"Refining Hope"

"Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon Thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave." (Psalms 31:17) Not your average expression of non mediocrity, but one that makes a lasting impression! The word I am looking for that expresses a life in Christ, is "RADICAL"; meaning that you are transformed in such a way that change has overcome and is extreme. This radical change can't be bought or taught, and it definitely can not be found in any 'Twelve Step Programs'; but it is only found in Jesus Christ: the Way, the Truth, and the Life! When we are talking about what it takes to be saved, then there is really only one definition of what that means, and only one way to get into the category: it's not a process, or a learning, or anything else that comes from any kind of works or practices; it can only happen from "Being Born Again"! Plain and Simple!!! If you have not yet been born again, then you really don't know what the heck I am talking about; neither can you see the radical change that can occur inside of your heart!!! You cannot get there by learning Scripture, although the Word of God is surely the answer; you cannot get there by attending church, although it is the Body of Christ that you will need; and you really won't get there by a process of teaching techniques that come from any kind of a program, although teaching will take place after your "RADICAL" change! Personally, I think that most of the programs that are out there hinder people from surrendering their lives completely over to Jesus Christ; it's as if the program becomes the means of recovery, not the only One that can really make it happen! I don't care what your problem is, or how long that you have been in the condition you are in, Jesus can radically change your life!!! "Wilt thou be made whole?" How long have you been here on your stupid bed; waiting for what!!! When all that time it just requires asking Jesus into your heart! That doesn't ever require you to make a step towards that stupid pool, but to just surrender your life, right there on your bed!
"Ho, every one that thisteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto Me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." (Isaiah 55:1-3)