An introduction to Christ
At the age of 10, my mother passed away suddenly. I did not see my father grieve, at least not as society would describe "grieving". If so, he did it behind closed doors. The memories I do have are of how much time we spent together as a family and how we began to look at each other in a different way.
About a week after my mother went home to be with the Lord, I asked my father why he seemed so happy and full of joy when everyone else around us were crying and seemingly devastated. He told me it was because of His Father. Confused, I named my grandfather. "No" he replied, then proceeded to describe a relationship I never knew possible...but one I wanted. It was at that time that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
This said, there are those that believe a child at the age of 10 could not possibly know what this relationship was truly about. However, my father took time to teach my siblings and I. We would have a family bible study at least once a week where he would break the Word of God down into terms we could understand. Incidentally, he still has a gift for that. :o) We also prayed as a family before he left for work almost every morning, and if we missed our prayer time, the day would go so much differently.
Another memory I have is of my father sitting down and not only reading, but studying the Word of God. He would sit in his chair in the living room with his bible, a writing utensil, and a pad of paper. Seeing this modeled to us as his children, instilled a foundation in Christ that could not be destroyed. Now, let me be clear. I have not always nurtured my relationship with Christ. There were many times over the years when I was angry at Him, ignored Him, felt like I knew better than Him, or just did not want to be bothered by Him. But you know what? God's mercy and grace are real and tangible! He loves us sooooo much that He sent His Son to apprehend and cut off at the root ANYTHING that is not like Him or consistent with the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5).
If you find yourself estranged from Christ, ask yourself why. Ask God why. Take time to think about when you first began to stray from your relationship with Him. When YOU are ready, repent and thank God for His forgiveness, grace and mercy. He has not, and NEVER will, stop loving you and just like a deployed father welcomes his family into his arms, God is waiting to do the same with you! (see Romans 8:38-39 below)
I love you and pray that this website will bless you as I allow myself to be reflective, transparent, and vulnerable. May YOU BE Encouraged Today!
About a week after my mother went home to be with the Lord, I asked my father why he seemed so happy and full of joy when everyone else around us were crying and seemingly devastated. He told me it was because of His Father. Confused, I named my grandfather. "No" he replied, then proceeded to describe a relationship I never knew possible...but one I wanted. It was at that time that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
This said, there are those that believe a child at the age of 10 could not possibly know what this relationship was truly about. However, my father took time to teach my siblings and I. We would have a family bible study at least once a week where he would break the Word of God down into terms we could understand. Incidentally, he still has a gift for that. :o) We also prayed as a family before he left for work almost every morning, and if we missed our prayer time, the day would go so much differently.
Another memory I have is of my father sitting down and not only reading, but studying the Word of God. He would sit in his chair in the living room with his bible, a writing utensil, and a pad of paper. Seeing this modeled to us as his children, instilled a foundation in Christ that could not be destroyed. Now, let me be clear. I have not always nurtured my relationship with Christ. There were many times over the years when I was angry at Him, ignored Him, felt like I knew better than Him, or just did not want to be bothered by Him. But you know what? God's mercy and grace are real and tangible! He loves us sooooo much that He sent His Son to apprehend and cut off at the root ANYTHING that is not like Him or consistent with the fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5).
If you find yourself estranged from Christ, ask yourself why. Ask God why. Take time to think about when you first began to stray from your relationship with Him. When YOU are ready, repent and thank God for His forgiveness, grace and mercy. He has not, and NEVER will, stop loving you and just like a deployed father welcomes his family into his arms, God is waiting to do the same with you! (see Romans 8:38-39 below)
I love you and pray that this website will bless you as I allow myself to be reflective, transparent, and vulnerable. May YOU BE Encouraged Today!
In Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) it says that "Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord".
