My Greatest Find

(P.S. This is NOT about Hot Wheels, it is a frank discussion of how God has changed my life)

I was at a Marriage Encounter Weekend with my wife, and the question that was posed to us was "How is your relationship with God?"

That question rang in my head all evening until we got back to our Hotel room and I was talking to my wife and I told her: "I don't really have a relationship with God!"

Sure, I had attended a Christian School. Sure, I had gone to Church. I considered myself a "good person", but I did not have a relationship with God.

I had heard that this type of relationship existed, but I had no idea what it meant or what it involved.

At that point in my career life, I was struggling. We were literally broke and had no hope of it getting any better. But, more importantly, I realized that night that I was Spiritually Broke, as well.

We called the Pastor and his wife who were presenting the Weekend. (about 11:00 PM!) and told them that I really didn't have a relationship with God and could they come over to our room and talk to us about it. They came right over.

In a very simple, yet powerful way, they led me through the simple steps of Salvation. They walked me through the classic Bible verse - John 3:16, but in a way I had never heard before. They asked me to read it, but to personalize it by inserting my name in the verse. So I read it like this:

"For God so loved _________, that He gave His only begotten Son, that ________, who believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

At that point, a flood of emotions hit me like a Hurricane as I immediately understood the love that God had for me. His love was so unbelievably powerful that He was willing to give up his only Son as a sacrifice. Why would He be willing to do this?

God has always wanted a relationship with us. When Man fell away from God, as sin entered the world, God had a plan of restoration for His relationship with Man. We all have sin in our hearts and we all sin. God's plan for us to enjoy an eternal relationship with Him is simple. (not easy, but simple) He sent the sacrifice, Jesus, as a substitute for us. Jesus was willing to die for you and I in order to save us from the eternal punishment that our sin results in. (it would be safe to say that Jesus loves you more than you can even imagine) We can't help being sinners. We were born into it automatically as a result of Adam and Eve's decision to sin. All future generations were corrupted, much like a computer virus corrupts files generationally. God's plan to resolve this was that one man, His son, Jesus (who was God in the form of Man, having both natures) would bear the punishment in our place and would pay the price for our sin, once and for all. By rising from the dead, he proved his power over death and sin and it represented eternal victory over sin, death and Satan.

I look at my son, Joshua and I think about that. There's no way I could do that! (Just thinking about it gives me the creeps) But God, in His eternal power and grace, was willing to allow this price to be paid to show you the incredible love he has for you. When this sinks in and you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it is one of the most grateful and humbling feelings you will ever have.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" ......1 John 3:1

I am only a man, bringing this Message to you. I am a very imperfect man and a sinner. I mess up every day. When I realized my emptiness without God, I had to come to the conclusion that I needed Him. I needed to know Him, I needed to walk with Him, I needed to be assured of everlasting life with Him. The Lord gives us that assurance. His blessings in my life are wonderful and many. The perspective that God gives me, the family He has given me, the fellowship and friendship with fellow believers, the ability and desire to praise Him and worship Him. One of the most important blessings is the knowledge that I have everlasting life with him and the multitude of Believers. That means that when it's over, when I die, IT AIN'T OVER ! ! I will be with Him and with those people that chose to believe in Jesus as their Savior. It will be an awesome celebration!

..."Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21: 3,4

I have recently come to the realization that one of the greatest things God does is He gets His message of salvation out there through ordinary people. (Yeah, even people like me! :-) He can use me to bring my fellow Redline collectors this incredibly good news. As such, I am no one special. But God wants me (and you) to share this news with everyone that hasn't heard it yet. As Jesus said in Matthew 28: 19, 20:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

If you are willing to accept the free gift that Jesus wants you to receive, the gift of freedom from a hell we can't even imagine...

Dear God,

I realize that I am a sinner. As a sinner, I am not worthy to be called your son. (daughter)

If I were to die today and stand before you, I would instantly know that I do not stand a chance before your all-knowing judgment. No man can be righteous by himself. I would fear for my life and would have no one to help me or be with me. Without Jesus as my savior, I would be condemned forever.

Lord, I'm sorry for my life of sin. I come before you asking for forgiveness.

Lord, I know that you sent your Son as a substitute for me. He died in my place and he suffered on the cross for my sins. I know that now.

"For God so loved me, that He gave His only begotten Son, that I, who believe in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Lord Jesus, please come into my life, take your power against sin, death and the devil and bring me to a righteous place in a pure relationship with you. I accept you as my Lord and my savior.

Thank you, Lord,

Amen.

I would love to hear your story, help you in your new "walk" with God and of course, pray with you. When you have sincerely prayed a prayer accepting Jesus into your life, you have become my Brother (and Sister) in Christ. Since we are a part of the Family of God, please, let me hear about it. I would be glad to send you some "follow up resources" and be your help and support in continuing your walk with God.

If you are not ready to make a decision for Christ, but would like to talk about it, please e-mail me or e-mail me your phone number, I will be glad to respond!