What’s it Like to Be Saved?

What’s it Like to Be Saved?

By: Ariel Mobley

I wonder what it’s like to be saved.
Christians say do it before the grave.
But I can’t tell you hard it is to say,
I believe in something I’ll see someday

I wonder what it’s like to be saved.
This is my thought every single day.
I wonder which way,
That’s right that forces me to not delay.

The thoughts and decisions that all must be done.
They say that victory is won
And that death is defeated beyond the grave?

I wonder what it’s like to be saved.
To read a book that was made
Many years ago with so many stories.
Page after page
Prophecies of yesterday, tomorrow, and today?

I wonder what’s it like to be saved.
I know that it takes some faith.
To know and believe
But how can something bigger than me
Forgive me, see me, and love me.
How can that be?

I wonder what it’s to be saved.
I finally made it to church today!
I heard the Word
And felt a stir.
I walked down the aisle
Shook hands with the preacher and smiled.
I want to walk the journey of a Christian and say,

“I know what it’s like to be saved!”

If you would like to be saved, please say this prayer and follow the steps below!

“Lord Jesus,

Today is the day that I would like to accept you into my heart. I ask for you to forgive me of all of my sins whether known or unknown. Wash me in your blood and make me into a new person. I want to be transformed by you. I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you died on the cross for all of my sins. Today I would like to dedicate my life to glorifying your name.

Change me, shape me, and mold me into the person you would like for me to be. You are the King of my heart and the shepherd of my life. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I love you!

In Jesus Name, Amen!“

If you have prayed this prayer, please seek out a local church to get baptized and to let them know that you have accepted the call to join the Christian journey. After that, please seek a great study bible that will help you on your Christian journey to learn more about your Saviour-Jesus Christ. No, this journey is not easy, but it is well worth it.

You are loved.

You are loved so much that God-the creator of the universe has sent His son to come down in human form to become sin to save you!

You are just that special to Him.

If you have prayed the prayer above, please comment below so I can celebrate with you!!

I Went to the Window to Pray

I Went to the Window to Pray

By: Ariel Mobley

I went to the window to pray.
I know this will be a hard day.
I begged God to help me through
Not knowing what He is going to do.

I went to the window to pray.
I feel like giving up today.
This side of the path is really hard.
My faith is low and my heart is scarred.

I went to the window to pray.
Things will get better someday.
If only I knew exactly when.
So, I could have my joy again.

I went to the window to pray.
Lord, I am begging you today.
I am trying so hard to trust in you.
But please God, please help me through.

I went to the window to pray.
I got a call today.
I desperately want the outcome to be
Good news for my heart to feel free.

I went to the window to pray.
I am thankful for another day.
I am so grateful to serve a God
Who shows up no matter the time- even or odd.

Oh, My Sweet Anointed Child

Oh, my sweet, anointed child
You will never know
How my love is greater than any man,
Family, friend, or foe

Oh, my sweet, anointed child,
I see your worship and praise
Your heart makes me smile
Once you stumble, I give you grace

Oh, my sweet, anointed child
Don’t become of this world
My son will soon return for you
Where Heaven is finished and pearled

Oh, my sweet, anointed child
Never forget my word
My word is full of strength and truth
To keep your heart a stirred

Oh, my sweet, anointed child
Please share the good news
To your siblings, family, and friends
So, they will walk through Heaven with you

-Ariel Mobley

What’s Your Gift to Jesus?

The story of Jesus’ birth is very unique, sweet, and beautiful. However, when we think of anyone’s birth story, Jesus’ is very different. The trials and tribulations that Mary and Joseph went through just to find a place for the night is something that most parents don’t experience awaiting their baby’s arrival. This makes us think. Even though Jesus-our Savior and King came into the world, he brought love, sacrifice, and hope. These three things began from his birth until his death. Love, sacrifice, and hope are also three gifts He left when He was crucified on the cross.

Jesus, a man yet human and divine brought these three gifts to all humanity no matter the generation, location, or history. Yet, there’s so many recipients of these three gifts yet give nothing in return.

I am aware that we all come from different backgrounds, experiences, and traumas that may stand in the way salvation. Though my hope and prayer is that those that receive these three gifts will accept them and reciprocate the love and heart back to our Savior. These gifts were not given to humanity to just sit. They were given to be used and help us have a closer and more intimate relationship with our Creator. Past generations in the Old Testament did not have a distinct relationship outside of the chosen ones whom God communicated with. When Jesus was born any and everyone had the chance to communicate and connect with God in human form. How powerful is that?

If you are reading this and you are not saved, I want you to know that God came down in human form as Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago. Christmas season is a time we celebrate his birth and coming into the world for which He saved humanity. I pray that you accept Him-Jesus Christ in your heart today. You can pray this prayer below.

