Salvation Archives - Kristi Woods

Is Something Missing in Life? Grab This.

March 27, 2018 by Kristi 5 Comments

Is something missing in life?

The little, white church pleaded with me every time I drove by its quaint steeple, clad with a big, ‘ol bell, and its color-filled, stained glass windows.

Is something missing?

Putting a finger on it – filling that void – seemed elusive.

Folks walk around all the time filling their own vats. They – we – have empty spaces, and we’ll toss all sorts of nonsense in there.

Money
Leisure activities
Dating relationships
Cars
Botoxed bodies and more.

It wasn’t until I walked through the little, white church’s doors that the plead and need in my own life filled. No longer was something missing.

Amid its pews, I found Jesus.

I grew up a “good girl.” My perfectionist bent appeased teachers and parents alike. It filled the grade cards nicely, too.

Fast-forward to adulthood.

When my pastor’s wife challenged my salvation, I got a little toasty under the collar. Call me a card-carrying good girl member. How dare she challenge that?!

“Kristi, are you sure?”

“Of course I’m saved.”

I’d been raised in the pews of a Methodist church. I’d even participated in a musical trio that traveled to nearby churches, tickling the ivories with Christian songs. I followed life’s rules and fit the “good girl” category nicely. (Sounds a little like Paul, doesn’t it? Read his story here. )

But good gets no one to heaven.

Paul’s life pleads that cause fully.

Good stands on the trophy of our own works–not God’s.

Only Jesus saves. Believe in Him.

So today, I challenge you. Fill that something missing spot–with Jesus.

If your activities, abilites, involvement–those things based on your strength–determine your salvation, please think again.

Believe in Jesus.

Good is not biblical.

Paul, a religious of the religious, was headed straight toward hell without the intercession of Christ. He was good in the eyes of his church, but hell-bound at the same time.

Make certain heaven is your eternal terrain.

Jesus, Savior for the world, is key.

Through Him alone, man is saved from our filthy sins. And that’s biblical.

“‘There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.’” (Acts 4:12 NLT)

I’ll whoop out a big ‘ol, “Yes! I am saved.”

What about you?

Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins, to wash you clean?

Is Jesus your Lord?

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Easter, the time we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection is upon us. Like Paul, let’s allow Him to resurrect our life here on earth.

Why delay?

Jesus saves.

Here’s a prayer for salvation.

If you’re not 100% certain that Jesus is your Lord, grab belief then this prayer. Feel free to use it for your own.

Dear Jesus,
I surrender my life to You. Thank You for welcoming me. Please fill the empty spot in my heart, Lord. I confess that You are Lord and ask You to forgive my sins. Wash me white as snow, Lord. I want to be clean. Thank You that I can count on spending eternity with You in heaven, and thank You for putting the “old” behind me. I love You, Lord.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

More…

Interested in memorizing Scripture? We’d love to have you join us here!

Have a desire to pray for your spouse, but starting seems to be the problem? Check out this piece I wrote for iBelieve.com called 10 Scriptures to Pray Right Now for Your Spouse.

Happy Easter, friend!

Unmasking the Good Kid in You

March 10, 2015 by Kristi 28 Comments

Flower with a white rectangle overlay containing post title

Are–or were–you a good kid? I was. It’s easy for parents and others, but is that good? You decide. Here’s my story.

The Good Kid

The crimson trickle was slow at the onset.

drip

drip, drip

drip, drip, drip

Soon, a flow of red began to fall. He quickly grasped at his nose. His hand slid underneath his bowed head, forming a cup of sorts. I didn’t see the ensuing havoc because he quickly ran away.

It had only been a slight touch on his nose. We were playing, simply playing on the playground during recess. My nine year old hand had seen older adults perform the “gonna get your nose” trick, and I had determined to mimic their actions. After all, little kids do play the game “Monkey see, monkey do” quite well. I was no different.

What child doesn’t love recess? Mouths water, legs tap in anticipation, and hands wring at the thought of going outside. There’s a jubilation, knowing that freedom is within reach. Certainly recess ranks in the top three for answers concerning “What was the best part of your day, kiddo?”

Good Gone Wrong

What had been a longed for, much anticipated, favorite time of day, however, was quickly souring this particular day. The blood flow on the schoolyard was a small indicator. However, the call to the principal’s office was an in-your-face, something’s wrong, huge red-flashing-lights indicator.

They were having trouble stopping the flow. An ambulance had been called.

I was scared.

Although I was concerned for his well-being, I was more afraid for me.

The thought of getting in trouble had my knees knocking. Oh, I’m not in love with writing that. The selfishness in it is like nails on a chalkboard. However, it’s proof that even “good” kids have heart conditions.

Yes, and even “good” kids need Jesus.

I had never been called to the principal’s office before, at least not for correction. I was the “good kid.” A rule follower. I didn’t like to get in trouble, so I didn’t. Work was always completed on time and to the best of my ability, and chatter was kept in tow.

