My Dear Siestas,
There is simply no time on the annual calendar more precious and profound to us in Christendom than this. I was reflecting a moment ago how rarely we could land on a day or a weekend that most of us were having the same kinds of thoughts. Even Christmas has our attentions strewn among many things but Good Friday, for all of us who follow hard after Jesus Christ, only one.
I told the Lord a little while ago that I supposed, if we really fathomed the depth of Christ’s sufferings and the heights of our redemption because of it, we surely would not be able to lift our faces from the floor. The reality is, we can’t comprehend it. But we can well sit and reflect. We can well glance back over our pasts just long enough to realize afresh what God did for us on Good Friday so many years ago. We can well plead for Him to break through all of our distractions and self absorptions and make Jesus the dearer to us. We can well ask that we would allow our circumstances to make us the nearer to Him. We can well picture every challenge in our lives, every difficulty, every loss, every sickness, every sin, every defeat, and every heartbreak as the soil beneath Christ’s Cross, left beyond choice but to move that it might be planted in the depths with a victorious thud.
“And even though you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, He nevertheless made you alive with Him, having forgiven ALL your transgressions. He has destroyed what was against us, a certificate of indebtedness expressed in decrees opposed to us. He has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. Disarming the rulers and authorities, He has made a public disgrace of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:13-15 NET
The power of the Cross has taken our disgrace and publically heaped it on our enemy.
I told Amanda yesterday that I could not think of a sweeter and more powerful way for us to observe Good Friday on this blog than to invite you to share your own story (in short form please) of your salvation. We have learned so much about one another through various journeys here but this will be the first time we’ve actually given our testimonies of salvation. When did you receive Christ as your personal Savior? How old were you and what were the circumstances leading up to your decision?
I cannot convey how much these testimonies will increase my appreciation of the power of the Cross this day. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
Blessed Good Friday, my dear sisters.
Tags: Easter
I was 17, raised by a relapsed southern Baptist mother who was ostracized by her church when she had a child out of wedlock (me), and an alcoholic father. At 13, a friend started taking me to church with her on Sundays because I would spend the night at her house and my parents would be too hung over from the night before to pick me up. I was an atheist, with a personal mission to convince Christians that there was no God. At 17, after years of being shuffled to church against my will, I realized that I was the only truly miserable person in that building. I researched Christianity, and realized the egoism and arrogance of atheism. My salvation at 17 was a combination of realizing my own frailty, logic, history, and heart.
I was 5 years old. I was placed in a “Christian” school. There were bad things going on there and about thirty minutes away was a sweet woman I now call my mother-in-law praying for her future daughter-in-law. God grabbed my heart and I pronounced my faith in the school restroom and my little friend Shelley then baptized me in the sink. 🙂 There were so many snares for the devil to grab me with but by the seal of His blood in that moment, I know He spared me from being ripped from His grasp! The second I grew out of my adolescent self (like 22!) I found life in His church for good and was baptized for real.
I was 22 years old in the Spring of 1981, a senior in college. I grew up in the church but did not know about a personal relationship with God. I was taking a philosophy course and one assignment was a debate on the existence of God. I became convinced that the only way to know the truth, to know what life was about was to die, hence, the people who commit suicide are the ones who truly have it all together. Sound like a lie of the enemy?? You bet…….God in His grace had sent me a best friend who just happened to be a Christian…when I told her of my “discovery” she made a quick call to her parents and requested prayer for me. It was about 2 weeks later when literally “out of the blue”, I cried out to God to let me know if He was really there. I prayed the prayer my friend had told me about…..when I awakened the next morning life was brand new……..I “knew” that God truly was the way, the truth, and the life. Praise God for His great grace, love, and mercy to me! God Bless all of you this blessed season of remembrance.
My spiritual journey begins when I was 12 years old. My friend had given me a Christian teen novel to read, and suddenly I was introduced with the idea of a God who interacted with the people who roamed this earth. It was the first time I heard the gospel told in a way that my young heart could see and understand the gravity of my situation. I prayed and committed myself fully to Christ soon after reading that novel, yet I did not yet understand what a relationship with Him truly meant or looked like. Over the next 6 years or so, I continued to read more Christian fiction, and started to realize that I wanted a more intimate relationship with the God I had come to know and love. During college, I joined a fellowship group and began to grow in my walk. I recommitted my life to Christ the spring of my freshman year, and continued to grow and learn the ways of God. Since that season, I have come to know greater depths of what it is to be a christian. I continue to seek to be more of the woman God created me to be, and I strive to be more faithful through everything that He brings me through.