“Lord Jesus,

Today is the day that I would like to accept you into my heart. I ask for you to forgive me of all of my sins whether known or unknown. Wash me in your blood and make me into a new person. I want to be transformed by you. I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you died on the cross for all of my sins. Today I would like to dedicate my life to glorifying your name.

Change me, shape me, and mold me into the person you would like for me to be. You are the King of my heart and the shepherd of my life. Thank you for all that you have done for me. I love you!

In Jesus Name, Amen!“

If you have prayed this prayer, please seek out a local church to get baptized and to let them know that you have accepted the call to join the Christian journey. After that, please seek a great study bible that will help you on your Christian journey to learn more about your Saviour-Jesus Christ. No, this journey is not easy, but it is well worth it!

One of the Life Lessons I Learned from Palm Sunday

Mark 11:1-10

11 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

² And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

³ And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

⁴ And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

⁵ And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

⁶ And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

⁷ And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

⁸ And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

⁹ And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

¹⁰ Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

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As a child, I distinctly remember preparing for Easter Sunday. My mother would ensure my sister and I found the perfect Easter poem/speech. I would print this sacred piece and rehearse it at home at least five to seven times before packing it away in a safe place. My heart would race as I would vision myself in front of the congregation reciting this piece. I would think to myself, “Oh I how I will be so glad when this is over.”

Although Sunday School was a vital part of my childhood church experience, Palm Sunday didn’t ring a bell for me until I reached adulthood. Now when I read of Jesus’ triumphant entry and how the crowd would praise Him as the colt walked through the crowd, I find myself thinking of a valuable lesson. Jesus was exalted and praised during His triumphant entry and in less than a week, the crowd would cry out,” Crucify Him!”

How could society betray the precious lamb of God?

The one and only man that was brought into this sinful world bearing no sin.

How could the world betray someone who preached the word of God, healed the sick, and raised the dead with the sound of His voice?

How could the world forget about all of the wonderful things that He has done?

How could the world just look at Him as if He were a criminal?

Yet, here and now before all of that, society thought the world of Him. Screaming out, “Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.”

Although this moment and scripture comes along with so many beautiful lessons, the one lesson that stays with me is how the world can betray us just as they betrayed Jesus. I think we often forget about that when we are so busy trying to become “the next big thing.” We live in a time where everyone desires to have big numbers and big bucks behind their name. We believe that the world cares about our every move, meal, and routine, yet those that will praise you one day will betray you in a short matter of time.

If Jesus was treated this way, what would make us exempt from the same treatment? We are sinners. So how would a sinner be treated better than the one that was and still is sinless? Think about that for a moment.

This passage and lesson should show us that we should be humble and carry the light of Christ in everything we do and everywhere we go. Yes, the story does not end there and we will discuss all of this soon.

As we focus on Jesus’ journey to the cross, let’s not forget about His sacred service and ministry and use this as motivation to focus more on Him. His journey was not in vain. Love started with God. Love is exemplified through Jesus and who He is.

Lord, I Give You My Heart

It’s something so special about praising God when you are most vulnerable. I don’t know how God does it. But there are plenty of times I go down on my knees filled with so much anger, sorrow, or just frustration, and He takes it all away. It’s so amazing. I will never forget a time I was upset with someone for about an hour. I honestly couldn’t get my mind off of the situation and I prayed and listened to a concert by Kim Walker Smith. My heart was overwhelmed with so much joy afterwards.

I do my daily devotions a little different than most people. Every season, I usually have about three or four songs to help me cope with all of my emotions. One of my songs for this season is “I give you my heart” by Hillsong (song below). I first heard of this song when listening to Pastor Sheryl Brady preach. I loved the lyrics so much, I immediately went to YouTube to find the original song. This song has become one of my go to songs to kick start my morning devotions. I immediately feel aligned with God after listening to this song. I usually put the song on repeat to dive deeper with Him and either pray, worship, or start reading a passage afterwards.

Every word in this song is filled with so much truth and takes me back to what is most important during my Christian walk.

 

We need to remind ourselves and everyone around us to focus more on God. Our mission is to serve God in everything we do. Spreading His word and love should constantly stay on our hearts daily. It’s easy to get distracted with all of the mundane things but God is most important. It wasn’t until reading Psalm 139 that I was reminded of that. After arriving to work, I was thinking back to that passage that states,

“O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

² Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

³ Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

⁴ For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

⁵ Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

⁷ Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

⁸ If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

⁹ If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

¹⁰ Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

¹¹ If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

¹² Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

¹³ For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

¹⁴ I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

¹⁵ My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

¹⁶ Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

¹⁸ If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

¹⁹ Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

²⁰ For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

²¹ Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

²² I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

²⁴ And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

I was reminded of how God never leaves us. When we’re in the car, He’s with us. When we are at home, He’s with us. Even when we are in the midst of our trials and tribulations, He is with us. Why is it so easy to forget about Him when He’s always there. We don’t have to do anything and He is still there. So when we call on Him, we don’t have to do much because He’s right there anyway. Isn’t that amazing? He designed us, He’s with us, and He will never leave us. So, let’s do just as this song says, to give Him our hearts and our souls.

