Saturday, December 19, 2015

Why Do I Need A Savior?

Hey Friend,

Several years ago, I was active with Prison Fellowship Ministries.  This is a wonderful ministry that goes into the prisons and reminds inmates that Jesus was crucified beside criminals.  Yet, to the one who believed in Him, Jesus gave him the promise that the same day they would be together in paradise in heaven. 

These men and women know they royally messed up.  Sure, there's always some rationalizing, but deep down they know they are in need of saving.  They NEED a Savior.  The difficult part is prying open their hearts for the Holy Spirit to do His miraculous work of convicting them of the fact that Jesus loves them, beyond their crimes and sins, and came to die for them as well.  Sometimes, it was a tough sell.

It wasn't too different when Jesus walked among the people teaching.  The prostitute he met at the well, the tax collectors he ate amongst and invited one to follow him as his disciple, the adulterers, murderers, and dregs of society, all were drawn to Him.  They knew they were sinners.  They didn't need convincing on this point.  No, they needed convincing that Christ came for them and loves them too.

If you trace the lineage of Jesus, his family tree reads like a police rap sheet.  Jesus came from a line that included prostitutes, adulterers, murderers, cheaters and liars.  

Jesus came FROM sinners FOR sinners.

The "problem children" of Jesus' day were the Pharisees - the religious leaders.  They were well versed in Old Testament scripture.  They knew all the do's and don'ts and were quick to point out, with a judging, pious finger, the sins and failings of others.  They really didn't think they needed saving.  After all, they followed the Law religiously.  They really didn't think they needed a Savior.

If you ask someone in today's society, "Do you think you'll go to Heaven when you die?"  Most people will answer with something akin to, "Yes, I think so.  After all, I've tried to be a good person. I haven't killed anyone or anything like that."

Trying to be a good person may get you a gold star in elementary school, but it ain't going to get you to Heaven. (please excuse the bluntness)

Even Christians, myself included, get misguided notions that one can and needs to, in some way, earn their way to Heaven. Getting to Heaven and into God's good graces is like climbing the rungs of a ladder.  In our own power, we laboriously climb these imaginary steps of goodness in our mind's eye.  Each good deed somehow getting us closer to God.

I love how Ann Voskamp describes Jesus in her book "The Greatest Gift":

"I tell you the truth (Jesus speaking), you will see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth." (John 1:51)

"Jesus doesn't show you the steps to get to heaven - Jesus IS the steps to heaven... Jesus doesn't ultimately give you a how-to, because Christianity is ultimately about Who-to.  Every religion, every program, every self-help book is about steps you have to take. Jesus is the only One who BECOMES THE STEP - TO TAKE YOU...He comes to us not in spite of our failings - but precisely because of them." 

So what do I need saving from?  I haven't murdered.  The only thing I ever stole was a pack of gum from Gracie's mom and pop store when I was about nine years old. 

Like the prisoners, I need saving from my past and from my inherent sinfulness. 

The list gets a little trickier when I think about needing saving from:

Pride a notion that sometimes I think I can get to heaven on my own merit.

Legalism living under the law instead of living freely under grace.

Perfectionism the lie that says I have to do it perfectly or God won't accept it.

Anxiety worry that doesn't claim the truth that God's got this...He's got me.

Fear Oh the projecting of worst case scenarios that forget that His grace is sufficient for ALL my needs.

Anger I rationalize that I have "righteous anger" at times.  Jesus doesn't hold a grudge.

Unforgiveness I forget that God is the ultimate and just judge. 


From sinners, He came, for sinners.

"Nothing, you see, is impossible with God."  (Luke 1:37)

Last, I need a Savior because nothing but Jesus will satisfy this longing in my heart.  Not people, or things, or position, or anything of this world.  My heart longs for the perfect beyond this place called earth.  This world is not my home and I will always be homesick until I am in my Savior's arms. 

I need a Savior because I can never be complete without Him. 

I need a Savior to enable me to Savor light and love...not only to take it all in, but to give it out in the form of light and blessing to others. 

I need a Savior to satisfy the longing of my soul.

I need a Savior because my heart was designed to belong to Him. He loves me more than anyone in this world loves me!

Do you need one too?  Take heart...He is coming soon!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that you care so much about me that you, as God, made yourself man in the form of a tiny baby so that you/he would ultimately bear the sins of the world.  From the wooden feeding trough that cradled him to the timbers that crucified him, you cared enough to send me a Savior.  Lord, forgive me of my sins.  Let me live free in your grace...knowing that I am utterly and completely forgiven.  As far as the east is from the west - that's how far you have removed my sins from me.  Thank you for coming from sinners, for sinners like me.  May my lips ever praise your name.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.


Be blessed...



Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc. supported bringing the joy of Christmas to the orphans and impoverished children of Redeemer Christian School, Pakistan. 

Acting out the Christmas story...



New shoes for Christmas...




25+ destitute and desperate children on the waiting list to get into RCS, Pakistan.


$12/month and you can sponsor a child and give them the love of Jesus and the hope of an education for 1 year.


Send a check made payable to: Redeemer Christian Foundation, Inc.


Send to:  Bev Rihtarchik
               103 Silver Lining Lane
               Cary, NC  27513


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Taking a little Christmas break...be back in the New Year...blessings to you and yours!  May you have a joyous Christmas!!




24 comments:

  1. The truth that we need a Savior is so unpopular in our world of polish and external perfection. Our ladies group has focused on a family in which the mother is just being released from jail this month, providing gifts, food for a nice dinner, etc. We're trusting for the opportunity to introduce Christ to this little family so that He can make a real difference in their lives, particularly for the little four year old daughter. This is a real "outside the comfort zone" thing for me, because I've never had experience with addiction and all the related issues, but am trusting God to overcome my chicken-hearted nature. Thanks for your reminder that I'm just one sinner showing another sinner the way to get forgiven!

