My Testimony for RCA | 03.27.09

My life before I became a Christian wasn’t a smooth-paved life. I confronted many twists and turns and rocky roads. I was an extreme sinner. I disobeyed my parents regularly. Thinking I could be independent and just listen to my friends. I hung out with friends that lead me into the wrong path. Listening to explicit music, wearing obscene clothing, and cursing. I went to church sparingly and I didn’t really follow what was going on. I was raised on a certain belief that if I’m good, if I treat everyone right and if I wear a cross necklace, I’ll go to heaven. Five years ago I realized that was not the case. I came to the point in my life where I needed to make a change. Because if I make small mistakes now, in the future they will become big and devastating mistakes that will lead to the worst outcome. One night in seventh grade I came home with my mother and there were a group of cars in front of us, all white cars. They all parked in front of a house and tons of guys in black came out of the cars and beat up a bystander. They used baseball bats, clubs, and metal rods. Within minutes they all ran back into their cars and drove out of my complex. The cops came shortly after, and the bystander’s parents came out from their house and saw their dead son on the ground. I was 12 when I came to the realization that, you know what, I’m not going to live forever. Within minutes a life can change completely. At that moment, I asked myself “Where am I going to go when I die?” “Is my life really a “good life”.” That night my mother (who is Christian) prayed with me. For the first time in my life I heard a calling and felt compelled to change my life around for the better. I accepted Jesus Christ into my life when I was 12. What that meant was that I was no longer in control of my life. Everything and anything I do and did from that moment on wouldn’t be just me, myself and I, but God and I. I got baptized days later and since then my life had become a complete 180. I’ve attended our church since 2002 and from 2004 to the present I’ve become greatly involved. I’ve stopped dwelling in the past and looked onto my new future. Just as it says in Psalm 40:2 “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” God turned my upside-down life right-side up! Despite the fact that I’m a sinner, and I still make mistakes, there’s only one person who can accept me for I am, that is Jesus Christ. There is more grace in God’s heart than sin in my past and in everyone’s past. Before, my mistakes had to be fixed by me. Now, every mistake I’ve made and might make I can overcome with help from God. I now have reassurance in knowing that when I leave this earth, I will be with God.

-Jasmine Grace Ahmed

God's Love Letter to You!

Have you ever wondered what God would say to you if He were to write a letter addressed to you? The good news is, you can! To find out more, you can go to www.fathersloveletter.com or simply refer to your nearest Bible!<><

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My Child

Not only can I hear you, but I know everything about you. (Psalm139:1) I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2) I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3) Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-31) For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27) In me, you live and move and have your being. (Acts 17:27-28) For are my offspring. (Acts 17:28) I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5) I chose you, when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12) 

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16) I determined the exact time of your birth, and where you would live. (Acts 17:26) You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 13:13) And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6) I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. (John 8:41, 42, 44) I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (1 John 4:16) And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (1John 3:1) Simply because you are my child, and I am your Father. (1 John 3:1) I offer more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11) For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48) 

Every good gift that you receive, comes from my hand. (James 1:17) For I am your provider, and I meet all your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33) My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3) My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18) And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17) I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40) For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5) I desire to establish you with all my heart, and all my soul. (Jeremiah 32:41) 

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3) If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29) Delight in me, and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4) For it is I, who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13) I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21) For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17) And nothing will ever separate you from My love again. (Romans 8:39-39) I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)

Love,

Your Heavenly Daddy