A Simple, Life-Changing Testimony

As a young child, I had always been exposed to “God” and “church.” Of course, this was because I was the child of a pastor; being in church around “Christians” was “the norm” for me. I learned quite a bit about a man named Jesus in my time there; Jesus, who they always said died for the wrong things I did, these so-called “sins” because he loved me even though I did things that hurt and upset him. I learned of how he loved me and what he did for me in dying and then coming back to life again so that I could be in a place called heaven with him forever, but it never entirely made sense to me.

However, one day around the age of four, I suddenly brought up the topic with my father. He was thrown off-guard about my sudden curiosity of how to be with Jesus. He explained to me that Jesus was God’s son, and that he came to earth and lived a perfect life and did nothing wrong. He told me that Jesus did all this so he could die on the cross to take the punishment I was supposed to get because of the bad things I had done, but Jesus did it so I could ask him to save me from my sins - the term for my wrongful actions, as he called them - because the only way I could ever go to heaven and live with God was by Jesus dying for me. I wanted to take this offer, so I proceeded to ask my father how I was supposed to do this. He explained that I needed to talk to Jesus, what he always called “praying,” and tell him that I had done those wrong things but that I believed that he did die on the cross for me and that I wanted him to save me so I could be in heaven. I did just that, and that was the start of a new beginning for me.

My life was then something of progress for Jesus’ sake. I wanted to learn more about him from the Bible, God’s perfect text that he gave to man so we can know more about him and what he does for us. I struggled with my convictions and eventually decided to recommit myself in what it means to be a person that trusts in Jesus and what he did for me. I have continued to read the Bible and talk to him (even though he doesn’t audibly respond). No one is saying it has been easy, but I am glad I reached a point where I could say I understood what it means when people say that Jesus died on a cross and rose again to pay the price for the punishment God reserved for me and my wrongdoings.

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Thoughts on Valentine's Day

Love is in the air...I guess. Valentine's Day is really another day for me; a brief reminder of no significant other in my life, but today it doesn't bug me as much (could be the illness that's making me feel awful and keeping me preoccupied...). Some really get into the holiday, others are indifferent toward it regardless of their relationship status, and still others utterly despise it - mostly due to being single. I really don't have too much to contribute to the matter today, but I feel at least compelled to share my two cents on the whole matter, to each respective audience.

To the married, God bless you for being in your marriage. I don't know what the current condition of it is - though I pray it's in top shape - but at least let today be one day to reflect on who God has blessed you to be with. Not saying you need to go all-out today, but this holiday should, at the very least, remind you of the promise you made on the date of your wedding. Each day should be something like a Valentine's Day...both of you should be enriching each other's lives and acting as a single entity for the glory of God. Never forget to care for your wife, husband, and never forget to love and support your husband, wife. As a guy, a special quote from my Uncle comes to mind - think on it and let it be a goal you set in your life.

"My goal as a husband is to make it easy for my wife to brag about me, hard for her to complain about me, and show her that the promise I made on our wedding day is the promise I still make every day."

To the dating/engaged, nothing is set in stone yet, but that does not exclude you from the duties you should be fulfilling. Guys, you better not ever stop demonstrating to your girlfriend how you cherish her and seek to protect and guide her. There are plenty of single people out there looking for just a chance to date someone and if you think you can just trash your relationship, I not only hope your significant other terminates the relationship, but that you don't have the chance for another until you get your act straight. Those who are holding up a strong and God-honoring relationship, don't ever let it go - make God the absolute focal point in the relationship and never let it waver.

And to the single, there's nothing wrong with where you are at! Look at me, for example; over 20 years of existence and I've never been on a date! Allow this time for growth, especially in the matter of spiritual maturity. I'm not saying to not be aware of your surroundings and potential relationships, but don't let it consume you. Instead, continue seeking God and developing your relationship with him and with friends around you. I can't say too much to encourage except God will, in His will and timing, start bringing others into your life to pursue. Keep your priorities and expectations in order (and realistic). My hope is to find someone that God brings along in His time, with similar standings in our walk with the Lord. Maybe then I will only have to date a few people (maybe less!) to find that special woman God so blesses me with, I who am so undeserving.

This turned out to be a lot more than I expected; hopefully you find some encouragement, challenge, and peace about the matter. Valentine's Day is just another holiday, don't let it eat you alive. Celebrate where God has you at even when it simply sucks some days and look forward to where God will take you to someday, marriage or no.

P.S. I'm not a big Lecrae fan (not because of him as a person, but just because rap's never been a style of music I cared for), but he has an amazing song regarding relationships, "I Love You" from his album Rehab. My understanding is the song was written for his wife (though in my ignorance on the matter don't cite me on it); you can find the lyric on the actual Youtube page of the video. I encourage you to check it out.

Happy Valentine's Day!
~ The Lowly (Under-the-weather, Single) Bump