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    1. Michele,
      How great that God has you stepping outside your comfort zone. I will be praying that your love and caring for this mother and her family will be the introduction to the unfathomable love of Christ. Yes, one sinner showing the way to another sinner...this is God's plan for us!!
      Blessings sweet friend,
      Bev

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  2. Such an important post in a world filled with misguided people and false teachings. I love the image of Jesus being our stairs to heaven! Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas!

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    1. Carrie,
      I loved that image that Ann painted as well...it really spoke to me. So glad you found encouragement here. Merry Christmas and blessings to you as well!!
      Bev

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  3. Thank you for your message Bev. I resonate with your statement, I need a Savior to satisfy the longing of my soul. When life is going good, I tend to forget my need and relationship with my Savior, but oh how I know it when I go through seasons of anxiety or sadness. Forgive me for my sins, help me draw near to my Savior and know he is always with me! Merry Christmas!

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    1. Janna,
      I think we all tend to be that way...when things are going well - Jesus who? But, let crisis or difficulty come and we're running to Him instantly. So thankful we have a Savior who "gets" us - who donned human flesh and knows our frailties. We are truly blessed. Merry Christmas to you as well!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  4. Bev I need saving from all those things especially thinking I can do it all myself - thank your for this great reminder over at Kelly's :)

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    1. Tania,
      Some of those things I listed are tricky. When we get that "I can do it all myself" we fall prey. I need to remind myself daily. So glad you popped by...have a Merry Christmas!!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  5. Your post (and Michele's comment) are spot on: the truth that we need a Savior is unpopular because no one wants to dwell on their own sins. We prefer to gloss over them for that "I'm a good person" mentality. Those prisoners you describe are one step ahead of us in recognizing their own sin.

    I forget it so easily. I try to spend a bit of time every couple of days or so really focusing on repentance, asking God to examine my heart. But I FORGET sometimes! I need his salvation so much! Merry Christmas to you, Bev. Blessings on you and your writing.

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    1. Betsy,
      So true...we are all good at glossing over. It takes guts to ask God to examine our hearts, but what freedom we can experience when we relinquish trying to do it on our own. Thanks so much for your continual encouragement, Betsy. May you have a blessed and joyous Christmas with your family!!
      ((Hugs)),
      Bev

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  6. YES! I need a Savior and always will. I am nothing without Him and each time I step out on my own, I am painfully reminded that I need Him. He is the light on our darkness, the love on the days we feel unloved, and the soothing grace when we have made the same mistake again. We are blessed by this beautiful Savior and it is because of Him we have been given the greatest gift on Christmas. A present that when unwrapped is true presence.

    Merry Christmas dear friend! I pray this season is blessed and marked by His beautiful presence.

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    1. Mary,
      The first step to embracing our wonderful Savior is knowing we need Him. Your "confession" welcomes Him into your heart to do beautiful and wonderful things through you. Most of all He just wants to love on you...as do I. Have a wonderful and peace filled Christmas and all the best with the wedding. I will be thinking of you!
      Love and blessings,
      Bev

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  7. I do need the Savior! Sure thing Bev...He is everything I ever needed!
    How have you been friend?
    Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays.
    Hugs and Blessings to you

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    1. Ifeoma,
      I am well and looking forward to celebrating our Savior's birth. Merry Christmas and ((hugs)) to you Ifeoma. You are a blessing!
      Always,
      Bev

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  8. Love this reminder that we need Him every day, not just on certain days of the year. But every day. Thanks, Bev!

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    1. Holly,
      Oh how I need Him everyday!! Don't know how I'd do life without Him!
      Happy New Year to you!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  9. I am so much in need of Him - of His love, grace, strength, the hope He brings. Thank you for sharing at Weekend Whispers.

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    1. Barbie,
      I think the first step in tapping into the vine of power that Jesus offers is admitting that we so desperately need Him. I continually have to get my pride and self-sufficiency out of the way. May He bless you immeasurably!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  10. Bev- This is so powerful and skillfully crafted. Thank you for reminding me of all the reasons I need a savior. My pride likes to hide these reasons, but oh, how I need them before me every day. Bless you for speaking the truth here and being a light for so many. Keep writing - and Happy New Year!

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    1. Karen,
      Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. From a sister writer they mean a great deal and have touched me. Pride hides a lot of things...things that need to be opened up for the light and love of our Savior to touch and change them...change us. Praying for a year of deeper dependence on Him for both of us! Happy New Year...
      Blessings,
      Bev

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  11. Bev, you get right to the heart of the matter, my friend. We can rationalize and say we're "good" all we want, but the fact is even our feeble attempts are like filthy rags compared to our holy God. I live this line, "Jesus came from sinners for sinners." What an amazing truth. Thank you, friend. Wishing you a blessed New Year!

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  12. Abby,
    Oh, I'm great at rationalizing sometimes...we all are. I take heart, knowing Jesus' lineage, that he "gets" me. He continually picks us up, dusts us off, and reminds us that we are precious because we are His. May we all learn to live in the freedom of this truth. Wishing you a very blessed New Year sweet friend!
    Blessings,
    Bev

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  13. Yes, I do need Jesus. Every day. Not just to save me but sustain me. Thanks, neighbor. Happy New year with abundant blessings!

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    1. Mari-Anna,
      I love this..."not just to save me but to sustain me." Amen!! May you be richly blessed in the new year!!
      Blessings,
      Bev

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I would really LOVE to hear from you!! Your thoughts, opinions, suggestions and prayer requests mean a lot to me.