The one outstanding element that was instrumental in drawing me to Christ was that I could know Him. It intrigued me when believers would say, “the Lord showed me” or “the Lord told me”. Raised Roman Catholic, I never heard such language. It fascinated me.
Of course, I checked out the “kooky” factor to make sure these new Jesus people were legit. Momma kept telling me that I was in a cult because I’d left the Catholic Church. But everything checked out and I knew I was born again. The Bible came alive. I devoured it.
Again, Momma said I could lose my mind reading the Bible so much. I finally learned to say, “Momma, I have lost my mind. I’ve got the mind of Christ now.”
I had just graduated from college and was working at a bank. Every employee knew I was different. I read my little pocket New Testament during breaks. I signed the checks I received as the vault teller with Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” I was unashamed.
How important were those early days of my walk with Christ. Friends thought I was going through another phase of life, but it’s been 42 years now and I’m still on that phase. Ha! I’m more in love with Jesus than I’ve ever been.
It’s the supernatural realm that humans crave. This has been true since the beginning of time. The mere fact that I could know the living God was so attractive and appealing to me. Whereas before I was addicted to a party lifestyle, I became addicted to communion with God. It was a radical heart change!
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” ( Ezekiel 36:26-27)
The grass became greener. The sky bluer. I saw everything through new eyes and a new heart.
I was born again!!!
Caption: Circa, 1981 as a new creation!
God’s glory came to dwell and tabernacle with me. His Spirit came and made His home in me. Oh wonder of wonders and glory of glories that God could live inside a man! That I could hear His voice and walk each day with Him! It’s too grand and too great for mere words to explain!
This holy hunger led me further as I was immersed into another measure of the Holy Spirit days after my glorious conversion. Just when I thought it could be no more glorious I encountered Him in a fresh new way. I was baptized with the Holy Spirit!
“And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
CAPTION: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (Acts 2:2,3)
In this Christmas season I want to direct my thoughts and testimony here to all our unsaved loved ones and friends and those who do not yet know Christ in this way. Feel free to share this with your loved ones as well.
For me this is not religion. This is a new birth. It’s new life. It’s a walk with God that lasts a lifetime. It’s a relationship. And that's what so many professing Christians do not have.
“Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…
“Do not marvel that I said unto you ‘You must be born again.’”
(John 3:3, 7)
For 42 years now my mission in life has been to depopulate hell and populate heaven with as many people as possible.
NOTE: Christmas is here and we are running some specials on our books. Why not purchase some life-changing books for your family and friends? Our readers have repeatedly testified that our books have a deep sanctifying effect on the human spirit and bring the sincere reader closer to God. Check them out here on our website or on Amazon.
It is my life's greatest work.
Thank you for your readership and encouragement.
Also, here's a link if you'd like to donate to help our orphans in Guinea Bissau or partner with us in our missions projects around the world.
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