At age 21 I finally answered Jesus knocking at my heart. I was given a NIV bible by a co-worker and I finally was able to understand just how beautiful God is and why Jesus was here. I never had any Christian influences when I was growing up, all I knew was a sense of right and wrong. I thought that just by being a good person then you are ok. Growing up I rarely attended church, I didn't understand any of the sermons so I figured why bother going. I went to Catholic churches and sadly there wasn't anyone in them who was willing to teach me the bible. The focus on many of the local churches where I live is to be religious instead of having a personal relationship with Jesus.

At age 21, I felt the beauty of God's love and finally embraced it instead of running from it. I was a baby Christian and was eager to learn more each day. I didn't have anyone close to me who was a Christian that could fellowship with me, and over the next few years my focus on God became less. I backslid as many would say, I still loved God but I let the world come between Him and I. I allowed the love of the world to come back into my life.

Here, at age 32 I am back, I have recommitted myself to God and told Him I was sorry for drifting away. He embraced me with open arms and again I felt the sheer beauty of His love. I am far from perfect and we know that noone is perfect and God doesn't expect us to be, but He expects us to hold ourselves accountable for our sins, to tell him sorry and to repent.

I asked Jesus into my heart and asked Him to be my Lord, some days I still drift a bit and fall off the path a little but He is right there to embrace me and get me back walking straight again.

I just want to say that I have never felt such a beautiful feeling ever in my life as the feeling I have from His love and grace. Words can not begin to define how much I love Him and I hope to never turn my back on Him again and drift away. I love you Jesus, thank you for loving me, thank you for the forgiveness that you have granted to me and I know that there is nothing I can do to repay you back. I pray that all those who are lost reading this to open their hearts and finally respond to the knock that Jesus places on your heart. You will never experience such a beautiful, free, loving feeling as following Him.

God bless

It was encouraging to read your story. I am so happy you answered the Lord's call for you. It is easy to drift, so make Him your priority. I found making the The Purpose Driven Life book to be a real help. Maybe you can try and make it part of your "daily devotions" to be helpful as you continue in your recommitment. Remember, on days when it doesn't feel good, it's good to know that faith isn't always a feeling. Truth is just truth; and love and commitment are decisions. Blessings to you!

[quote=Lorena,Apr 10 2005, 08:10 PM]
At age 21 I finally answered Jesus knocking at my heart. I was given a NIV bible by a co-worker and I finally was able to understand just how beautiful God is and why Jesus was here. I never had any Christian influences when I was growing up, all I knew was a sense of right and wrong. I thought that just by being a good person then you are ok. Growing up I rarely attended church, I didn't understand any of the sermons so I figured why bother going. I went to Catholic churches and sadly there wasn't anyone in them who was willing to teach me the bible. The focus on many of the local churches where I live is to be religious instead of having a personal relationship with Jesus.

At age 21, I felt the beauty of God's love and finally embraced it instead of running from it. I was a baby Christian and was eager to learn more each day. I didn't have anyone close to me who was a Christian that could fellowship with me, and over the next few years my focus on God became less. I backslid as many would say, I still loved God but I let the world come between Him and I. I allowed the love of the world to come back into my life.

Here, at age 32 I am back, I have recommitted myself to God and told Him I was sorry for drifting away. He embraced me with open arms and again I felt the sheer beauty of His love. I am far from perfect and we know that noone is perfect and God doesn't expect us to be, but He expects us to hold ourselves accountable for our sins, to tell him sorry and to repent.

I asked Jesus into my heart and asked Him to be my Lord, some days I still drift a bit and fall off the path a little but He is right there to embrace me and get me back walking straight again.

I just want to say that I have never felt such a beautiful feeling ever in my life as the feeling I have from His love and grace. Words can not begin to define how much I love Him and I hope to never turn my back on Him again and drift away. I love you Jesus, thank you for loving me, thank you for the forgiveness that you have granted to me and I know that there is nothing I can do to repay you back. I pray that all those who are lost reading this to open their hearts and finally respond to the knock that Jesus places on your heart. You will never experience such a beautiful, free, loving feeling as following Him.

God bless
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I heard the purpose driven life book is new age. any thoughts?

[quote=Todd,May 19 2005, 12:50 PM]
I heard the purpose driven life book is new age. any thoughts?
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YES, new age indeed and another money making scheme. I think most of us here on the board agree with that! They are trying to herd all the sheep together, don't be one of them. Please don't buy into it.

I agree, Its not from God

I am leaving you info about that book you mentioned
http://www.olivetreeviews.org/radio/mp3/
Please listen to the two hours from February 11th, 2006
I think everyone should hear this about this movement that is increasing across the USA:)

God bless you
Sunshine


quote=Tracy,May 5 2005, 08:18 PM]
It was encouraging to read your story. I am so happy you answered the Lord's call for you. It is easy to drift, so make Him your priority. I found making the The Purpose Driven Life book to be a real help. Maybe you can try and make it part of your "daily devotions" to be helpful as you continue in your recommitment. Remember, on days when it doesn't feel good, it's good to know that faith isn't always a feeling. Truth is just truth; and love and commitment are decisions. Blessings to you!