“Kristi. Come with me, please,” said the principal. She was not smiling.

Tears flooded my eyes as I began the trek toward the office. It was only twenty, maybe thirty, steps to her office, a short, but not so sweet, journey. This day it felt like 5,000 miles.

By the time I sat in the awaiting chair, a muted, light green hard, elementary-sized version of a chair, my tears were flooding her office. I might as well have been in a police interrogation room. It felt that bad to my nine year old self.

I was about to get in trouble and my selfish desires were screaming. Central to the theme was me. The boy was nowhere to be found in the midst of my squirming thoughts.

The principal’s words rung loud and clear.

Why had I done this?

Why did I hit the boy in the nose?

Words flew through my brain in record time. They were scattered but gathering quickly.

I didn’t mean to.

It was only play.

Did I really hit him that hard?

I had no idea. I am so sorry!

No words came out. Not a single syllable was said.

When the Good Kid Goes Silent

Silence ensued as my downcast eyes stared holes through the floor. The principal awaited my response. It never came. There were only tears and the insidious slobber that accompanies it.

I don’t remember everything that happened for the remainder of the afternoon other than the boy’s mom came to help and his nose did eventually quit bleeding. Thankfully, he was okay. I do remember that I cried…a lot. Bucket loads of tears fell that day, enough to make Niagara Falls overflow during a drought.

After school I was whisked off to the awaiting slumber party for one of my classmates. What should have been a happy occasion, and was for all the other girls, was not enjoyable for me. I cried often. There were no more buckets in the county to capture the flow of my tears.

The principal jingled. (It was a small school where everyone knew everyone…and three generations to boot.) She knew where I was that evening and called to reassure me that the boy was okay. I should not worry and go, enjoy the party. That was nice of her, but I was already bruised from the whole ordeal. With puffy, red eyes and a snotty nose, my “good” kid heart recoiled. I had missed the mark of being “good enough”.

What Does Good Kid Mean?

Here I am, 35+ years later, forever glad that the bleeding stopped and sorry for the pain unintentionally inflicted by my very hands. However, the questions continue to linger. WHY didn’t I speak up in the principal’s office? WHY didn’t I let them know it was absolutely an accident and there was no malicious intent in my heart that day? Why didn’t I let the principal know I was sorry? Why didn’t I state my case, support my cause, be a lawyer in my own court of affairs?

Even more so…why didn’t I care about the boy more than myself?

Because selfishness sometimes wears a mask. And “good” kids have need for Jesus, too.

We all, rule followers, drunkards, “good” kids and troubled, have heart conditions. It doesn’t matter how good the package looks on the outside, our hearts need a touch from God. Concerning salvation, “good kid” status can be a hinderance because it hinges on our works and power–not the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23 KJV

It certainly starts with repentance for sins, but some stop there. They work hard to be good, reading their Bible, praying, attending church, and being involved in every committee possible. They are the adult version of a “good” kid.

But what about those quiet moments, when the “good” kid grown is all alone, just me and Jesus? What do we do then?

As an adult, I’ve had to fight that “good kid” mentality over and over. I want to look good and wear the mask, meanwhile my heart beats What about me? In offense, in frustration, in hurtful situations, I’m more concerned about me than those “bloody-nosed boys” involved.

It’s been a battle. It’s been ugly. But as the Great Physician has performed heart surgery, more little trinkets of ugliness have been revealed and healed. Selfishness and its friends have been unmasked by the very counsel of His Holy Spirit.

Today, I think of others more highly than myself. (Phil. 2:3)

It’s good. It’s been a relief. It’s freedom. It’s a work-in-progress. And it’s dead-center in His will. (Interested in more of my story? Read here.)

Are You a Good Kid?

Are you a good kid? You’ll know if you are. Do you recoil when turmoil hits? Do you lick your wounds in the heat of a battle and converse more about self, your hurt, or your offended self than God or others? Those may be clues.

It’s time.

Today is the day. Allow the Holy Spirit to unmask the good kid in you. Allow Him to reveal and heal those areas where darkness cleverly reigns. He’s faithful. And you’ll find freedom.

A Prayer for the Good Kid

The single most productive prayer I’ve ever prayed, and continue to pray frequently is this:

Lord, show me my heart. If there’s anything in it that’s not of You, reveal it. Heal it, Lord. Heal me that I might worship You.

The prayer is based on Psalm 139:23-24.

Always, always, always…in His faithfulness, God has answered that prayer.

Sometimes selfishness wears a mask. But then again, as we allow Him, the mask is removed. Press in and press on to maturity today, my friend. Consider the prayer. The Lord is worthy.

Joining Jesus hands with other encouraging writers. Want to come for the journey? Crystal at #IntentionalTuesday, Kelly at #RaRaLinkUp, the gals at #TestimonyTuesday, #TellHisStory, Holley Gerth, and Susan B. Mead.