Lyndsey, 26, PA
I accepted Christ when I was five years old. My family and I attended a Baptist church, but the Methodist church in our small town was hosting a kids’ crusade. I went to the meeting. I don’t remember a lot of that meeting, but I DO remember being absolutely brokenhearted that Jesus had suffered so much because of MY sin. I wholeheartedly accepted His sacrifice on my behalf and haven’t looked back. I praise Him and give Him the glory! He is risen!
I was coaching collegiate volleyball and my captain asked me to come hear her sing one Sunday night at her church. I didn’t want to go but I did. I started out at the back of the church and by the end of the concert, I had made my way to the front pew! Had NO idea I kept moving up either. God used this player to get me to the point where I would allow myself to surrender to Him and surrender I did. That was 30 years ago now and I’m very thankful that that volleyball player was bold enough to ask her coach to come. found out later that there were many people praying for me to even show up. God is SO good and VERY patient!
I was seven years old or so and had just listened to my grandpa deliver a fiery sermon on hell. After dark, I asked my sister if she knew how to avoid going to hell (I guess I didn’t catch that part of the sermon). She said that she didn’t and called in our parents. They explained the gospel to us again, and it finally made sense. I grew up seeing flannelgraph pictures of Jesus in his white robe, but that night, it made sense. We were talking with our parents in our dining room, which was right next to our bedroom, and I remember I knelt with my dad on the linoleum floor and prayed to receive Christ. I was concerned that my prayer wasn’t enough because it was done out of fear of Hell more than love for Jesus. My mom, who knew me very well, told me that my love for Jesus would grow over the years, and it has. . . . my love for Him now far outweighs any fear of Hell. Every high mountain and low valley has strengthened my legs for the journey. I am a foreign missionary now and have had the delight several times of praying with others the kind of prayer my parents prayed for me. It is amazing each and every time how God’s love reaches down to us and gives us a new start and life in Him! Amen!
I was 5 years old. It was at a 5 Day club down the street. I just accepted God as fact since I grew up in a Christian home and in a christian church. So it was easy for me to make the choice to accept Him in my heart. I remember skipping home to tell my mom. I then made the choice to be baptized at age 8. I remember it being a big deal because I really wanted to partake in communion. 🙂
I’ve known God all of my life. I don’t really know what it’s like to live life without Him or without hope. I’ve loved Him always and I’m blessed. That hasn’t made life easy. Life as an adult has had some really excruciating times – but He’s always been by my side – always faithful to me. I don’t ever want to be separated from His love.
I was 6 yrs old I was playing at a neighbor’s house. I feel into a large 1/4 inch thick mirror that was just leaning against the wall not suspended. The glass shattered onto my legs and it left me badly injured. The ambulance actually went to the wrong house and ended up being 20 min out of the way. I was bleeding very bad. My mom had ran to the house and found me. She said she saw me and cried out “God help us” a man from up the street came home early and had EMT training he applied pressure on my legs with sheets to help stop the bleeding. I was taken to the hospital and taken to surgery ASAP. The doctors were amazed I made it thru I had lost over 1/2 my blood. I had casts on up to my knees on both legs for many months over 150 stiches in each leg. As my mom and I were rolling the ball back and forth with each other one night she said I said “when I get these casts off I want to get baptized”. God became my best friend- that was at 6 years old and is true today at 34. If he had not intervened in my life at 6 years of age. Who knows how my life would have turned out. God is GOOD.
I grew up in a Christian family home. I don‘t remembered when I became a Christian but I do remembered why I asked Jesus to come into my heart two different times. The first time I did it because I was afraid and wanted to see what happens next. You know how kids are afraid that monsters are under the bed when they’re sleeping? Well, my case is not about monsters, it’s about Jesus. Believe it or not, I used to be scared of Jesus and that He was standing behind my parents’ bedroom door at night time. (I don’t know how I came to that conclusion.) I couldn’t go to sleep until my parents have shut the door for the final time each night to make me feel better knowing He’s behind that door and can’t hurt me. I know it’s silly. Finally, I prayed to God to keep Jesus away from me so not to scare me if I woke up in the middle of night and thought if I asked Jesus into my heart, this feeling would go away and so I did. The scary feeling didn’t go away then. Some time passed by, the second time I asked Jesus into my heart. Again, I don’t remembered when but it was at night time and I decided it’s time that I make it “official” that I did ask Jesus into my heart and hoping that I can feel the difference in my heart. So, I called my mom in, we prayed together and she showed me the verses afterwards that the angels are singing that I’m saved. I’m sure something happened but I don’t remembered feeling being a new person or anything like that. Now it’s 20 + years later and I still doubt a little whether I’m saved or not because I feel I cheated to God that I’m not being sincere when I asked Jesus into my heart because I was feeling afraid. I’ve came to a conclusion long time ago not to ask Jesus seriously for the third time because I don’t want to do it again out of guilt and prayed continually that I will wake up in heaven someday instead of hell. Today, I’m still not baptized and have not participated (only watching) during “communion” times because I’m waiting for the right moment and for the right reason to show God that I’m doing this because I love Him with all my heart (100%) and feeling zero percent of guilty.
