New Life in Jesus
Tatooes on the Heart
In the beginning when God created man and women there was no known sin to man. Adam and Eve were able to live peacefully with no worries. However, one day Eve was deceived by Satan and consequently so was Adam, by eating of the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. This is the first sin committed by man, therefore causing anyone proceeding Adam and Eve to be born in sin. It was because of one man’s sin, resulting in the existence of sin in the world today. (Genesis 3)There is still hope. There is hope because there was love and grace radiating from God. So much love he has shown countless time he continues to watch over us and cares about each of our well being. God has not given up on us. In Romans chapter 5 Shows just how much God wants us to succeed by giving his son Jesus to be a sacrifice for all our sins. (St John 3:16-17)
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
31 So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
32 "Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
33 But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.
(Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.)
“Bill Cain, S.J. Years ago he took a break from his own ministry to care for his father as he died of cancer… dependent on Bill to do everything for him… his mind remained alert and lively… Bill would read from some novel, and his father would lie there, staring at his son, smiling… I read to you, you fall asleep.” Bill’s father would impishly apologize and dutifully close his eyes. But this wouldn’t last long. Soon enough, Bill’s father would pop one eye open and smile at his son. Bill would catch him and whine, “Now, come on.” The father would , again, oblige, until he couldn’t anymore, and the other eye would open to catch a glimpse of his son. This went on and on, and after his father’s death, Bill knew that this evening ritual was really a story of a father who just couldn’t take his eyes off his kid. How much more so God?” (19-20)
God shows even though it seems he’s not watching he always keeping an eye on you. As the scripture stated he even knows how many hairs are on your head. God is not minut in any form. On the contrary he is so powerful he is omnipotent and omnipresent. He can watch over everyone in Europe will watching over us here in Hayward, California simultaneously. We matter to God so much he allowed his son to be nailed and die on the cross shedding his blood as a sacrificial offering for all our sins (hence the reason we celebrate Easter, the death and resurrection of Christ). Also, thankfully Jesus also loves us enough to be obedient to the will of his father (St Luke 22:42). God wants us to have an opportunity to be restored back to him. The price has already been paid you just have to surrender to Him. You must believe first Jesus is God’s Son who came to this earth if flesh form, who died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Believe his death was the atonement for our sins. Believe if you ask for forgiveness of your sins with a sincere heart and ask Jesus to come into your life. Through your faith you are saved. Ephesians 2:8-9
1 John 5:1-13
Once you have accepted Christ into your life you become a new person. God begins to be remold and reshape you. The desires you had before no longer haunt you. The taste of sin is no longer a craving. You no longer belong to the devil. Because you accepted Christ you gave the devil your resignation. So now the devil is mad because he now lost a soul to God. He will do whatever he can to make you take back your devotion to God. Sometimes he will try to get into your mind saying, “you didn’t mean what you said,” “you know you will go back doing the old things again,” or “you’re not really saved.” Sometimes people will remind you of your past, not realizing or believing you are trying to change. That’s what happened to Alex when he was trying to go to Washington to visit the President.
“Well, actually,” he says, completely defeated, “I wasn’t gonna tell ya. ’Fraid ya wouldn’t let me go… she listens and then says only, “No, high control… Alex is deemed to be a parolee requiring more vigilance and a shorter leash. This gets determined by a mixture of previous crimes, length of prison terms, and general past behavior… finally— the day before we are slotted to leave, we secure approval for Alex.”(201-202)
You must stay encouraged and continue to push forward. Change mostly does not happen overnight. As you begin to live your new life in Christ and as you grow closer to God it will start to show. You took that first step by coming to God for forgiveness. Let God help you do the rest. Think of an onion peeling. There are many layers of the onion. As you read you Word (Bible) pray and meditate on God, focus on him start looking from your new birthday (the day you saved) to your new future. As you do this each layer of the onion is your old self peeling away. You become more Christ like and less of your self (2 Corinthians 5:17-19, Ephesians 4:17-24). As you grow more spiritually people will naturally see the difference in your life as your own attributes begin to change.
