No Way Out

Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again

Psalm 51:10 (CEV)

Hatred. Anger. Violence. Nicky Cruz knew nothing else in his life. During his childhood in Puerto Rico, his parents practiced witchcraft and beat him. When he moved to New York City, he started a life on the streets as a teenager and soon became the leader of a vicious gang called the Mau Maus.

Fear and darkness surrounded his life and heart. It seemed there was no hope for him to leave gang life, to change what he had become.

Then a pastor started coming around, telling Nicky he could find forgiveness and a new life in Jesus. Nicky’s initial reaction was to beat up the man. But the pastor was relentless in his pursuit, telling him Jesus loved him. Finally, Nicky stopped running. He repented—he turned away from his sins. And Jesus changed him!

Since then, Nicky has dedicated his life to ministry to inner-city people, telling them about Jesus, who can change the way they think and transform their hearts and minds. Through Cruz’s speaking and a movie about his life called “The Cross and the Switchblade,” he has reached millions of people with the Gospel of Christ.

Jesus can change your heart, too. He can help you overcome sin to live a life more like him. Ask him to forgive you today. He is ready and willing to do it!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

Do you know anyone who needs a real heart change—new thoughts, desires, and actions? Commit to praying for them. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to pray at a certain time each day this week.

INSPIRATION

“God has given us power over darkness, power to overcome our sinful nature, power to move mountains . . . in the name of Jesus.”

—Nicky Cruz

KEEP IT GOING

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

Psalm 51:1–2

Ezekiel 18:31–32

Matthew 16:24–25

Colossians 2:13–14