Today, the pastor’s message was in regard to telling, “ our story”.

Growing up in a household with a high moral standard, caused me to strive for this and be pleasing to my parents. When my actions after I left home did not meet up to what I knew to be right, I felt much guilt and remorse. This lead me to repent and ask Jesus to be my Savior in December 1987.

At this point, I must ask forgiveness from my children and husband. I did not really understand salvation. Just the part of forgiveness for sins that I personally had committed. I didn’t really grasp that we were born in sin. That I needed a Savior to make me clean of what my nature desires. Self. Yes, I read my Bible, prayed, went to church…even taught Sunday school. The fact is, I spent most of my Christian life reading the Bible and striving to live out what I read.

I’m not saying that this was not helpful. It caused me to hang on to the Word of God when things don’t necessarily go right. To bring peace and unity.

What I have come to learn through these years is this:

*He doesn’t want us to have our life and Him as a side to call upon when we get in trouble.

*When we come to Him, we die to ourselves. He doesn’t fix us up. We are new and the best part! No condemnation.

*My natural man cannot please God. No matter how moral I might be, I can not obey, understand or please God on my own.

• The “new birth “ is faith in the crucified Christ. That I need nothing more.
• I share in His crucifixion when I place myself on that cross too. Saying no more to me. Sometimes, I forget and let self creep in and have to go back to that cross.
• He owes us nothing but, He is always trying to connect with us but we often choose to ignore it.

I am thankful that He is always pursuing me. Thankful, that He speaks to us. Thankful that we have won the victory in Christ. Thankful that He IS my new life .

Yes, He is my life. I can only testify to what I have seen.

He has always provided. He has spoken to my heart to help me understand. He is my purpose and friend. He really is everything.

Does that mean that life is smooth. No way! He told us it wouldn’t be. How often do we put God in a box? Expect Him to act in our limited thinking?

There is much I have learned about the One who saved me but, as with any relationship, it continues to grow. I am thankful that I don’t have to worry that He doesn’t understand me. I am thankful that He has created forgiveness in me. So, I can be forgiving to others.

That is my story, and I am thankful.