One of the most important things to remember after God has delivered you from sin, is not to look back. Looking back in your past in the beginning of your new walk of life can cause you to stumble and fall. Sometimes it can even lead to your own death. As in what happened to Manny.
“I see Manny in the neighborhood, and I am not one bit happy. Once homies move away from the projects, I tell them they have no more business here… Son, I’m proud of you— now go home...
Not three hours later, as Manny pulls onto the ramp for the freeway home, a rival sees him and opens up fire. (180-181).
As God delivers us from our sins we have to push forward in our newness of life. The Bible says in St. Luke 15:7, when one soul comes to God heaven rejoices. Not looking back to our past. Once we have gone to God asking for forgiveness accepting that Jesus died and shed his blood for our sins, and accepting Him in our heart, are the first steps we take. God is and has always been there waiting for us. Those who receive God must accept we’re sinners only saved by the grace of God. Once God has brought us out of sin our lives begin to change from the inside out. It starts with the heart to the mind. As our heart changes from the pains and disappointments of life, it is filled with love and compassion. Then our mindset begins to change by looking at life with a spiritual blindfold unveiled. Looking back only feeds Satan with ammunition to plant a seed into our hearts and minds of the reminders of our past life. Even if you make a mistake (we all make mistakes) don’t stay down in your mistake. As long as you are sincerely trying God will help. As you continue to grow there is still yet another level of hope. Salvation is not the final step, but it is the first step. As the Lord continues to work on he Jesus said before he ascended to Heaven, when he lives he will not leave us comfortless. We will have a comforter the Holy Spirit, whom will lead and guide us in our daily walk in Christ (Ephesians 14:26). With the Holy Spirit we shall have the power and strength to fight against the enemy (Satan (Acts 1:8)).
If you believe and have been convicted in your heart. If you have been looking for a change. A believe you need God in your life, even if you know him, but have fallen away, or just need strength. Say this prayer. Dear God I'm sorry forgive me of all my sins. I believe Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe I can only have life in you. Take away any desire of sin in my life. I ask you to come into my heart, to come into my life right now. I surrender completely to you, save me oh Lord in the name of Jesus. Amen!
If you sincerely said that prayer and truly believe what you said, Then through your faith you are saved. Don’t look back just look forward to your new future.
If you have any questions regarding this let me know and I will help you in any way I can.
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In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot, Abraham’s brother, and his wife were saved from God’s wrath and vengeance upon this sinful city. They have escaped from the city when during its destruction Lot’s wife desired her past and looked back from where she came. In spite of God’s warning to not look back, her disobedience caused her to turn to a pillar of salt.
All have sinned through Adam. Romans 5: 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. Romans 5: 19 For as by the one
Kruis, John G. (2013-09-15). Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling (p. 190). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Heb 10:26-31
26 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.
27 There is only the terrible expectation of God's judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.
28 For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God's mercy to us.
30 For we know the one who said, "I will take revenge. I will pay them back." He also said, "The Lord will judge his own people."
31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
It is always good to know where you came from and continuously thank God for his deliverance. However, when you start looking back and even go back it can cause you to stumble and fall, even to the extent of death.
The way of sin leads to death; the way of obedience to life. Matthew 7: 13– 14
Kruis, John G. (2013-09-15). Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling (p. 229). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
3. Those who have known the way but go on sinning are warned of the consequences. Hebrews 10: 26– 31
Kruis, John G. (2013-09-15). Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling (p. 231). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
All have sinned through Adam. Romans 5: 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. Romans 5: 19 For as by the one
Kruis, John G. (2013-09-15). Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling (p. 190). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
“You are our sons/ daughters— whether we brought you into this world or not.”
(Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (p. 3). Free Press. Kindle Edition.)