We need to allow His spirit to have His in our lives without limits. We need to live just for Him. We should strive to make Him proud daily. God is a wonderful and mighty God! Let’s bless the Lord together and thank Him for all that He’s done. He’s deserves it!!!

Seeking God w/ an Empty Heart

 

How many times have you bowed your head, closed your eyes, and took a deep breath only to say…nothing?

“Lord” you say looking up to the ceiling with water in your eyes. Your heart just melts as your emotions take the best of you.

You try to think of the words to describe how you feel but there’s nothing.

You can’t seem to find the words to describe your empty heart.

That’s exactly how you feel, empty. You feel that there’s nothing there. You try to say something but there’s nothing. You are drained from the roller coaster you’re on that you feel like all of your emotions just emptied out of your heart.

I remember going through this vulnerable season where I was speechless and my heart felt so empty. I tried to say my prayers and talk with the Lord. I distinctly remember grabbing the covers and pulling them to my neck. As I took a breath, I felt the misery just seep from my head to my toes. I was completely and utterly vulnerable.

It’s so interesting because you feel like that this season will last forever but it doesn’t. God eventually reveals that even during your moments of vulnerability, bitterness, and utter discouragement, He understands EVERYTHING.

Moments like this reminds me of when Jesus was about to be crucified.

Matthew 26: 36-46 KJV

³⁶ Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

³⁷ And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

³⁸ Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

³⁹ And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

⁴⁰ And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

⁴¹ Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

⁴² He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

⁴³ And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

⁴⁴ And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

⁴⁵ Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

⁴⁶ Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

 

Jesus’ heart was heavy and I believe He probably did feel empty. I interpret this from the scripture because He kept going back to pray. I find myself doing this same thing when I feel heavy and empty. I keep going back. I keep seeking God. I keep praying. And I believe this comes from the guidance of Jesus in this passage.

 

That’s why the song above, “The more I seek you” is the song of the day. It’s the perfect description of the desire just to be close with Jesus. “The more I seek you, the more I find you. The more find you, the more I love you.” Those words capture me every time my heart feels empty. The more I seek God in these moments, the more I find him. And the more I find him, the absolute more I love him. I want to add to that part. The more I love him, the more I praise him. The more I praise him, the absolute more I want to serve Him.

It turns out that when you KEEP seeking God, you will find Him. The emptiness will diminish and the Holy Spirit that is already within you takes over. Words will begin to form in your heart, peace will begin to take over your spirit, and joy will begin to take over you!

“Dear God, I’m Speechless…”

If you are a frequent viewer of this blog, you will find that it’s been about a year since my last blog post. So I would like to dedicate this post to 2018.

The beginning of the year…

Upon the beginning of the year, I began to tap into a mild depression. I graduated from college with my B.A. I was finally done with school and was completely empty. Everything I constructed fell to pieces. Honestly, I had no way to fix anything. I could not find a job, my nonprofit was losing things, my stress level was getting worse, and my emotions were taking the best of me. There were times that I sat in my dark room staring at the wall. I felt worthless. I felt like I worked so hard for nothing.

I kept applying for more jobs and heard nothing.

I prayed and felt nothing.

I read the bible and heard nothing.

What more to do? My faith was decreasing by the day. And my prayers turned from long monologues to a few sentences to three words. There came a time when I fell on my knees and said, “God, I’m speechless…” I had nothing to say. I wanted to cry but the tears would not fall. I did not know what to do or how to feel.

One day, I grabbed one of my old computers and found the praise song, “Agnus Dei” by Michael Smith. I closed my eyes and saw a small cabin (goes back to a childhood story). I was inside this cabin sitting at a table with a coffee cup. As soon as I opened my mouth to speak, a man came with his coffee cup and sat down at the table. I could not see His face but I already knew exactly who this man was…my Savior. Although, I could not see all of Him, I knew Him.

I then opened my eyes in amazement and started singing along to the song. Upon closing my eyes again, I saw another vision ( I will share that in another post). My faith began to rise again. My heart begin to feel strength. And for the first time in a while, I cried tears of joy.

Upon the second month of this dark season, one of my high school friends held a prayer gathering. My sister and I both attended and my faith got a little stronger and then decreased again. I was stuck trying to figure out why this dark cloud would not move! Everything I felt before came rushing back. My feelings, emotions, and stress dragged me back into the dark hole I was once in.

