If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

Christians call it the “Believer’s Prayer,” but it’s so much more than that. It’s not so much a prayer as it is a spiritual white flag. It is an act of surrender, a willful giving of ourselves to another. It is you and me finally admitting that we’ve run out of reasons not to believe in Jesus, and that we’ve given up trying to make it to heaven on our own. We’ve tried to live life on our terms, and we know it doesn’t work. So we come before God and ask him to show us how. We want more than a better way to die; we want a better way to live. We’ve seen the promises of Jesus, and we want them for our own. So we kneel before the throne of God, raise our white flag, and surrender.

If you haven’t done that, I encourage you to do so today. If you have, then pray the words anyway, as a statement of continued faith. There is no magic in the words. Words mean little to God, but the condition of our heart means everything. The following prayer is simply a guide to follow. Make the thoughts your own, and say it only if you really mean it. As you do, know with all your heart and soul that God can hear you. And that he will honor his promises.

Dear Father, I turn from my sins. Please forgive me for all the wrong things I’ve done. I believe that Jesus Christ is your Son, and that he came to earth in the form of a man. I believe that he died on a cross and was raised after three days. I believe that his death paid the price for my sins. And I know that Jesus is the only path to eternal life. I trust in the promises and claims of Jesus, and I put my life in your hands. I submit myself to the lordship of Jesus from this day forward and to the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that the Holy Spirit will come into my life and dominate every part of my being, and that he will deliver me from those things in my life that are displeasing to you.Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to die on the cross for me. I know that my sins are forgiven because of Jesus. I commit myself to your Spirit and give myself over to your will for me. Thank you for loving me. Show me what you want me to do next. I love you, God!

If you just prayed that prayer for the very first time and don’t feel any different, don’t worry. God has promised to save those who put their trust in Jesus, and God always honors his promises. You can believe with all your heart that God heard your words and that he has saved you. You can believe that the Holy Spirit led you to this moment of decision and that he is now living within you. Your relationship with God is sealed!

Recommended Reading: Romans 10:5-11

• Reflection
  If this is your first confession of faith, how does it feel to finally put your trust in God? Why not spend some time in praise and worship to him?

  Submitted by: New Beginnings Christian Fellowship

  Wanda Ball
  Ball Publications Christian Books
  Related Info: Do You Know God?

As 2009 has come to an end, we celebrate another year that God has given us. Some of us struggled a great deal in 2009. We lost jobs, homes, cars, savings and 401k accounts. Because of these losses, we have become sad, depressed and faithless. Even as Christians, we may have stopped praying to God because we think he has betrayed us. But God has never left us or betrayed us, because he loves us unconditionally. God also asks us to pray without ceasing, which means we should be in constant communication with Him – in good times and bad. We may not understand why these things are happening, but now that 2010 is here, what should we be praying for in the coming year?
HERE ARE 5 PRAYERS TO CONSIDER…

With blessings,
Wanda L. Ball
Ball Publications Christian Books

I was given this helpful information in my church and wanted to pass it along. Maria Shriver, who is the First Lady of California, says: “Times may be uncertain, but WE will always be here to help. WE believe in you.” I believe that with these resources and God’s help, we can overcome difficulty in this economic crisis… be blessed!

FOOD ON YOUR TABLE
1. Golden State Advantage Cards help you to buy food for your family. The average amount of benefits received per household is about $200 per month. Get connected: www.dss.cahwnet.gov/foodstamps

2. The California Association of Food Banks unifies over 40 food banks statewide that provide food for those who need it. Get connected: www.cafoodbanks.org/find.htm

HOUSING ADVISE
3. Homeowner’s HOPE provides counseling services, education and support to help you avoid foreclosure and overcome financial issues at no cost to you. Get connected: www.yourhome.ca.gov

JOB RESOURCES
4. The Employment Development Department is your direct link to job placement and referrals, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, employment and training, labor market information, payroll taxes and more! Get connected: www.edd.ca.gov

MONEY TIPS
5. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the nation’s largest resource for working families. If you are eligible to claim it, it can mean a return of up to $4,700. With the Child Tax Credit you may be able to regain up to $1,000 per qualifying child. Get connected: 1-800-829-1040

6. Open Up A Bank Account. Remember the EITC and Child Tax Credit provide you with the best opportunity to set aside money for the future. Bank accounts help you establish savings, build a credit history, gain access to lower-cost sources of credit and invest in your future. Get connected: www.bankoncalifornia.ca.gov

7. The California Alternate Rates For Energy (CARE) program provides a 20% discount on your monthly gas bill if you are eligible. Get connected: www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/cec/lowerbills.htm

8. The California Lifeline Telephone Service program can provide your family up to a 50% discount on your home telephone service if you qualify. Get connected: 1-866-272-0349

9. ICanAffordCollege.com provides students and parents with information about financial aid programs and services to help pay for college.

10. California Low Cost Auto Insurance provides an affordable auto insurance option to qualifying low-income, good drivers. Get connected: 1-866-602-8861

We Connect you: www.WEconnect.net

If you feel that this information has been beneficial, please let me know!