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Are You Certain?

January 23, 2012 by Kristi Leave a Comment

Are you certain? Are you saved?

Are you certain?

We had a phenomenal weekend at church. John Bevere came to speak, yet it was the Lord’s voice we “heard.” Don’t you love it when the anointing of the Lord is oh-so-evident in a Christian’s life and it overflows into the lives of others? There’s nothing “dead” about a church or person alive with His anointing at work. That’s for certain!

On Saturday’s drive home from such a powerful and encouraging evening, several Honolulu police cars approached, their lights blaring. They cruised past us to an emergency of some sort. One after another, they came out of nowhere, venturing onto the freeway, then shooting off onto various ramps, almost as if they were participating in an elegant, synchronized dance. I had never seen anything like it, and an odd uncertainty arose as I watched this show of lights and action through the windshield.

Something was wrong.

Driving further down the freeway, the cause of their concern became evident. The sea of red taillights on the freeway assured the emergency waited just ahead.

“Move to the left everyone! Move to the left!” was the call ringing from the speaker on the fire truck. Best we could, five or six lanes wide, we moved to the left.

The emergency vehicles continued to flow past. The trail of fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars alerted that whatever waited ahead was truly serious.

Indeed.

A three-car accident had occurred. Flames, smoke, and the stench of burnt rubber filled the air. A white drape carefully placed over the unrecognizable, yet obviously well-burned vehicle indicated that someone had just completed their life here on earth. (As the news detailed later, it was a young, Honolulu police officer.) My heart cried.

Did He Know Jesus?

I wondered…did he know Jesus?

After all, my guess is that he had no clue when he woke that morning that it was going to be his last day on earth. None of us know when it will be our time to die. Are we living each day to the full in Him? Have we accepted Jesus as our Savior? Do we have the certainty of heaven? Are we living life full-blast for the Lord?

I know it can seem like such a cliche question, asking about eternity in light of a bad accident, but it was a reality that night as I passed the horrific scene. Did the young officer go to heaven or hell? I don’t have that answer, but the Lord does.

Are You Certain Jesus Is Your Savior?

It would be negligent to not ask you, do you have the certainty of heaven? Have you asked Jesus to be your Savior?

We may have been the wayward son or daughter, venturing far from “good” and that has left us thinking there is no hope, no turning to “good” now. Jesus wouldn’t want us after all, right? We may not look like we have it all together, and we may indeed be on the verge of losing it all simply because we haven’t accepted Jesus.

On the other hand, it’s really easy to do a good thing. We go to church, we help out, and we may even read Christian blogs like this one. We’re a good person. Indeed, we may be Sammie or Susie Sunday, looking like we have it all together, yet truly be on the verge of losing it all. Without Jesus, we have nothing. Without Jesus, we lose it all.

I was in that last category years ago. In my mid 20’s and newly married, I thought I was a Christian. After all, I was good, went to church nearly every Sunday, had a good job, and was a law-abiding citizen. That’s enough, right? My pastor’s wife didn’t seem to think so, and according to the Bible, she was right. There’s nothing in the Bible about being “good,” but there is plenty about knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and His forgiveness for our sins.

Be Sure

Lois, this beautiful woman, lovingly encouraged me to “be sure.” I put her off for a while (she made me mad honestly), but eventually the work of this sweet laborer in Christ bore fruit. I asked the Lord to forgive my sins and be my personal Savior (all by myself in a little Ford Ranger) and I am now ever grateful for this woman of God. Jesus forgave my sins instantly and the rest is history. The scene was nothing fancy, but the content and outcome were all good!

He can do the same for you…or your neighbor…or your children…or your co-worker….or your family member…or that stranger that has been placed in your path. Regardless of how good or bad you or they are, please don’t neglect to make heaven a certainty or introducing Jesus to those who might need to. If you’re already saved, please don’t neglect to be that laborer in Christ who brings the good news to others. We never know what tomorrow will bring. It’s never guaranteed, but heaven is when Jesus is in our hearts.

How You Can Be Saved — and Be Certain

If you want the assurance of heaven and desire to have Jesus as your Savior, simply ask Him. It’s not difficult, just believe. “Jesus, I want you! Please forgive my sins and be my Savior.”

If you don’t know 100% that you’re heaven-bound, please, please, please make today the day that you know. You can talk with Jesus on your own through prayer, scroll to the Salvation button on the Free Christian Resources page, or check out this post on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association page. This, my friend, is about you and Jesus.

And will you do me a favor? Don’t journey alone. Email me. I’d love to pray with you. Make sure you join the KristiWoods.net family, too. Don’t do this alone. Encouragement and accountability help!

On an ending note, let’s part with this last thought from 3:16-18. This beautiful interpretation comes from The Message.