIBERTY GOSPEL TRACTS

ILLUSIONS

Who sits on the chair, the man or the lady?

It looks like, at first glance, the lady, but in reality, it is the man.

Illusions are fun because they challenge our sense of reality. We see them everywhere, from tricks in magic shows to special effects in movies, and can usually tell the difference between what is real and what is not.

But did you know that there are some deceptions which millions of people fall for every day? They are the work of the master illusionist, Satan, who is called “the father of lies” in the Bible (John 8:44). He has been tricking people into disobeying God since the beginning of time, and is an experienced deceiver. Have you fallen for any of Satan’s illusions?

Illusion #1: This life is all that matters

We can get so caught up in this life that we pay no attention to eternal realities. God says that is foolish: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Illusion #2: If it feels good, do it

Should we care about what we do? Is there such a thing as right and wrong? God says we will reap what we sow: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Illusion #3: There is no Hell

If you start to ponder what comes after this life, Satan may try to convince you that there is nothing to worry about. God says otherwise: “Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).

Illusion #4: Everyone goes to Heaven

Another much-believed lie is that no people will ever have to go to Hell. While it’s true that Hell was created for Satan and his angels, the Bible says that those who fall under Satan’s deceptions will go there as well: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

Illusion #5: You’re not that bad

Every time we answer one of Satan’s lies, you can be sure that he has another one ready to go. Are we really bad enough to go to Hell? God’s Word says: “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

Illusion #6: You can earn Heaven

Once we admit that we have sinned, the next lie we often fall for is that we have probably done enough good to overcome our faults. However, in God’s eyes “we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses [good works] are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6).

Illusion #7: You’re too bad

Sadly, lots of people fall for this one, too. Yes, it’s true that we have all messed up. But it’s also true that God stands ready to help us: “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37).

Why does God want us to come to Him? Because He loves us. He loves you, and He loves me—not because we have earned it, but because He chooses to. God proved His love for us when He sent His only Son, Jesus, into the world because of our sins (Romans 5:8).

When Jesus died on the cross, He made the way for sinners like you and me to be brought back to God. Our sin was like a debt that needed to be paid; Jesus paid it. Our sin was like a sentence that needed to be served; Jesus served it. Our sin was like a burden that needed to be lifted; Jesus lifted it.

Now He is using messages like this to awaken people to their need of Him, to “turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:18). Don’t fall for Satan’s illusions any more. Turn to God and put your faith in someone you can trust—Jesus Christ—TODAY!—MWTB

Jesus Cares

There is never a day so dreary

But God can make it bright,

And unto the soul that trusts Him,

He giveth songs in the night.

There is never a path so hidden,

But God can lead the way,

If we seek for the Spirit’s guidance

And patiently wait and pray.

There is never a cross so heavy

But the nail-scarred hands are there

Outstretched in tender compassion

The burden to help us bear.

There is never a heart so broken,

But the loving Lord can heal,

The heart that was pierced on Calvary

Doth still for His loved ones feel.

There is never a life so darkened,

So hopeless and unblessed,

But may be filled with the light of God

And enter His promised rest.

There is never a sin or sorrow,

There is never a care or loss,

But that we may bring to Jesus

And leave at the foot of the cross.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6,7)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)

“Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” (Matthew 11:28,29)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ” (2 Corinthians 4:6)—MWTB

"To be able to look into God's face,

and know with the knowledge of faith that there is nothing between the soul and Him,

is to experience the fullest peace the soul can know.

Whatever else pardon may be, it is above all things admission into full fellowship with God."

— Missionary Bishop, Charles H. Brent

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Testimonies

God Has Saved My Life

I had hit a road block in my life for my girlfriend and I had split up. I didn't know where to turn because I had almost destroyed my life when I was younger.

I belonged to the church and my ex-wife cheated on me and I just gave up on life. I didn't turn back to God but went down the wrong road and did wrong things. The whole time God always was tugging at my heart. He never gave up on me.

I finally hit bottom when my girlfriend and I broke up and had nowhere to go but to God or down the wrong path again. I knew this time though I was not going down that road and thought about ending it all. I hit my knees and as I knelt there I decided to put my hands together and ask God to forgive me for all my sins and to help me forgive my first wife. I know as I kept praying I could feel God come into my heart. He took all the weight off my shoulders and freed my heart. He set me free for as he forgave me I forgave her and anyone I held hate for or against.

When I did the warm sensation started at my head and continued down my body. He had set me free and saved my soul that moment. I slept so good and have felt so great since then for without him I do not think I would be here today. For God released all the hate and turned it to love. I am finally free and have no chains binding me any longer. Praise God for he has changed my life so much.

I have my hard days but when I do I praise him and talk to him. I read the bible and I feel him so strong in my life. I turned away once when I needed him but no longer for I give the Lord my life to do as he wants. I ask him to guide me in the right direction and he does each and every day.

My God is great and has never forsaken me. Praise God for he is so great. I have no worries for I let him decide that and control my life in the direction he wants me to go. Thank you God for I am so grateful that you saved my soul. Thank you God. Thank You for I will praise you when I am happy. I will praise you when the day is not good for I know you are on my side. Thank you Lord. — Charles A.

—

From the streets to the Savior! (A true Life Story)

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Live, Love, Laugh!

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine"

-Proverbs 17:22

Hallelujah and Amen

A man bought a donkey from a preacher. The preacher told the man that this donkey had been trained in a very unique way, (being the donkey of a preacher). The only way to make the donkey go is to say, "Hallelujah!"

And the only way to make the donkey stop is to say, "Amen!"

The man was pleased with his purchase and immediately got on the animal to try out the preacher's instructions.

"Hallelujah!" shouted the man. The donkey began to trot. "Amen!" shouted the man. The donkey stopped immediately.

"This is great!" said the man. With a "Hallelujah", he rode off very proud of his new purchase.

The man traveled for a long time through some mountains. Soon he was heading towards a cliff. He could not remember the word to make the donkey stop.

"Stop," said the man. "Halt!" he cried. The donkey just kept going.

"Oh, no...

'Bible...Church!...Please Stop!!," shouted the man. The donkey just began to trot faster. He was getting closer and closer to the cliff edge.

Finally, in desperation, the man said a prayer...

"Please, dear Lord. Please make this donkey stop before I go off the end of this mountain, In Jesus' name, AMEN."

The donkey came to an abrupt stop just one step from the edge of the cliff.

"HALLELUJAH!", shouted the man.