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I'm a New Creation

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

[2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV]

Toni writes:

When I rededicated my life to Christ in Jan. 1994, 2 Cor. 5:17 was the first verse I memorized.

It’s special to me because it assures me that I’ve been forgiven and made new in Christ.

When I decided to make Jesus my Savior and Lord, my life changed for the better. It didn’t happen overnight, it was a process, but it happened.

I don’t have to live in the past of sin and death anymore. I have been created new and am continuing to learn and go forward in the things of God.

As a sinner I lived a life that was fulfilling to me. I thought I knew what I wanted, but in all actuality I really didn’t know. I made bad decisions and suffered the consequences of them.

When I was six years old, my mother and father divorced. I was angry, became bitter and had unforgiveness in my heart. I didn’t want to ever get married or have children when I grew up. I started to experience alcohol and would have become a teenage drunk.

I truly believe the prayers of my maternal grandmother were heard and the mercies of God were upon my life. I moved to live with my grandparents, which was the best move for me. I received godly influence from my grandmother at that point.

I believe this verse of scripture (2 Cor. 5:17) really put my life in perspective when I read it, heard it, and meditated on it.

I was renewed in the spirit of my mind. I put on the mind of Christ Jesus.

My confidence and self esteem increased a great deal after reading God’s word. The word of God is life changing and is still changing my life today.

I now have been married for seventeen years and am the mother of a beautiful daughter. I have co-pastored a ministry and now am assistant pastor, along with my husband, of a great church.

I thank God for the power of His word. There are so many scriptures that have impacted my life, but 2 Cor. 5:17 is my favorite as a true believer.

Story posted on Monday, May 12th, 2008 and is filed under Praise, Bible, Hope, Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, Struggles, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Conversions, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

From Homelessness to Salvation

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

[Philippians 4:13 NIV]

Richard H. writes:

I am a 56-year-old divorced man living in Florida.

I had a really messed up childhood, starting at the age of 3, when I was adopted. I felt unloved and unwanted from the very beginning, which resulted in a lot of trouble at school, in the service, and in my marriage of 12 years to my high school sweetheart, who divorced me in 1979.

I could not hold down a job. Every job I would get I would get fired or quit for one reason or another — but the real reason was drugs and alcohol.

Eventually I lost my apartment because I could not pay rent and ended up being on the street homeless. I stayed that way for 4 years.

I thought my life was over, and I contemplated suicide many times, but I didn’t want to go to hell so I decided against it. But I was extremely miserable and had no friends.

I finally got out of the homeless camp and broke into a warehouse, where I lived in a 12×12 room.

One night I was sitting outside my warehouse, drunk as could be, when a man leaving the corner bar came walking down my street. As he approached, I saw myself in him.

This part is hard to explain, but I will do the best I can. As he got closer, I started to weep and I cried out, “God! Help me! I cannot keep going this way! Just take me out of here! I don’t want to live any more!”

And for 20 minutes or so I wept on my knees till I was exhausted. Then I got up and flopped myself down on the old broken-down couch I used for a bed and drifted off to sleep.

At six o’clock in the morning, I was awakened by someone calling my name, “Richard, Richard, Richard, you
must stop drinking, you must stop smoking, and you must go back to church.”

And as he said that, a feeling of warm liquid flowed through my body, starting from my head to the bottoms of my feet, and I yelled out, “Thank you, Jesus!”

I knew instantly that Jesus Christ had healed me, and this was before I knew what any of this meant. But I knew that I would never need drugs or alcohol ever again! I knew it!

He put a love into me so amazing that there are no words to express it. He totally turned my whole life around.

I put my trust in him and asked him to lead me to the church he wanted me to be a member of, and he did. I asked him to find me a home and a job, and he did.

And the good news is I have never looked back. I have the same job and go to the same church that he led me to.

But that is not the best news. The best news is I know where I am going now when I leave this world — I’m going to heaven. And I know why I am here, and it’s to serve him — and I do with all my heart.

He is real! And if you don’t know him, I implore you to get to know him. He waits for you with open arms. He will be the best friend you will ever have, and he loves you very much.

God bless you! And thank you for taking the time to read my testimony.

And if you know of anyone who needs to hear this, please don’t wait! Send it to them. This might be the last chance they will have to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior.