Have a Happy Easter everyone!
Dear Leah, God heard your prayer and saved you and loves you so very much. None of us are without sin at the moment that we ask God to enter our hearts and save us but he doesn’t hold our fear or sin against us. He forgives it and makes us new as we develop our relationship with him over time. I know that he wants to help you work through any remaining fears or concerns about salvation because I know how many fears he has released me from. For me the release was not instantaneous but continues to happen. I pray that you will be blessed with assurance of God’s love this wonderful Easter weekend.
Honestly, I don’t know when it was. Is it possible to be an ongoing and gradual process? I know I’ve always loved Jesus and I’ve been in church my whole life. But I honestly cannot pinpoint a date…is that odd? I also know that I grow in Him everyday. It’s like I’ve never been without Him. Does that make any sense at all?
I hope everyone has received this Good Friday with passion. Hang one…Sunday’s coming! 🙂
Ooopss…I meant to say “hang ON” not “hang one”…geez :o)
That is precious! I needed to laugh..thank you!
Theresa, I am so glad to know that you love Jesus and like church.
God’s Word tells us how to become a Christian and His Word is written, so we will
know the Truth. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Romans 3:10-11 says There is none righteous, no not one. verse 25 says we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 7:23 says For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Roman 10:9 says if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
We cannot be good enough or work our way to Heaven. It is through believing in Jesus Christ that we are saved. If you do not remember a time that you ask Jesus into your heart, you can do that today by prayer.
You can ask Jesus to forgive you of things you have done wrong (sin) and invite Him to come into your life to be your Savior (save you from your sins, because the cost of sin is death) and to be Lord of your Life(take control of your Life)
instead of what you want__you want to follow and do what Christ wants in your life. You know what Christ wants by reading His Word.
I hope this might help you and if you have any questions please let your sisters in Christ know.
Hello Joyce and thank you for your words. It’s not that I’m “wondering” if Christ is in my life…I know for a fact that He is. I simply cannot name a specific date, time, age when that happened. My prayer life is constant and oh so special. I ask for forgiveness daily. My walk with our Lord grows stronger each day and my studying of His word leaves me hungry for more study…almost sponge-like :). I wish you a wonderful Easter Day and may God continue to richly bless you and all the Siestas here. PRAISES!!
So glad to hear that you are a Christian, Theresa. Some people think of salavation as a process and not a decision. Of course, after you get saved there is a process of growing in the Lord.
I don’t thing God is interested so much on the specific’s as He is that you know Him. Thank you for your testimony. in Christ.
I grew up in church. Was baptized 4 times. You would have thought maybe that was a sign I wasn’t getting something! I gave up trying to be good and “disappointing God.” I ran away. But He found me sitting next to my 20 year old’s hospital bed. He had suffered a brain injury due to a drug overdose. What was I reading when I finally understood? Max Lucado’s “The Grip of Grace.” And, I’ll never be the same!
Cheri,
I’ve been baptized twice and have since learned that it “takes” the first time. I believe that troughout our lives when we find ourselves drifting and suddenely something happens that opens our eyes and brings us back again, we might feel the need to be re-baptized. I’m so sorry to hear about your son.
I asked Jesus into my heart as a child but wanted no part of Him “running my life” until He gently “pushed me into a corner” in 1970 – yes, 40 years ago. At a church service, before the service began, I quietly asked Him to take over my life! Oh, how happy I am that He persued me and led me to teachers like Beth Moore and Eugene Peterson.He is such a great God and I praise Him for my salvation and that of my husband!
A blessed Easter to all!
PS: I’m 72 years young!
My neighbor, Susie, told me about Jesus when I was eight years old. I learned songs like “Born Again” and “I Feel Good” then. My parents wouldn’t let me go inside their house, because they were “weird.” Well now, we are that weird family!
