My Story
I was recently asked to provide my written testimony for an organization that I will be joining, so I thought it might be a good opportunity to do a little blogging about me. Ahhhh... where to begin? Well at the beginning, of course!
As a child I was surrounded by loving parents and grandparents who showed me the unconditional love of Christ. Overall, I was a pretty good kid. (Don't ask my brother to verify that). I "accepted" Jesus during vacation bible school when I was seven and was baptized shortly thereafter.
Looking back with the eyes of a 40+ year old, I would call my "good" childhood behavior more compliant than saintly. I was a kid who followed the rules, didn't rock the boat, and wanted to please. That worked great throughout childhood, but as a young adult, I really tested the patience of my parents and loved ones (and especially God) through several rebellious years.
I was 22 when God got my attention and showed me that there were two paths before me. I could either stay on a rebellious track and suffer the consequences of my destructive choices, or I could turn my back on the rebellion (repent) and follow Jesus. I "accepted" the invitation to repent, and I invited Jesus to be my Lord. A few years later, I was again baptized...this time understanding that it represented a death to self and a new life in Christ.
Since that new beginning, God has blessed me with an inquisitive mind for His Word. I love to read the bible, and I have learned (and continue to learn) so much about His character and the miracle of salvation with each page turned. I now understand how the old and new testaments are woven together, and I am beginning to understand the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith.
I believe that scripture teaches salvation by the completed work of Jesus Christ through faith and not works, but I believe that Jesus is honored when we keep His commandments. I am by no means a good commandment keeper, but I do like to honor God by keeping His Sabbath day holy, or set apart. I am not completely faithful in this, but it is the desire of my heart. It was when I acknowledged and sought to set apart the Sabbath day that God began His ministry in me. I have observed this pattern in others as well, and I share with you as something to pray about and consider.
After Christ, my passion is for Israel. God has given me a desire to pray for and minister to His Chosen People. I am learning how to celebrate the biblical feasts and how they have been or will be fulfilled by Jesus the Christ (or in Hebrew, Yeshua ha Meshiach). I am learning the Hebrew language, and God has gifted me with some new friends who share this journey.
All this, and I am only a pinch past 40 years old. I have asked God to give me 40 more years to give back to Him in ministry and service. I don't know if He will, but what time I have left, I have pledged to Him. I am thankful for today's breath, and I give it to Him in praise. Kodesh Ata Adoni! You are Holy Lord!
As a child I was surrounded by loving parents and grandparents who showed me the unconditional love of Christ. Overall, I was a pretty good kid. (Don't ask my brother to verify that). I "accepted" Jesus during vacation bible school when I was seven and was baptized shortly thereafter.
Looking back with the eyes of a 40+ year old, I would call my "good" childhood behavior more compliant than saintly. I was a kid who followed the rules, didn't rock the boat, and wanted to please. That worked great throughout childhood, but as a young adult, I really tested the patience of my parents and loved ones (and especially God) through several rebellious years.
I was 22 when God got my attention and showed me that there were two paths before me. I could either stay on a rebellious track and suffer the consequences of my destructive choices, or I could turn my back on the rebellion (repent) and follow Jesus. I "accepted" the invitation to repent, and I invited Jesus to be my Lord. A few years later, I was again baptized...this time understanding that it represented a death to self and a new life in Christ.
Since that new beginning, God has blessed me with an inquisitive mind for His Word. I love to read the bible, and I have learned (and continue to learn) so much about His character and the miracle of salvation with each page turned. I now understand how the old and new testaments are woven together, and I am beginning to understand the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith.
I believe that scripture teaches salvation by the completed work of Jesus Christ through faith and not works, but I believe that Jesus is honored when we keep His commandments. I am by no means a good commandment keeper, but I do like to honor God by keeping His Sabbath day holy, or set apart. I am not completely faithful in this, but it is the desire of my heart. It was when I acknowledged and sought to set apart the Sabbath day that God began His ministry in me. I have observed this pattern in others as well, and I share with you as something to pray about and consider.
After Christ, my passion is for Israel. God has given me a desire to pray for and minister to His Chosen People. I am learning how to celebrate the biblical feasts and how they have been or will be fulfilled by Jesus the Christ (or in Hebrew, Yeshua ha Meshiach). I am learning the Hebrew language, and God has gifted me with some new friends who share this journey.
All this, and I am only a pinch past 40 years old. I have asked God to give me 40 more years to give back to Him in ministry and service. I don't know if He will, but what time I have left, I have pledged to Him. I am thankful for today's breath, and I give it to Him in praise. Kodesh Ata Adoni! You are Holy Lord!
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