One day, I was lying in bed when I got a phone call to come in for an interview. It was not the job I was hoping for but I felt compelled to go.

At the end of the interview, the manager offered me the position. I was somewhat speechless but not in a good way. So… I said yes. I filled out my paperwork and completed all the steps and within two weeks I started my first job.

I distinctly remember my first day was overwhelming to say the least. I thought to myself, “What have  I done!?!” Although I was not overly excited about this new journey, I kept going. It was better than nothing and I had to be grateful for what God had given me. At least I was out of the house..right?

The middle of the year….

I kept working and earned my way into a summer position. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to continue working with kids and I was rekindling old passions. I was falling in love with this job until it reached the end. It was time for me to go back to the first job. My frustration and stress rose through the roof. I found myself falling back into that dark hole once again!

Upon returning for the new school year, my new supervisor and coworkers were great! I had a different group of kids from the previous year and ended up working ten times harder in the same position. Although it was rough start at the beginning, things began to level out.

The end of the year….

Towards the end of the year, the spark began. When I mean a spark, you know the song that says, “it only takes a spark, to get a fire going.” Yeah, that’s how it was for me. What started out as a spark turned into flames. The flames started at work and continued to get worse. I had a bad reaction to some fire ants. My foot swelled so bad, I could not walk. When I sat up at the end of my bed, I felt the pain rush to my foot. I was in unbelievable pain for days. After getting better, things continued unfolding at work. Then about two months later, came down with a cough which turned out to be pneumonia.

As you can see, the mention of faith and prayer decreased the further you read this blog. That’s how my spiritual journey turned out to be. My faith decreased day by day. I started struggling with doubts about everything. My prayers and daily devotions continued to get shorter.

Things began to get so bad when I was sick and my weakness started to transition into strength.

I was praying for both physical and spiritual strength.

I was praying for another job for both my sister and I.

I was decreeing and declaring healing for myself.

Then one day, I checked my email. I got another job!!!!!

I went back to the doctor and the she told me my pneumonia was gone.

My sister got called in for another job.

I was surrounded with so much joy. I learned the value of answered prayers. I could not contain myself with excitement.

Although this year was long and hard, God came through for me. The beginning was rough, but He continued to show me that He was there all through the year.

I can truly say that there is a God.

He’s not just any God but a God of answers.

A God of faith.

A God of trust.

A wonderful, beautiful, amazing God!!!

When you don’t think that He’s listening, He is! That goes back to the vision I had at the beginning of the year. Jesus had his coffee cup to sit down and listen to me. All those moments when I thought that He couldn’t hear me it turns that He was right there. Jesus answered my prayers when it was time to answer them. What mattered most is that I turned to Him and stayed strong in my faith.

God knows your limits.

He knows when to take you out of situations.

God knows when it’s your time.

You just have to trust Him and KEEP GOING!

There were so many times I wanted to give up on everything.

There were times when I had nothing left. But I kept moving and HE truly came through. So I can say THANK YOU LORD FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME!

What is your story and Happy New Year!

It Only Takes a Spark!

It’s New Year’s Eve and you may be out somewhere on your way home, hanging with friends and family, or you could be at home sitting behind a computer live streaming some services like me. No matter what you are doing right now I want you to please read this post with an open heart. I’ve seen a lot of people post about how bad this year has been, but I want you to know this. It only takes a spark! It only takes a spark for your life to turn right side up or upside down. Vulnerability does come in seasons in life, but also there are times when vulnerability must come to an end. Jesus is right there with a hand reaching out to you to say, “My friend, it only takes a spark, and I am the spark in your life. I am waiting to just light your life with my presence, love, and grace like never before!” I want you to know that it only takes a spark and that spark is Jesus!! Times will get tough in our life. Life will be hard. Seasons will come where things will not be in our favor, but we have to keep going and look up, look towards the sky, and look beyond the sky. Life is too short for you to sit and allow your feelings, your mind, and negativity to just drag you through the dirt. God has so many beautiful hidden treasures within the next year that you are not aware of right now, but believe me and you I’m telling you this with so much faith, favor, and love that you will be amazed how He will turn up and turn out in 2017! Take on the New Year with faith, favor, and a spark of happiness because you just don’t know what’s ahead. Life is too short. Come on get up, get moving, and look up for guidance and rely on Jesus Christ for that spark in your life. Happy New Year and God bless 🙂

Thank You Jesus!

There’s just something like going through the mountains, woods, and valleys of life. Then when you finally come through all of that you lift up your hands and praise God not only for the journey but for the experience and testimony as well  Thank you Jesus!