I grew up with very little background of God and my family was not involved with Jesus or His church. In August 1998, out of the blue I asked a guy named Tim whom I was working with at the time, Who is God? God had placed a mature Christian in my path and I didn’t even know it at the time. Over the next several weeks he and another gal named Tricia walked through who Jesus is, they explained that how God created the Earth and everything in it and He sent His son who laid down his life for me and for all sin for all time. They showed me in scripture how Jesus died and that He rose again three days later and sent the Holy Spirit to guide all those who believe in him. The bible spoke to my heart, one day I was in church and I didn’t know why I wanted to walk forward and pray, but I did. I accepted Jesus free gift of salvation and I wasn’t even 100 percent sure what that meant, but I decided I was going to believe and trust in Jesus. In November 1998 I was saved and Baptized, Tim and Tricia led me to Christ and I am so glad they did. They thoughtfully gave me a bible with my name scripted on it. Little did I understand that my name was also now written in the great book of heaven and could never be erased. (Romans 8:1-2) I had never had a bible until then. I didn’t formally have anyone to mentor me afterwards, and I wandered back to my old ways shortly after I received Christ. I felt I could do things on my own strength, so God let me go back to my old ways. Looking back he kept me safe from many paths that could have led me to complete disaster, Now I realize how much he protected me from my sin and my terrible choices. I am just thankful those sins are covered by the blood of Jesus and are forgotten forever.
In 2003, I was living in Colorado, after a terrible breakup and heart ache, I decided my ways weren’t working and I was seeking after the Lord once again. Slowly over time God revealed himself to me and I was feeling connected once again. I honestly don’t know how it began, but during my lunches for several weeks Gwen at work would teach me about the fundamental things in the bible about the Jews and the Gentiles and she would spend time going over the timeline of events and helped me get rooted in the tree of life. She gave me a study bible which I keep by my side to this day. When I left Colorado she was sad to see me leave, but I’ll never forget what she said, “I’ll get to be in eternity with you, Lizz.” She cared enough to answer my questions and take time with me to make sure I understood the truth. I was already saved; I just needed some tender care. Also during this time, my dear friend MaryAnn and I met with Laney at her house once a week with a few other gals from work and we discussed the bible and I had lots of questions as a baby Christian. I was still grasping at laying a solid foundation. Laney graciously took me under her wing, showed me the path to start and follow and the Lord did the rest over time. God made the bible come alive to me on many occasions and he would slowly reveal more as he allowed me to understand more.
It wasn’t until I moved to Kansas that I really began to have a more personal relationship with Jesus. I am still learning and growing in Christ, He reveals more to me the more closer I get to Him. While I don’t have all the answers, nor would I expect to, I do have faith. My faith is in Jesus and His promise. I take Him at His word and promise. I am so thankful He allowed me to hear the call of Jesus and He gave me the courage to respond to Him. May I give God glory in all that I say and do. Although I fall most days, I am so grateful for my Savior, He laid down His life for me and my sin is wiped out and forgotten forever. What a loving God I serve. Thank you, Creator of the universe, for picking me to follow you. The All knowing Sovereign God has given me a map (the bible) and the holy spirit to help me navigate through this adventure filled life, and with all the challenges and distractions we are presented with I am just trying to find my way back home. I know I can get through anything here because as God has promised in Deuteronomy 31:6, I will never leave you or forsake you. And also Jeremiah 29:11, God has plans to prosper me, not destroy me. For I know I won’t really feel at home until the day comes when Jesus comes upon my shadow of death here on earth and as my last breath is taken, I will immediately be in His loving arms and care. Then, I will be home with my heavenly father.
For anyone reading this, I ask you to consider asking yourself this question, Do you know where are you are going when you leave this earth? You need to know. Choosing God is not for the weak, and actually, God already chose those who are His children. So really it is His will for us. God chose me. I challenge anyone who has never read the word of God, open the bible, read it, ask God to open your ear s and soften your heart. Start with the book of John, then read the rest of the new testament and see if God captures your heart. He is waiting for you.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death Romans 8 1-2
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD
forever.
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.
8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
– 1 John 5:10 (NIV)
With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. – Acts 4:33 (NIV)
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. – Acts 20:24 (NIV)
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