Rivers of New Hope Ministries is so blessed to have witnessed what the Spirit has done in your heart. We are grateful that He allows us the great privilege with assisting you make the BIGGEST decision of your life!! All other choices pale in contrast with this one. Making Jesus Savior and Lord of your heart affects every aspect of your being. This decision is a life altering commitment, because you have given your life to Jesus and the control of it to the Holy Spirit. Our lives were never meant to live on our own, with self choosing its destiny. Only God, who has created you uniquely, knows what is best for you. As you read the Bible allow it to transform your life. This compilation of sixty-six books are not just letters on a page, they are Words written by the Living God for you! This Word is to be meditated on and obeyed. The Bible is your Guide Book for Life” so to speak. Its model shows how our life will be transformed, day by day, by the power of God. It is He who performs the inner-work of the heart; you merely give Him control. Your life will become beautiful as you grow to know our Creator and His individual destiny for your life.
As you read you will find how we must contend with three aspects that affect the human dilemma: The Spirit, The Flesh, and the Satanic/Demonic Realms. These forces are in constant battle against one another. Satan uses the weakness of our flesh to lead us into temptations of all kinds. If we entertain the temptation, very likely it will give birth to sin. Shortly thereafter Satan accuses and lies to us. He tells many untruths. Lies told to keep you from turning to God. The Fathers heart always beats an amazing and deep love for you! The Voice of His Spirit sounds conviction, not condemnation. The battles we fight are spiritual, not carnal (worldly). At the point of temptation, immediately cry out to God for your help. Never be ashamed to run to Him. The battle is best fought during temptation, rather then meditating on it then giving birth to sin. When you sin, confess it as such, and ask God to be strong in you to fight whatever temptation/sin you have. Sometimes we have weakness/sin patterns that are fought over longer and harder than others~ DON’T GIVE UP!!! Remember, Jesus died for ALL sins, those we committed in the past, those we commit today and those that we will commit tomorrow. He will never give up on you!! His work on the Cross was complete. The blood of Jesus and His sacrifice given for YOUR abundance should never be taken lightly.
You may ask, “What do I do now?” First and foremost, read and study your Bible. The New International Version (NIV) is written in dialect that is spoken more commonly today. This translation allows the Bible to be more easily understood. Before reading, pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to you and reveal His Truth. Many scholars have suggested that new Believers begin with the book of John. John, as well as the other Gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke are the accounts of Jesus’ life, ministry, death and resurrection. The early Church is discussed in the book of Acts. The Letters discuss Christian morality, and conduct! Revelation speaks of what is to come. The Old Testament details the historical account of
It is essential to find other Believers who have made a commitment to follow Jesus. This is your Spiritual family. Christian brothers and sisters should provide for one another a safe atmosphere to grow in the Lord. Encourage, study, pray and even confess temptations and sins with these trusted relationships. Finding a healthy church is important. Look for one that is balanced with teaching Christian Lifestyle, The Fruits of the Spirit and The Gifts of the Spirit. A healthy church allows for freedom in worship including all kinds of expression (raising and clapping hands, holy dancing, etc.). Diversity among peoples (racial and socially-economical) is wonderful to find in a worshipping body. The Biblical model for a healthy church is discussed in I Corinthians 12-14.
Lastly, remember that Jesus will always be with you…whether you find yourself on the top of the mountain or in the depths of the sea…He will never leave you or forsake you!
His love is never-ending.
We Love You,
Janelle and Rivers of New Hope Ministries