Changing Everything

Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again

Psalm 51:10 (CEV)

Knives flashing in the dark. Cursing. Fights. Hatred because of the gang he belonged to. Nicky Cruz’s life as a New York City street gang member was full of all these things.

As long as he could remember, Nicky was surrounded by violence. During his childhood in Puerto Rico, his parents abused him, practiced witchcraft, and called him a son of Satan. When he moved to New York, he decided to be the toughest on the streets.

A pastor started talking to Nicky about Jesus’s love, but he didn’t like it. He didn’t have the courage to admit he was wrong and change his life. Instead, Nicky beat, mocked, and avoided the man. But with death all around him, he began to realize he had to change. He listened to the brave pastor who kept talking to him until one night he prayed.

Nicky knew he needed a completely new life. He needed a new heart with new desires, thoughts, and feelings. He asked Jesus to forgive him and take over his life. And Jesus did! Nicky’s nightmares stopped. Joy replaced hatred. Telling people about Jesus became his new passion!

If Jesus could do it for Nicky, he can do it for you and the people you care about. Pray and ask him to help you change today.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

What bad thoughts, feelings, and attitudes do you struggle with? Write them in a journal or on some paper. Think about what you want your heart to be filled with. Ask Jesus to change your heart.

PRAY

Jesus, thank you for your love. Please forgive me and change me. Take control of my heart.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and put on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Tap to read the passages today.

Psalm 51:1–2

Ezekiel 18:31–32

Matthew 16:24–25

Colossians 2:13–14