Through many times in high school and early college when I not only sat on the fence, but jumped back and forth over the fence (no one would have known or guessed), the Lord pursued me. He always told me in my heart that I was special to Him. One day when I was about 21 (already married), I not only believed the Lord, but I began to pursue Him back. I began to read the Bible through (many times), so I would know my Savior. And today, I am still not satisfied. I want to know Him more.
I need to.
LOVE YOU, friend!! You have blessed me, Beth. I know Jesus better because of you and cannot say thanks enough. May He bless you 1000X over for how you have blessed others. And may you know those blessings and know Him more, too!!
You bless me, too, Holly! And I know Jesus better because of all of you. I love this community so much.
I grew up in a Christian family. As a matter of fact, my dad was a pastor! I never knew what it was like to NOT have Jesus in my life. I accepted Him as my Savior when I was very young, like 3 or 4 years old. Along comes teenage years and a dysfunctional five year relationship with a guy. I went against every value that I was taught, ignored Christ, and lived like I never had a saving relationship with Christ. One day after a devastating time with my boyfriend, I was driving home and I cried out to the Lord. He spoke to me in ways I can’t describe. I ended the relationship with the boyfriend and started one with my Savior. He washed me with His love and healed my broken heart. I was 21 years old. I have loved Him more and more ever since!
An 18 year old freshman college student at a secular university in MI, I was put in a dorm room with strangers. Without a doubt God arranged the room assignments. Nearly every one of our neighbors and one of my roommates was a growing Christian. As they enthusiastically shared their lives and their love of Jesus with me, I was quite attracted. Since I’d grown up going to church, I was familiar with the stories and some of the jargon–I knew about God. I hung out with those girls and piped up in prayer, etc. They had no idea that I was not a Christian; God knew. A week after the term started almost everyone went home but me. All weekend I was restless. Finally, I blurted out, “Deb, what is the matter with you?!” Instantly I knew. I felt God was speaking to my spirit saying, “Deb, you are pretending. You know it, and I know it. What are you going to do?” I knelt down and quit pretending. I surrendered to Jesus Christ with gratitude that He chose to die for my sins and that He was willing to enter my life. Now I know not only about Jesus; I know Him. He is real! He is alive! He is my treasure! Deb Weaver, Pelzer, SC
I trusted Christ as my Savior at the young age of 4. I truly believe I was saved then, but I doubted my salvation at age 8 and asked Jesus to be my Savior again. He reassured me of my salvation. I grew up in a Christian home where my father and mother have faithfully served Christ for as long as I remember. I am very grateful for that! Although life has definitely been a roller coaster ride of experiences, I am so thankful that I have a Heavenly Father that I can depend on!
I was 10 years old, April 6, 1981 to be exact!! My physical and spiritual birthday are only 3 days apart(not in year but day). Physically, April 3, 1971. My name is Stacie, a derivative of Anastasia, means “Of the Resurrection” or “Abounding with Life!! I can’t even fathom my life without the Lord Jesus!! My first breath on this earth was heading toward that with the name my mother gave me! Her not even being a Christian, gave me this name! But, of course, God knew! Praise be to the Giver of Life!!
God used challenging conflicts within my home as a child to make me keenly aware of our sin state, so at 10, during a revival, I asked Jesus to be my Savior for I knew we as humans, needed saving from ourselves. It was not until 33 that I realized the personal, intimate nature of an active relationship and I have been pursuing, at times, fervently, a closer walk with Him since. I know how hard He sought me, I have always been aware of His nudgings. Although I spend some time in rehab and have continued to fight issues of the flesh, His Lordship over me has never been questioned, He blessed me at an early age with the knowledge that I am nothing with out Him and everything with Him. Glory to His Holy Name, I am His.
My boyfriend of two years (now my husband of thirty years next Monday)would drive all the way across town just to pick me up every Sunday morning to go to church. My family did not attend church, but never discouraged me from going with friends. I accepted Christ at age seventeen on the final day of a five day revival. I had a death grip on the back of the pew in front of me during every invitation until that final night. I was just making sure what I was experiencing was “the real thing”(personality flaw). My husband is just as much a blessing to me today as he was thirty years ago. What an awesome God. I didn’t see it coming!!!!!!
Thank You, Jesus, for your work of salvation in the lives of these sisters and in my life, as a young child, who heard of Your love and Your sacrifice on the cross in a Sunday School class.
Children’s teachers, know that you are doing the work of the Lord.