[quote=Lorena,Apr 10 2005, 08:10 PM]
At age 21 I finally answered Jesus knocking at my heart. I was given a NIV bible by a co-worker and I finally was able to understand just how beautiful God is and why Jesus was here. I never had any Christian influences when I was growing up, all I knew was a sense of right and wrong. I thought that just by being a good person then you are ok. Growing up I rarely attended church, I didn't understand any of the sermons so I figured why bother going. I went to Catholic churches and sadly there wasn't anyone in them who was willing to teach me the bible. The focus on many of the local churches where I live is to be religious instead of having a personal relationship with Jesus.

At age 21, I felt the beauty of God's love and finally embraced it instead of running from it. I was a baby Christian and was eager to learn more each day. I didn't have anyone close to me who was a Christian that could fellowship with me, and over the next few years my focus on God became less. I backslid as many would say, I still loved God but I let the world come between Him and I. I allowed the love of the world to come back into my life.

Here, at age 32 I am back, I have recommitted myself to God and told Him I was sorry for drifting away. He embraced me with open arms and again I felt the sheer beauty of His love. I am far from perfect and we know that noone is perfect and God doesn't expect us to be, but He expects us to hold ourselves accountable for our sins, to tell him sorry and to repent.

I asked Jesus into my heart and asked Him to be my Lord, some days I still drift a bit and fall off the path a little but He is right there to embrace me and get me back walking straight again.

I just want to say that I have never felt such a beautiful feeling ever in my life as the feeling I have from His love and grace. Words can not begin to define how much I love Him and I hope to never turn my back on Him again and drift away. I love you Jesus, thank you for loving me, thank you for the forgiveness that you have granted to me and I know that there is nothing I can do to repay you back. I pray that all those who are lost reading this to open their hearts and finally respond to the knock that Jesus places on your heart. You will never experience such a beautiful, free, loving feeling as following Him.

God bless
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[QUOTE]I agree, Its not from God[/QUOTE]





I am currently reading the book and find it OK. But I also know it's not from God so I don't take it as Gospel either. I take it at face value. I don't think it's too bad when you read it with this attitude. But I'm sure many other people put too much faith in it and then it comes back to bite them on the butt.

yes religion is unnecessary

we love and follow the Lord Jesus Christ...

we make mistakes and ask for forgiveness and it is accepted...

if any one make you guilty...in Christ, confess it and be set free...

walk according to the Spirit and be circumspect of the law that was
given for all of us that we might discern the great thing that has been done
for us in the cross of Jesus Christ.

i have been a lawbreaker, and repented...

i was forgiven by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ
and yet have grieved the Holy Spirit with my own desires to serve and teach
out of my flesh and intelligence...

may we come again to the heart of God...which is the ministry we have been given,
each one of us.

love in Christ,
signet

TIMELY WORD INDEED...May the LORD BLESS YOU, (he won't let anyone he has taken as his own go), and KEEP YOU, and HIS FACE SHINE UPON YOU ALL, and he will...Because his LOVE is stronger than Death...in and Christ JESUS our LORD IS LIFE and LIFE EVERLASTING....THE TRUTH and the LIFE, the Resurrection Power of his MIGHTY LOVE.

He tells us in his WORD that we will do even greater things than he did for his Glory and in his perfect timeing...JUST TRUST HIM, what a wonderful testimony to the GLORY OF GOD, his LOVE will continue to enrich you, and your desire shall always be....to Gaze upon his Beauty...IN the HOUSE OF OUR LORD.,,,to fellowship for his Glory and his promises to each and everyone of those whom Beleive Him.
but when you are the closest IN JESUS, just remember that the evil one will try to distract your walk to get your attention of the WORLD...Jesus said I am not of this WORLD and he knows your heart and has created you in his Image BEFORE the Foundations of this World ...and the EVIL ONE will try to steal your joy, and will persecute you for Jesus' name sake...because he knows very well who is Covered in the Blood of Christ...all you have to do is SPEAK GOD's WORD, love God and your neighbor as thyself...and pray for the Enemies that come against us and forgive them and ourselves.... and the Devil will flee from you....for he knows his time is short...and will go to and fro accusing us all...so just TRUST THE LORD, for the days are upon us all but those whom overcometh shall be given Eternal Life...JESUS' CROWN OF LOVE is upon you and will guide you all the days of your life and your desire to please God and just leave the rest to him, for he knows what is best for us and will continue to build you up and encourage you when all come against you...GOD's Blessings to you and us all.

Scuse me but I don't trust Rick Warren!

http://www.babylonthegreatisfalling.net/

http://www.aoreport.com/mag/index.php?opti...5&Itemid=44

By his own admission, Rick Warren said he was a member of the CFR I(Illuminist/Masonic organization)!

Jesus had warned us against deception!
Rick Warren has associated himself with Ken Blanchard; that same Ken Blanchard has written forewords to such books as:
He wrote the foreword to Jim Ballard's Mind Like Water

· He wrote the foreword to Franz Metcalf's What Would Buddha Do At Work?

· His endorsement is on the front cover of The Corporate Mystic

· His endorsement is on the back cover of Deepak Chopra's 7 Spiritual Laws of Success

· He wrote the Foreword to Ellen Tadd's (clairvoyant) book, Death and Letting Go. (7)
(Source: cuttingedge.org)


by their fruits, you shall know them...