Story posted on Friday, May 9th, 2008 and is filed under Drugs & Alcohol, Loneliness, Praise, God's Love, Hope, Your Stories, Conversions, Grace, Struggles, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Suicide, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

God's Always There

Be still, and know that I am God …

[Psalm 46:10a KJV]

LeAnn A. writes:

It calms my heart and mind to know that God is God - and He is always in control. No matter what I face, He knows and He wants me to be still and know that He is always there.

When my husband left us almost nine years ago, I was devastated. But God arranged so many things for our good, and He has supported and sustained us.

I will never go back to the person I once was, and I will love my Lord forever. He truly is all that I need.

Story posted on Monday, March 24th, 2008 and is filed under Praise, Hope, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, God's Sovereignty, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

God Brings Good Out of Pain

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

[Romans 8:28 (NASB)]

Vienna D. M. writes:

Romans 8:28 is my life verse. It always comforts me.

Two years ago, I experienced a marital crisis, which almost caused my family to fall apart. The crisis was such a shock to me.
My husband changed from a loving, kind husband to a totally different man, and I felt betrayed.

I was hurting so bad that I never thought I would last another six months. It was the most difficult time in my adult life. I have never felt betrayed and hurt so much — I was in agonizing pain.

This went on for 15 months; with each day I felt I was dying little by little, crying at night till there were no more tears. I would often ask if God still loved me, why this was happening to me.

Many times I begged God to get me out of this situation. God seemed silent for a long time, although I know He was holding me by the hand, as I was able to keep my sanity each day and failed to commit suicide twice.

And each day I would comfort myself with Romans 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

Indeed, along with the prayers from two couples that are very close to me and my two teenage sons and my hope in the LORD’s promises, it all ended with my family still intact. The LORD intervened in the right time, using two American missionary couples I had never met before.

My husband and I are now happier. He has become a better friend, lover, and father.

I have learned many truths and principles I would have never learned had I not been through that crisis in my life.

I developed a better self-concept and my faith has been strengthened. I give glory to God for what He has done in our lives. Truly, “all things work for the good to those who love God…”

Story posted on Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 and is filed under Your Stories, Praise, Hope, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles, God's Sovereignty, Christian Families, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

I Was Depressed and Suicidal

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

[Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV]

Shay H. writes:

God loves me in spite of my shortcomings; only he is perfect. He has shown me my heart and informed me that there are many people in this world but his plan would not do without me. That’s how much you and I mean to him. God doesn’t make mistakes.

About three years ago, God brought me out of a backsliding situation. I was divorced, abused, addicted to prescription drugs, a heavy drinker, as well as an adulterous woman and suicidal. I lost everything; I was on a path of destruction.

I was so depressed I couldn’t even put my feet on the ground to get out of bed; my children were suffering because of my actions. I remember crying out to God, saying if you will just put my feet on the ground, I will follow you all the days of my life.

So, he did … and I have been following him ever since. I no longer do any of the former things I did, I am a new creation. I even quit smoking in January 2007, without one relapse. He was my strength and still is and always will be.

I re-married my husband within 90 days of that prayer, and I have been given back abundantly more than I ever lost. God has done miracle after miracle. There are so many to list. The greatest of all is that his presence saturates my life in all aspects.

I always wanted a father-daughter dance cause I never knew my earthly father. So I wrote this to God my father: “Dear Daddy, I gently take each step here on earth, to one day dance with you gracefully in heaven.”

I look forward to that day, and I have God to thank for it.

To you and yours, blessings of peace,

Shay H.

Story posted on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 and is filed under Praise, Hope, Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Suicide, Struggles. | 2 Comments »

Struggling With Ex-Husband

And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

[Galatians 6:9 ASV]

LaMonica T. writes:

I have been divorced for two years from an abusive man. During my marriage, I had many feelings of hopelessness and despair.

I can remember watching religious shows. I would have to change the station when my husband walked in the room. He would tell me, “That’s not going to help you.”

We have a son who is three years old. However, my ex-husband still continues to fight me in court over custody of our son. There have been times that I have worked two jobs to meet my legal and household expenses.

I began to wonder what I was doing wrong in my life for this to happen to me. After much reading and praying, it was revealed to me.