January 2002, I spent 40 years hating God and wanting nothing to do with Him. Blamed God for the abuse I received and purposed in my heart to do anything that God did not like, since I thought He didn’t like me anyway. I was at one point a priestess of a coven of 150 witches, studied all new age and occult practices, lived a flagrant sexual lifestyle, and prided myself on not dealing with God, believing Him to be one of many pantheons of gods. My husband wanted to raise our children Catholic, so I had to attend church – probably would win Guinness Book of World Records for sitting in a pew unaffected by the Word, muttering at God. The Holy Spirit dropped into my spirit, “Give God one last chance, read the Bible from cover to cover.” I did, like War and Peace. Came away believing God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, he hardened mine. HS prompted me to read again and that was when I walked into Pastor Don’s Bible study. After two years of Bible study, counseling with Pastor Don, which started out with me walking into his office and declaring, “But Pastor Don, I’m a good witch. It took two years of going over sins to make sure God could really forgive me, learning more what God was like, and then the HS convicted me that I had broken all 10 commandments for I had had an abortion. I was devastated, and ran into my pastor’s office to give my life to Christ. I am so grateful that God kept pursuing me, for I certainly wasn’t pursuing Him. God has been healing me and growing me. I am so grateful that He did not give up on me.
I was 15, had been raised in Lutheran church all my life. Went to camp and while there, knew if I died I wanted to go to heaven.
And since then, God gave me hunger and it has grown.
I thank God that He gave me a hunger to want to know Him more. Also that I listened to Him. I am thankful now almost 30 years later, that along the way he has stirred the fire underneath me.
I am grateful He has help on even when I have not always focused and listened always.
I am glad I have the freedom to serve Him. And I am grateful He does not leave me where I have been, but push me forward.
I grew up with Christian parents, in a Christian home, and happily followed suit. In the 6th grade, I decided to make my decision to follow Christ because I wanted to–not just because my parents had. This is about the same time the Holy Spirit was really invited into my life. There has definitely been some bumps along the way, but the older I get, the sweeter my relationship with Christ gets. He continues to teach me things I think I already know. He continues to bless me with His unconditional love even in my doubt, distrust, and disbelief. Through my husband’s layoff and moving to Houston, I have learned how much I needed to be humbled and reconnected to Christ. He is SO GOOD.
Oh, Sisters. I have loved these testimonies. What a Savior.
I received Christ at the age of 5. I was in Junior Church and realized that Jesus loved me so much that He would actually die for me. I did not want to be separated from Him for eternity. It wasn’t until I was 16 that I followed Him in believer’s baptism. I understood fully the declaration I was making and was ready to make Him not just the God of my parents, but my personal God as well. Thank you for the Cross, Lord. Thank you for reaching out even to children.
I was 14 years old when I received Christ as my Savior. I friend at school invited me to a Campus Life Meeting, which was the name they used for Youth for Christ in the 70’s. That was the first time I remember hearing someone explain the Gospel clearly, though I had attended Sunday School as a young child. My parents were not believers at the time, and they never taught me anything about the Lord. I am so grateful that God reached down and made a way for me to hear about His love for me and his way of salvation. That was forty years ago, and I love Him and appreciate what He did for me more each year. Thanks, Beth, for letting me share my story. Praise God for HIs love and sacrifice for us!
Carrie T. in NJ
I remember hearing about Youth for Christ when I went to school,
but never met any of the group.
I grew up overseas because my parents were missionaries. At bedtime one evening, my brother and I (ages 7 and nearly 5, respectively) prayed with our mom and asked Christ to live in us and save us. He did! Today, 38 years later, we both serve the Lord…. I, in healthcare and my brother and his family as missionaries overseas! Our legacy is priceless.
I was 6 years old. My mom always brought me to church and one night after church my mom and sister were talking about a girl who just had accepted Christ. I asked how do I do that and my mom explained to me and then lead me in the sinners prayer. I still remember that day/moment (I am 34 now) I thank God that He saved me at a young age and gave me his Spirit to convict me throughout the years even as a young child. Thank you Jesus!
I was raised in a Christian home and went through a confirmation class at 9 and was sprinkled. I thought I was a Christian. I prayed, attended church, read my Bible daily and basically lived a good life. BUT.. I was not a Christian. I truly surrendered my life to God when I was 25 shortly after the birth of my son and in the midst of a collasping marriage. Life seemed out of control. I knew had to get my life together in every way but I knew in my wealth of Christian head knowledge that my salvation was the most pressing need. God saved me from a wasted life here and an eternity separated from Him. He became my Lord and Savior. He made a way where there was no way for me then and He does so now. I can’t wrap my teensy little mind around what God did for me. That Jesus would die for me, for me the worst of sinners is beyond comprehension. Praise the Lord, O, my soul and all that is within praise his Holy name.
