Life Verse

"Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me"

Psalm 51:10

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Evaluating what I believe

Remember Martin Richard, Lingzi Lu, Krystle Campbell and Sean Collier.  My heart and prayers go out to their families and to those still recovering from their injuries. What happened was absolutely pure evil.  I cannot fathom how any human being could do this to others. My heart is with Boston, a city that I have been to many times and love.  I rejoiced with them when the terrorist was caught.

So, why in the world did I find myself on my knees praying for the life of Dzhokar Tsarnaev to be spared last night?  First off, I wanted him to be alive to tell authorities what their motive was and I want him to face the justice system.  I had another reason, though.  As long as he is alive, there is hope for him.  It's too late for his brother, but it isn't too late for him.  What?!  Am I some sort of crazy person?  No, I'm a Christian.   A follower of Jesus.  I believe in redemption after repentance.  I have lived redemption.   I am not a sympathizer to extremist terrorists.  I HATE what they did and they deserve Hell.  So do I.  So do you.  We all deserve Hell due to the Fall and human depravity.  Satan still influences and torments this world, but God has overcome.  I have to step back and examine what I believe as a Christian.  Jesus died for all of the people that God created.  We are all sinners. He died for the sins of the adulterer, the prostitute, the liar, the bully, the abuser and the killer. I don't condone the sin, but I believe they are eligible for forgiveness.   As long as we have breath, I believe that God can do a mighty work in us.  If I didn't believe that, I'd be a hypocrite.  Jesus would have died in vain.  I have to believe that forgiveness is possible for all who seek it from Him.   I choose to look at people as Jesus would look at them.  He grieves the loss of life and the terrible sins of this young man, but He also created him and loves him.  He can still be made new. I thank God for His grace and mercy in my life.  Repent. Jesus is Alive and He can change you.
I pray for the victims and their families.  I pray for physical and spiritual healing.  


And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him .  Colossians 1:20-22

Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out. Acts 3:19


For nothing will be  impossible with God. Luke 1:37


Jon Egan wrote the song, Overcome, in the aftermath of the deadly shooting at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.  It is a reminder that God has overcome.  We have hope in Him no matter what the circumstances of our life.