The Lord wanted me to allow him to fight the battle. He wanted me to study his word so I could have a better understanding of what was going on in my life. I soon realized that this fight was not even against my ex-husband.

Now, when I feel like I can’t take any more, I immediately start praying. I remember Galatians 6:9, which says faint not.

Story posted on Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 and is filed under Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Verses, Struggles, Most Popular Stories. | 2 Comments »

Two Empty Chairs: Verses for Divorce (1:28)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

[Phillippians 4:6-7 NIV]

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

[Romans 8:37]

Members of Two Empty Chairs share their favorite verses. Phil. 4:6-7 helped Josh Bryant get through times of despair and worry. As a 15 year old experiencing the divorce of his minister father and his mother Cliff Preston clung to Romans 8:37 as a reminder that in Christ we win!

Story posted on Tuesday, December 18th, 2007 and is filed under Two Empty Chairs, Bible, Video Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Verses. | No Comments »

My Marriage Is Improving

To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

[1 Corinthians 7:12-16 NIV]

Jarrett C. writes:

This chapter about marriage (and a little help from the radio) saved my marriage.

My wife and I have 3 kids and recently moved to Denver, CO, for my job. Well, about a month ago, we got to the point where we were about to divorce because she would go out with friends and not come home all night. She was an exotic dancer at a full-nude strip club and would keep secrets from me about her emails and the phone calls she got from different men.

I was about to break down and just quit it all, looking for some happiness, when I was listening to a radio preacher talk about marriage and 1 Corinthians chapter 7. So I listened to him and went home to read it — and it changed my life, starting with my marriage.

I started reading the Bible, and I started telling my wife different things about what the Bible says about her lifestyle. She got totally angry with me and said, “That’s why I didn’t want you getting into the Bible, because I knew you were just going to Bible bash me and be arrogant about it!”

I thought that was the end, but at least I did what God instructed. Then two nights later, when my wife came to pick me up from work, she told me she broke off her relationships with these men I didn’t know because of the way they were acting toward her. And she told me that she gave her two week notice at her job.

Thank you, God, for working everything out in your way. Once we let go of it and send it to you, you are sure to take care of it.

Story posted on Friday, December 14th, 2007 and is filed under Praise, Bible, Your Stories, Conversions, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Verses. | 2 Comments »

Fleeing Abusive Marriage

… Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it … let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

[Ephesians 5:21-33 KJV]

Shila writes:

This scripture has been a great instrument in shaping me as a woman. From these verses, I was able to see how God had wanted marriages to be like, bearing in mind that marriage was meant to be enjoyed and not tolerated.

While I went through many years of abuse, one question kept haunting me, “Is it right to leave my husband?” What would people think of me, seeing that I am of an African origin?”

I got my answers from the Bible and slowly began to pick up myself, knowing that no one deserved to live in such pain.

I am a survivor of domestic violence. Now through the grace of God, I have come out of this abusive relationship and have this great desire burning in me to reach young women, hoping that my story will help them to be more focused when choosing a life partner.

It is my intention to reach men as well, to make them know how much their actions could contribute to the success or failure of their wives.

I have written my first novel, accounting for my abuse. Though it is a Christian book, it is my aim to reach non-Christians as well, which explains the absence of Bible quotes in the book. This book is titled Duplicity by Shila Amos-Efe, available at Amazon.com, WH Smith, Waterstone, Barnes and Noble, Trafford book stores, etc.

Here’s a snapshot of the book: Sylvia, a Christian young woman, falls in love with an unbeliever. Blinded by his charming nature, she forgets to seek God’s will in her life partner, she marries him and the real personality of the man emerges. Trapped in a marriage that is full of abuse, ashamed to turn to anyone for help, she carries on as though everything was fine. But for how long? Years into her marriage she remembers her mistake … is it too late? Would her unbelieving husband be saved through her faith?

Story posted on Friday, November 23rd, 2007 and is filed under Bible, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict. | 3 Comments »

Ron Block: Identity in Christ (4:27)

Ron Block (from Allison Krauss and Union Station) shares how he came to Christ, but how he didn’t find his identity in Christ until his world crashed around him.

Story posted on Monday, November 12th, 2007 and is filed under Ron Block, Bible, Video Stories, Conversions, Divorce & Marital Conflict. | 1 Comment »