It’s when we face for a moment the worst our kind can do, and shudder to know the taint in our own selves, that we cracks the mind’s shell and enters the heart. —Denise Levertov
(Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (p. 10). Free Press. Kindle Edition.)
“What’s the point,” they’d ask, “of doing good … If this can happen to ya?” It was a good question, worthy of a response. I told that packed church that Luis was a human being who came to know the truth about himself and liked what he found there.
(Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (p. 16). Free Press. Kindle Edition.)
1. “Bill Cain, S.J. Years ago he took a break from his own ministry to care for his father as he died of cancer. His father had become a frail man, dependent on Bill to do everything for him. Though he was physically not what he had been, and the disease was wasting him away, his mind remained alert and lively. In the role reversal common to adult children who care for their dying parents, Bill would put his father to bed and then read him to sleep, exactly as his father had done for him in childhood. Bill would read from some novel, and his father would lie there, staring at his son, smiling. Bill was exhausted from the day’s care and work and would plead with his dad, “Look, here’s the idea. I read to you, you fall asleep.” Bill’s father would impishly apologize and dutifully close his eyes. But this wouldn’t last long. Soon enough, Bill’s father would pop one eye open and smile at his son. Bill would catch him and whine, “Now, come on.” The father would , again, oblige, until he couldn’t anymore, and the other eye would open to catch a glimpse of his son. This went on and on, and after his father’s death, Bill knew that this evening ritual was really a story of a father who just couldn’t take his eyes off his kid. How much more so God?”
(Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (pp. 19-20). Free Press. Kindle Edition.)
“Bill Cain, S.J. Years ago he took a break from his own ministry to care for his father as he died of cancer… dependent on Bill to do everything for him… his mind remained alert and lively… Bill would read from some novel, and his father would lie there, staring at his son, smiling… I read to you, you fall asleep.” Bill’s father would impishly apologize and dutifully close his eyes. But this wouldn’t last long. Soon enough, Bill’s father would pop one eye open and smile at his son. Bill would catch him and whine, “Now, come on.” The father would , again, oblige, until he couldn’t anymore, and the other eye would open to catch a glimpse of his son. This went on and on, and after his father’s death, Bill knew that this evening ritual was really a story of a father who just couldn’t take his eyes off his kid. How much more so God?” (19-20)
“I watched this kid move, transformed, from Sniper to Gonzales to Cabrón to Napoleón to Napito. We all just want to be called by the name our mom uses when she’s not pissed off at us.”
(Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (p. 54). Free Press. Kindle Edition.)
“Well, that’s because you are somebody.”
(Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (p. 79). Free Press. Kindle Edition.)
2. “By the way,” I ask him, “did you get permission from your parole officer to go to Washington?” Alex makes a face and pushes my question aside. “’ Course.” I indicate a general sense of “whew.” There’s a brief pause, and Alex says with a renewed timidity, “Um, well … yeah … she said no.” “WHAT?” I’m incredulous. “When were you going to get around to telling me this?” “Well, actually,” he says, completely defeated, “I wasn’t gonna tell ya. ’Fraid ya wouldn’t let me go.” I tell him to sit down. “Look, mijo—we gotta do this the right way.” With him seated there, I get his parole agent on the phone. After I lay out, gently , the details, ramifications , and importance of this trip to her, she listens and then says only, “No, high control.” High control is what it sounds like. Alex is deemed to be a parolee requiring more vigilance and a shorter leash. This gets determined by a mixture of previous crimes, length of prison terms, and general past behavior. I ask to speak to her supervisor, who tells me, “Nope— high control.” “Is there someone,” I ask, “who is, you know, a notch above you in the chain of command?” I am put on hold for some time until the third official declares, “No way— high control.” They all seem to be having a very bad case of “And Alex, who exactly do you think you are— that you get to go to the White House … for dinner.” Many flying faxes from the Department of Justice and numerous pleas from the First Lady’s office later— finally— the day before we are slotted to leave, we secure approval for Alex.”
(Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (pp. 201-202). Free Press. Kindle Edition.)
“Well, actually,” he says, completely defeated, “I wasn’t gonna tell ya. ’Fraid ya wouldn’t let me go… she listens and then says only, “No, high control… Alex is deemed to be a parolee requiring more vigilance and a shorter leash. This gets determined by a mixture of previous crimes, length of prison terms, and general past behavior… finally— the day before we are slotted to leave, we secure approval for Alex.”(201-202)
3. I see Manny in the neighborhood, and I am not one bit happy. Once homies move away from the projects, I tell them they have no more business here. Once I saw a homie named Mugsy, now in his early thirties, three kids, lives away from the neighborhood, good construction job, and he’s in the barrio. “So what the hell are you doin’ here?” I ask him. “Oh, just going to buy some beer at Moon’s store.” “Look, dog, you can buy beer anywhere.” “Yeah, but,” he says, “not every place accepts food stamps.” The fact that I rarely win these battles does not keep me from the “broken record” of my insisting. When I see Manny, I begin calmly, “Okay, Manny, what are you doing here?” Manny wants to defuse quickly, “Oh, I’m just visiting.” I turn my voice into a hospital’s loudspeaker: “MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE. VISITING HOURS ARE NOW OVER.” Manny knows enough to change the subject. “Go ahead and congratulate me,” he says. “For what?” I concede, air hissing out of my balloon. “On Monday, I begin college— at Rio Hondo.” “Son, I’m proud of you— now go home.” Manny had been one of twenty workers from a variety of gangs who built our child care center. It took them two years to build. It would have taken professional types four months, tops. We opted, instead, to begin the “Wrong Size for This World” construction crew. Nothing made Manny prouder than to have his name inscribed on the building’s wall. “I built that,” he’d say. Not three hours later, as Manny pulls onto the ramp for the freeway home, a rival sees him and opens up fire. Within hours, the doctors are enlisting me to convince the family to donate Manny’s organs.
“I see Manny in the neighborhood, and I am not one bit happy. Once homies move away from the projects, I tell them they have no more business here… Son, I’m proud of you— now go home...
Not three hours later, as Manny pulls onto the ramp for the freeway home, a rival sees him and opens up fire. “
Boyle, Gregory (2010-02-14). Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion (pp. 180-181). Free Press. Kindle Edition.
As God delivers us from our sins we have to push forward in our newness of life. The Bible says in St. Luke 15:7, when one soul comes to God heaven rejoices. Not looking back to our past. Once we have gone to God asking for forgiveness accepting that Jesus died and shed his blood for our sins, and accepting Him in our heart, are the first steps we take. God is and has always been there waiting for us. Those who receive God must accept we’re sinners only saved by the grace of God. Once God has brought us out of sin our lives begin to change from the inside out. It starts with the heart to the mind. As our heart changes from the pains and disappointments of life, it is filled with love and compassion. Then our mindset begins to change by looking at life with a spiritual blindfold unveiled. Looking back only feeds Satan with ammunition to plant a seed into our hearts and minds of the reminders of our past life.
In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot, Abraham’s brother, and his wife were saved from God’s wrath and vengeance upon this sinful city. They have escaped from the city when during its destruction Lot’s wife wanted to look back from where she came. In spite of God’s warning to not look back, her disobedience caused her to turn to a pillar of salt.
All have sinned through Adam. Romans 5: 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned. Romans 5: 19 For as by the one
Kruis, John G. (2013-09-15). Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling (p. 190). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Heb 10:26-31
26 Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.
27 There is only the terrible expectation of God's judgment and the raging fire that will consume his enemies.
28 For anyone who refused to obey the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God's mercy to us.
30 For we know the one who said, "I will take revenge. I will pay them back." He also said, "The Lord will judge his own people."
31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.
It is always good to know where you came from and continuously thank God for his deliverance. However, when you start looking back and even go back it can cause you to stumble and fall, even to the extent of death.
