Infinite Grace

Heart of Flesh

In 1975, at 17, I was staring out from a jail cell, contemplating prison time. As I looked at the sky, I noticed words scratched into the windowsill: “Two men looked out from prison bars. One saw the mud, and the other saw the stars.” In that moment, a realization that I believe came from God entered my mind “there has to be more to life than this”

At eight, I had to choose between going with my father or staying with my mother; I chose my mother, which began a downward spiral in my life. My father had abandoned us, and my home was troubled. By nine, I was walking the streets at night. Anger consumed me, and by 12, I was using alcohol and drugs, ultimately avoiding heroin despite being in dangerous situations.

Just before my 18th birthday, I attempted to shoot someone but was caught by the police. I faced the prospect of being tried as an adult due to my violent reputation. While in jail, someone gave me a Bible, and despite warnings against it, I began reading. Miraculously, my sister prayed for me outside the jail, and I eventually got released.

Three months later, I attended church for the first time with friends. I walked in smelling of marijuana, but during the service, something stirred within us. Though we lit up afterward, I sensed a change; I no longer desired drugs or alcohol. 

A week later, I returned to church alone and felt compelled during the worship. When the preacher spoke about receiving a new heart, I knelt and prayed for transformation. I met Jesus there, and a radical change occurred in my life.

On my third visit, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit without understanding its significance until it happened. A couple of weeks later, at the altar, I saw my mother speaking in tongues. God restored my love for her, and I hugged her for the first time. Fast forward 25 years, I baptized my 83-year-old mother, and later, I led my father and his wife to Christ. God is so good!

If you're uncertain about where you would go if you died today and wish to receive Jesus's forgiveness and eternal life, please pray this prayer with me. If you truly knew how much God loves you, you would run to Him. Pray now 

Lord Jesus I am a sinner and You love me and died for me. Forgive me my sins and give me a new heart. Amen

Heart of Flesh

Pastor Emilio De La Cruz

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