Have you ever wondered: "what happens when I die and what on earth am I doing here? Do I have a purpose? Is there a God who cares? How can I know the Truth?"
I discovered that the Bible has the answers to these and all questions you may have about every area of life. God’s Word; our instruction manual here on earth. It offers us a new direction, one filled with purpose, fulfillment, and acceptance. He has a plan for your life and He wants you to seek Him in His Word to discover it. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
My journey knowing God began in 1984, at a crossroads in my life, when I was challenged as a New Age believer to read the Book of John if I wanted to know the True and Living God. Crying out to God, “If You’re real then please show me”, I removed the dust from my bible, and quickly found the book of John. Much to my surprise, I could not put it down. I then asked God to come into my heart, take control of my life and lead me in the way I should go. Having grown up with “religion” it wasn’t until this time that I began a true relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ, resulting in an amazing and exciting life. Since that moment I have had a peace, love and joy that comes from knowing who He is, that He is in control, that He loves me and has a great plan for my life, and the ultimate bonus: that I will spend eternity with Him in Heaven, thus I know where I will be when I die. Recognizing that my talent is a gift from God, I have a desire to see Him glorified through it. I often incorporate Scripture verses within my images to encourage others, and to testify to what the Lord has done in my life and will do for anyone who calls on the name of Jesus (John 14:6).
Despite what others say, all roads do not lead to God. Jesus says in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no one comes to the Father except through Me.” If you are at this crossroad, wondering if He is real, if He has a plan for your life, and what in the world is going on, then read the Book of John and follow the steps below as I once did. Say a prayer that asks for forgiveness, ask Him to come into your heart, change your life and commit all you do to Him. Then, find yourself a good Bible teaching church so you can grow in the knowledge and wisdom that God wants you to have.
THE STEPS ARE SIMPLE:
1) REALIZE that you are a sinner.
First, you must admit you make mistakes, as we all do, and that you are in spiritual need of help. "There is none righteous, no, not one" (Romans 3:10). We can't make excuses or blame others for our circumstances and for our actions. "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
2) RECOGNIZE that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins.
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God..." (I Peter 3:18). Jesus paid the price for your sin. The Apostle Paul said, "...the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
3) REPENT of your sins.
The word "repent" means "to change your direction." The Bible tells us, "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19). God commands us to repent. You must be willing to turn away from the things that displease God and then you will discover He has a better way.
4) REMAIN in Christ - Accept Jesus as your Savior.
Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). It is essential that you come to Jesus as you are. Don't try to "clean up your life" before you come to God. Instead, receive Him, remain in Him, and allow Him to do the "cleansing". Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out" (John 6:37). "Remain in me, as I also remain in you..." (John 15:4)
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even after dying..." John 11:25
For more help visit: http://www.calvaryftl.org/knowing-god/welcome/
May God bless you on your journey with Him,
Kathleen
