roller coaster of Love

My sister-in-law Kristie loves roller coasters. It's almost as if she lives for the thrill. Me on the other hand, let's just say I'm okay with the kiddie coaster. I've never asked Kristie why she loves them so much or why she likes the thrill of them but since my first blogs have been relating my faith journey to a roller coaster this is my analogy. I may be aging myself here but do you remember the song "Roller Coaster of Love" by the Ohio Players? The only words to the song were "Roller coaster of love, woo hoo hoo hoo. Roller coaster of love. Woo hoo hoo hoo. Your love is like a roller coaster I wanna ride". That's it over and over and over. Well, I can tell you that once I got a taste of the love of my Savior it was like I started singing - "Your love is like a roller coaster Jesus, I wanna ride!". One second in His Presence and I knew I'd never get enough! Since I've given my heart to Jesus and have started reading and meditating on His word, I know that I now have access to that Presence through the blood of Jesus Christ. (Hebrew 10:19) Even when I don't feel His Presence, His word tells me otherwise. That's a lot of my problem, feeling! Feeling like I'm condemned when God's word says that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). Did you know that when you confess your sins God is faithful and just to forgive and purify you from all unrighteousness? (1 John  1:9) It also says that He removes our sins from us as far as the east is to the west. (Psalm 103:12). So there is no reason for guilt. Jesus Christ died on the cross. He shed His blood. He took my sin, your sin upon His sinless body so that you and I wouldn't have to pay a penalty. Then on the 3rd day God raised Him from the dead. There is an empty grave. He defeated death. He brought me and you back into right standing with God. When you make Jesus the Lord of your life you are made righteous, not because of what you did but because of what He did. The Bible, God's word, is like His owner's manual. It teaches us how to live. This book is alive. There are a lot of excuses on not wanting to believe what's in the Bible. I probably used most of them. I know that this Holy book is true because it has transformed my life. I have seen it transform the lives of many. Before I was saved I didn't want to believe it to be true because I didn't feel like changing - until I was at my lowest point - then Love showed up. Oh, Love was always there, I just wasn't feeling it!