Forty days from today, I will have been granted 40 Earth years (technically 10 Earth Leap Years). So….. I thought, “why not write each day about my past 40 years?” LET’S DO IT – Day 1, Here we go!
MY FAITH – Christianity, God, Jesus & The Holy Spirit
I am a Christian and firmly believe in Jesus Christ (He died for My Sins), God is His Father (He created me & gave His Son) and the Holy Spirit (sent as a comfort and guide from God).
QUESTION – Am I a Christian and Believer because:
My Parents, Grandparents, Family and Teachers taught me to believe?
I was a Royal Ranger?
My Parents took me to Church with them?
I recited and read the Bible?
I competed in the Bible Bowl?
I was dedicated as a Baby?
I was a Christ Ambassador?
My Dad is a Minister?
I drank juice and ate a cracker?
I did the John The Baptist underwater nose-pinch lean back?
I can’t remember “not” being around Church or Christianity for the past 39 years ( although that much long term exposure can be like bathing in the sun without lotion for some – it’s easy to get burned… another topic for another time
I drove the church bus once… (another one drives the church bus, ahhhhh, another one drives the bus)
Okay – I’m sure you get it. Does all of that stuff make me Believe and have Faith?
NO – I am so very thankful that those efforts laid a foundation for me and do not overlook them – they led and kept me headed in the right direction. However, my decision to communicate and initiate a relationship with God by praying and seeking Him is the source of my Faith and Belief. God’s response to me confirms my Faith and Belief.
It all began with a Dummy - specifically Randy The Dummy. This is where I first encountered a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Assembly of God Church in East Prairie, Missouri was hosting a kids crusade one summer with a Ventriloquist who had one dummy named, Randy. Randy the Dummy was the star of the show and after hearing the message they gave, I followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and walked down the aisle, keeled at an altar, prayed for God to forgive me of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I was a changed little boy and the relationship had begun. No one pressured me or dragged me to that point – it was my decision.
Since that first encounter, I’ve continued developing, praying and talking with God through the past 39 years. Most of the time there isn’t an audible voice from God answering back when I pray and we talk; rather it is the voice, smile or actions of a loving family member, friend, co-worker, leader or maybe even a stranger that gets His message through to me. Also, He speaks through his Word – I never read and study the Bible when there isn’t an encouragement or words of wisdom timely for my life.
I encourage you to join the challenge I take every day:
Read the Psalm and Proverb that correspond with each day of the month.
Read a daily devotion such as Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest.”
Get a Bible Reading Plan – with FREE sites like YOUVERSION which has plans for your Mobile Device there isn’t an excuse not to.
Resource your life with Christian Leaders
Seek out and Connect with other Christians sharing your Passions and Dreams that God have given you
The following Miriam Webster Lyrics to the song, MADE ME GLAD, were first to pop in my mind when thinking about my relationship with God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit over the past 39 years:
“I will bless the Lord forever, And I will trust Him at all times.
He has delivered me from all things, And He has set my feet upon the Rock.
I will not be moved, and I’ll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.
Whom have I in Heaven but you. There’s no one I desire beside You.
You have made me glad, and I’ll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.
CLICK HERE to watch the video of Hillsong performing the song.
I pray that you find YOUR encounter and relationship with Christ.
When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, you acknowledged three life transforming truths:
1. You were a sinner – (Romans 3:23)
2. You could not save yourself – (Romans 6:23)
3. Only Jesus could save you by grace through faith in Him (Ephesians 2:8-9)
*excerpt from THE ELEVATED LIFE, Elevate Life Church in Frisco, Texas
