4/28/2013

4/28/2013

While listening to a sermon recently I was intrigued by something quite unusual that was said.

"Jesus did not go to the Cross for you, he went to show you how"

As I reflect back upon this, the full impact of this statement dawns on me. I had never given much thought to the full process of the crucifying process Jesus went through, but as I read more about it I begin to understand. What he did to become our Lamb must be what we face within ourselves to realize his true love and sacrifice to fully accept his grace. I feel as though it is becoming all too common to overlook transgressions by taking for granted all that was given up for us.

“And if you haven’t been to the cross, there is no salvation and there is no forgiveness.” - [Billy Graham]

Over the past week I have been convicted to take my shortcomings more to heart. Focus on them more and more, after facing the Cross when I come face to face with my Savior I want to be prepared.

Post from the past, how it all began. (9/12/2010)

"Today we began a series of lessons entitled the “Defeaters Series.” This seems to be a course on how to either defend the religion or to give the means necessary to convert a non-believer by giving the information to debate the most common doubts given.  Part one consisted of discussing both the compassion and the power of God. Finding the balance of where our heavenly father can intervene and show both is a difficult task, leaving many people to ask why he does not care, or if he is powerful enough, why did he not step in and prevent pain.

Today was particularly both daunting and meaningful because I have experienced the same pain as the pastor, being able to relate to his loss hit close enough to home that I was too easily able to bring forth the memories and doubts I have felt in the past. Having overcome my biggest intellectual hurdle I have recently given my heart fully to Christ. I have had a long time struggle with myself not being able to understand the balance of my own free will and how much control I have if God already has my life planned out for me. For the longest time I saw no grey area and had a problem with not having control over my future, I lacked the faith that someone above could lead me down the right path.

Sitting alone at boot camp in Chicago, I found myself lost, I had no plan for my life anymore, and I had lost everything. During this time I read the New Testament in its entirety. This reading and days of contemplation led me to the realization that my will is my own, and it should be used to walk with God, for his plan is greater than anything I could ever hope to accomplish on my own. This placement of trust was the key to finding Jesus and welcoming him into my heart. The idea of becoming a minister has been taking me over completely, day after day becoming more prominent in my heart and my mind. Days like today where a man could stand and preach the word of God and leave me in awe still processing all that was said hours later make my drive so much stronger.

I am nowhere close to having a life fully lived, but thus far I have experienced many things, struggled, but survived them all. My life is has not been as difficult as many I understand, but I feel that I could use mine to teach the lessons I have learned and some of the ones I am still learning every day. If I could help people find their way, to have them know they are not as alone as I felt, to help guide them down a path of salvation it would be the greatest thing I could do in this life." - (9/12/2010)

This was a journal entry I came across from the past and it seemed the most appropriate way to begin this blog. This is the beginning of my walk with God, a look into my story of redemption..