I was 12 years old when I accepted Christ as my savior. Raised in the Lutheran church, I attended mid-week and Sunday evening services at my girlfriend’s Baptist church and at some point began to dread going to those Sunday services because there was always an invitation at the end. I would literally hold on to the back of the pew in front of me to keep myself from going down that aisle, my heart would pound, my pulse would race as I struggled to just hang on until the invitation ended. I didn’t know it then, but the Holy Spirit was trying to get my attention and I was doing my level best to resist. Thankfully, I eventually responded and was baptized on Easter Sunday. I am so grateful He doesn’t give up on us!
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, many [as they are], are forgiven her-because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:47
My path to the cross has been one wild ride! I wish I could tell you I made that trip down the altar and ever remained by His side, following in His perfect will. But, in fact, I’ve strayed many times; only to find the quiet knowing that only true peace can be found in the cross, under the blood, and in His name.
There are times when all there is to say is,”Jesus”, and to trust, knowing He is there and is faithful to complete what He has started. It’s in that place I stand, I press on, and I believe in the hope of my calling–the redeemed.
March 21, 2004. Six glorious years ago, I came to be a Christ follower at the age of 57.
My daughter, Kate, invited me to attend an Alpha course with her. Alpha = beginning, right?
I KNEW I was not a beginner. I was accompanying her at her request so that she would remain faithful in attendance. I had been a church-goer and all round good person all of my life, I believed in Christ as the Savior of the world. I “hoped” I would go to heaven if I kept on being good and doing good things.
That was enough, right? Wrong!
God had other plans for me. In those few weeks He changed my heart, opened up the glorious treasure of His Word and filled me with the Holy Spirit. Life has never, and will never, be the same.
I am so in love with the Lord. And, of course, he timing of His call to me was perfect. He knew that the next few years would be the most difficult of my life; that I would need Him as my Rock as well as my salvation. And I know that He loves me with a love beyond my understanding.
Thank you, Beth, for being one of the teachers who led me when I was a baby Christian and so, so hungry to know Him. You have been an important part of my walk.
Margie
Hilton Head, SC
I had stopped going to church. I was not interested in God anymore. Had never really read the Bible. My younger daughter had been attending your SS class at First Baptist and begged me to go with her. To please her, I did. When I heard you speak of the Lord Jesus like He was your best friend and saw your passion for Him I was mesmerized. I became SO thirsty for what you had but I thought to myself that you must have been very good to ‘earn this’. As I was having these thoughts, you said something that gave me hope. You said that you had asked God many years ago to give you the passion for Him that one of your SS teachers had and you had gone to your car and asked God for it. When I heard you say this, I could not wait to start asking, too. For the next seven months that’s all I did. I would say: ‘God, I don’t know what Beth has but she said it was for everybody and I want it, please, please’. When I was doing your Bible study,’Jesus the One and Only’, the first time I opened my Bible to do my homework my eyes were spiritually opened. I SAW what my sins had done to Him and I wept like I’ve never cried before asking for forgiveness then I felt this peace come over me and this huge weight come off and my heart almost exploded with His love and joy. I was born again. This was nine years ago, January 16, 2001. Praise His Glorious Name!
I was in elementary school, around 2nd or 3rd grade. We had children’s church while our parents were in “big church.” Our Children’s church leaders had us all in a circle and offered a child’s version of the sinner’s prayer and I prayed it and received Jesus. I remember it very well. I certainly have strayed from that moment lots in my life but about 10 years ago, Jesus became very real again through a set of circumstances that I pray my children do not choose. I thank the Lord that his memory is short when it comes to our confessed sins! I can’t imagine the love it took to suffer the way he did for us. Praise Jesus!
I was 10 years old and it was on Easter Sunday that I walked down the aisle at my church and accepted Jesus as my Savior. It was during that year that my dad, a recovering alcoholic discovered he had cancer and also asked Christ to be his Savior. Six months later he died, but I knew without a doubt that he went to heaven to be with Jesus. That was the beginning, and 40 some years later, I am a living, breathing testimony of God’s faithfulness and grace through the years. “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus” can truly be said through the years of growth, challenges and trials. Only in the last 10 years, can I say I am beginning to taste the depth and power of God’s love. Oh, how I love Him.
