Before my life in Christ, I was a lonely and confused teenager. I joined the military at age 18 to try and gain direction and purpose. Without knowing or understanding it, God was drawing me to a personal relationship with him.
At my first duty station, I met a number of fellow Navy guys who showed by how they lived their lives, that they followed Christ and had a relationship with him. They invited me to a Bible study where I learned how I was separated from God. I understood for the first time why I felt I was on one cliff and God was on a different far-away cliff and there was a deep valley between us. I also learned that Jesus came and gave his life to bring me and all who put their faith in him, to heaven. Jesus bridged that gap between the cliffs.
Putting my faith in Jesus meant I would receive a new life in him. There was nothing I could do in my own power for the gift of eternal life (Ephesians 2: 8, 9 says: For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God not of works, lest any man should boast.) It wasn’t the concept of turning over a new leaf or accepting a religious teaching that changed my life. It was the grace of God extended to me through Jesus Christ.
I have found since the time I first started that personal relationship with Christ over 40 years ago, that he has been with me through every trial, every up and down and every circumstance. I have experienced death of loved ones, the pain of business and personal relationships and at times falling short of the dreams and ideals I had for myself. At every step, Jesus speaks to me in a still small voice that: “I am with you and heaven is your home.”
For those I gave a spiritual business card to with this link, know that I am available to you, love you and believe in you. If you too want to ensure that heaven is your home, it is one prayer away. In the best way you know how, I leave you with a simple prayer to invite Jesus himself into your heart, mind and life. That prayer is: “Lord Jesus, I believe you are God’s son and you came to earth to show us the way and take us to heaven. Please come into my life in a new, unique and eternal way. Be my Savior and Lord and I say with all my heart, mind and soul: Save me Lord Jesus! Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. Amen.”
If you decided to receive Jesus as your personal Savior in this new and unique way, please share the good news with me. If you want to talk more about anything else going on with you, I will listen and love. Your friend, Paul.