Beginnings Of The Journey

Probably about 4 years ago the LORD began dealing with me, through His Word and other things I was reading, about following Him more closely, with all of my heart. It's been an interesting journey to this point, as He has led and directed and brought conviction by His Spirit in a number of areas. It's a journey that I think I will be on until the day I die or He returns for us.

In truth, it's a journey that began over 30 years ago in a little high school gym where I attended a gospel concert held by some Christian college students. They sang gospel songs, shared their testimonies, and gave an invitation to all who would like to follow Yeshua (Jesus, as I knew Him then). I was 17 years old. I had been attending church every week, usually by myself as the rest of my family weren't very interested in church. I had been reading the Bible nearly every day for over a year. I had heard other "altar calls" and wanted to respond but was afraid to make a spectacle of myself. This time, though, was different. I KNEW that I had to step out of my place and walk to the front, by the stage, and declare that I wanted to follow the Messiah. And so I did. We stood there and sang, "I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus. I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back." Another verse declares, "Though none go with me, still I will follow. Though none go with me, still I will follow. Though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back, no turning back." In the years since then, I have followed the best I knew how. I have stumbled many, many times; I am no plaster saint, more of a "cracked" pot, but I have kept following and He has been faithful to continue leading. The LORD is my Shepherd and I follow Him. Like most sheep, I have strayed away and had to be brought back. His rod and His staff have been my comfort. Though I have been unfaithful, He has always been faithful to me and loved me in spite of all the ugliness that has been in my heart at times. He knows every nitty-gritty detail about me, all that I have thought, all that I have done, every word that I have spoken and the motive of my heart as I've spoken it, and STILL He loves me! What love! All that I am, all that I have, I owe it all to Him. I am nothing without Him. My soul magnifies the LORD and my spirit rejoices in Yeshua my Messiah. The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. (Ps. 28:7) Blessed by the name of Yeshua HaMashiach!