Pam in San Diego
I asked Jesus to be my Savior when I was 5 years old. It was Vacation Bible School week at our church, and I think that the gospel was explained to me in such a way that I realized that Jesus died for *me*! Not just for the ‘grown ups’. Throughout my school years, I struggled with being labeled the ‘goody two shoes’ and by high school was only concerned about being popular instead of about pleasing God. I thank the Lord that on Easter sunday, 1996, He got my attention. I do not doubt that I became a Christian when I was 5, but that Easter changed my life. That was my ‘fully surrendering day’. I told the Lord that I was tired of trying to play both sides of the fence and that I completely surrender to Him. He has blessed me abundantly since that day.
Happy Resurrection Day to everyone! I can’t tell you how much you all mean to me, and Beth, my life has been different since God spoke to me through your SLI book. I can never thank you enough for being His servant.
In His precious, unfailing love,
Melanie
~ melscoffeebreak.blogspot.com ~
I was listening to an Andy Stanley sermon the other day online and he said something regarding us “normal” people, you know, the ones who are neither AMAZING or bottom of the barrel. We’re jealous of those with more and we’re jealous of the bottom-of-the-barrelers because at least they have a story. HA! So true of me! It’s the silly dis-contentedness that I so abhor but own. On that note, my salvation story.
I was 9.
Family Room with my Mom.
Stood beside her Lazy-Boy, held my arms out and prayed after her.
Done.
Then 4 years later at age 13 God actually seemed to come on the scene in a more tangible way. I began my love of the Word and a realization of the one true God, the personal, unrelentingly loving God. I was done for. Although my path wasn’t so sure. God continued circling me and swooping down for what seemed like occasional hugs and such and pursued me fiercely. Oh, how I love Him. Today on this precious Good Friday and always.
My salvation happened at the age of 7. It was a time when pastors still spoke of hell brimstone and fire, and that the only way not to go to hell was to accept Jesus as our Savior. Of course being raised in the church, I had a young understanding, but never the less, I wanted to live eternally with Jesus, and therefore accepted Him. I have rededicated my life in my 20s, and although I never felt far from Him, I wanted to be clear I chose Him still.
I just wanted to say that at noon today, Apr 2nd we completed a 24hour prayer with a Good Friday Service. Talk about having communion with our Lord, we part took in the Lord’s Table at the service and it was a holy beautiful moment. Many of us were on our knees and faces!!! Right where we belong.
My salvation came on April 7, 1991 when I was 40 years old, after a whole life of “church”. The Lord absolutely was the “hound of heaven” after me and finally when I heard the words straight from the Lord’s heart to mine that “maybe God has kept His hand on you all these years so that today you might be saved”, the key to my rebellion, the door to my quilt and shame was broken down. I ran straight to that altar and threw myself on His great mercy and grace. I fell in love with Jesus, I read His love letter with my name written on every page. Then on April 7, 2009 I received a breast cancer diagnosis and Jesus reminded me that He has saved me, He was still saving me and I could trust Him with my whole life. Here I am, a year later with a different body, different hair (who knew it was gray and curly???) but the same loving Saviour holding my hand.
Praise the way the Lord guides us through ALL THINGS that this life throws at us. I tell my kids that often…Jesus never said this life would be easy…but he will always be walking along side us! Amen to that!
Beautiful!
I grew up in the Catholic church, but I never understood what it was really like to have Christ as my savior until October 2001 I was 21. I was about to fly to a Horse show in Oklahoma later in October and I was really worried about it since it was not long after 9/11. My husband and I were dating at the time and his Dad is a Pastor. My husband sent me to talk to his Dad. I accepted Christ that day and felt such freedom with everything in life even with flying. I remember taking my new bible on the plane and sitting near the flight attendant and she noticed what I was reading. We ended up talking a good part of the flight about Christianity. Thank you Jesus for everything you have done for us!
I was 14 years old. I was raised in a Christian home and for most of my 14 years I went to church. Mom and I had stopped going to church for a short time and in 1971 we began to attend church again. I remember sitting in the balcony of my church feeling that tug at my heart that I needed to give my life to the Lord. That I was lost and a sinner and I needed a savior. That day in November I walked down the aisle of my church and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
I was let to “go to the front” of my baptist church when I was 8 yrs old. I believe from that day that Christ had led me but was not baptized until 2000 when it was my decision to follow Christ without any prompting from family of friends, but it was always family and friends that led me to be baptized. Blessed God!!!
Growing up in a believing family was wonderful. When young, the first time I remember really understanding salvation was when my cousin, Delma Lynn, was talking about it when she was staying over night and we were supposed to be going to sleep. Some time later when I was in Vacation Bible School at age 9 or 10 my teacher, Sue Evick, gave us an invitation to accept Christ. I did. Through the years of high school and college I really doubted my salvation and have re-asked Christ into my heart a few times. But I know now that the faith of the little girl was all I needed.
Nine Years old on a Friday night revival at Antioch Baptist Church Sevierville,TN.
At 28 after my firstborn I rededicated my life.
I repented of my sins and asked Jesus to be my Savior on Wed morning Aug 22nd, 1984. I was 11 years old and had the privilege of growing up in church. We were having summer revival and we had morning and evening services. There was a sweet older lady Mrs. Barnes who put her arm around me and asked if I wanted to be saved. I can still see that wooden alter in my mind, and remember the tears pooling where I cried out to the Lord to save me from my sins. I knew I need Savior, even at age 11, and age 36 I am very aware and incredible thankful for what He saved me from. As each year passes in my walk with the Lord, I am increasingly thankful for this abundant life that only He can give.
I don’t ever remember NOT knowing that Jesus loves me and I love Him. . I was raised a Southern Baptist preacher’s daughter and also a daughter of the organist. I spent my Sunday mornings in pews with other faithful church members that would volunteer to watch us kids during the “sermon”. (some of those people are precious to me) When I was 8 yrs old. . I remember vividly it was summer time, vacation Bible school season. My next oldest brother and I had been in a scuffle over a bike. The argument continued until my mom called us into the family breakfast area for one of her “talks”. I’ll never forget the tug on my heart. . this was the moment I knew I must ask Jesus into my heart for myself. I know now the Holy Spirit was drawing me to Jesus, God’s plan for my life was to be in ministry caring for foster children and orphans. I believe He knew I would need the foundation of an early relationship with Him.
I told my mother what I felt in my heart and we prayed right there together in that breakfast room. I will never forget at the end of the week of Vacation Bible school during the invitation I was on the front row and stepped forward to make my profession of faith to my own Dad. He baptized me the next Sunday night. . such a vivid memory. I believe God’s hand of protection has been on me from day one. He kept me out of so much trouble during the teenage and college years, I believe so I would not have a ton of my own baggage as my kids have several suitcases each. God worked in my heart very early. . I am totally humbled I was born into such a Godly family. Happy Good Friday to all my siestas, praising Him for this day and even more for Easter morning!
Wendy-Mom of Eleven
Oh and Mrs. Beth, thank you for sharing with us today on what I agree is one of the most important days on the kingdom calendar!
Wendy
I honestly don’t remember when I accepted Jesus as my savior. I grew up in a Christian home and always believed, but didn’t have much biblical knowledge. There were a lot of gaps in my Christian education and as a young mother I was hungry to know more for my baby daughter as well as myself. I rededicated my life to the Lord and my husband and I joined a wonderful church. We soon became active in ministry. We both served as AWANA Bible Club leaders and began to memorize scripture along with the children in the club. Later, I began to attend a ladies Bible study and found the more I learned the more I wanted to know!
Happy Easter!
Tammy
Lusby, MD
I spent the first forty years living the life of a precious Christian born and raised in a wonderful Christian home by truely Godly parents. I went the right places, said the right words, sang the right songs from choir, and really lived a saved life…without actually being born again! I fought doubt and facing my fake life with the excuse that since this was all a faith issue that I had as much faith as anyone! After all, who could really KNOW? I pushed the inner struggle aside by crowding it out with more church and church activities but I knew that when I walked down the aisle at the age of seven, I only went because my friend did. At fourteen when again I sought some kind of answer to sooth my inner doubts I trusted in myself and not in Jesus at all! THEN, on an average Sunday night with a visiting preacher the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart for the first time. I KNEW that I had to make a decision but waited until my husband and I were home that night. There on my knees in front of my saviour and my husband with the tears of true conviction I was gloriously saved! Never has there been a moment of doubt in all of the years since and although the outer me may be very similar the inner me is a new creation. The walk is real, the talk is real, and Jesus is very real to me! I praise Him for His mercy and the grace extended to me and for the whisper of the Holy Spirit in my ear that Sunday night. My God is so good and I thank Him for a real testimony to share! YOU MUST KNOW THAT YOU KNOW!