I have some amazing news. Our family has always been
focused on living for Christ. In fact, our heritage is one of putting forth our
best efforts to explain to our children and grandchildren the path to salvation
through the Word of God. In fact, many of our
family members invited Christ into their hearts at an early age but some took a little
longer. Over time we have joyfully witnessed the baptism of all of our extended family members as they have publicly acknowledged that Christ is their Savior. But, our youngest grandchild, Julian had yet to ask Christ into his heart. About to turn 14 he still had some questions
which may not have been answered the same way by his two parents. Our son and his ex went through what could
best be described as a difficult parting when Julian was still an infant. Consequently, the messages he heard from one
parent were often not the same as he would hear from the other parent. So we were so thrilled when he decided to
make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as the true Son of God a few
weeks’ ago. Then his public profession of faith was accomplished and sealed with his
baptism on January 15th. Of
course, all the family members, with the exception of his mother were in the
audience to witness this wonderful event and we wanted him to have something to
mark the most important event to ever occur in his life. So, Grandma, with just a little help from
Grandpa penned the following letter to Julian:
Dear Julian,
Grandpa and I are so happy you have chosen to ask
Christ into your heart and be your Savior!
Both of us can tell you that it is truly wonderful to have Jesus in our
lives, guiding us and teaching us that God’s truth and living by His truth is
what can make us truly happy in life.
Yes Julian, we all have to understand that there is such a thing as
truth in all things. God is truth,
Christ is truth and the Holy Spirit who came to reside in us once we believe on
Christ as the living Son of God is truth.
Not only does the Trinity of God deserve our worship but the Trinity of
God is filled with all knowledge and truth and God expects us to live in truth
and love. Many people will try to bend
the truth to make it fit their view of the world; however, just because a
person lies or tries to make another believe what they believe does NOT
make it the truth. God wants us to live
for Him in truth and love. This means we
should always try to do what is right while loving others as we love
ourselves. We will not always make the
right decisions but God will forgive us if we truly repent (recognize we made
the mistake and acknowledge it to God) and ask for Jesus Christ’s help.
God
made you in His image.
That means He has given you the ability to love, do what is right and to
grow to your fullest potential. It is up
to you to choose whether to live up to your potential or not. It is up to YOU to choose to live for Christ.
Living for Christ means that you read your Bible even
when you don’t understand it. God and
the Holy Spirit will help you figure it out IF you keep reading it.
Living for Christ means you try to do only the things that will please
God. So, that means saying “no” to the
kids who may try to get you to do things you know are not right. Living for Christ means honoring and obeying
your parents, including Kim, even when you would rather do something else. Curbing your tongue and NOT making smart remarks just to have the last word or to try and
make yourself seem grand is better than hurting others with your words. Words can often cut like a knife which is
certainly not what you want people doing to you so you shouldn’t want to treat
anyone else any differently than you wish to be treated. Christ knows who you are and He wants you to
represent Him to those around you, both at home and away from home.
There is an old saying “What Would Jesus Do” and some
don’t really understand it. It’s very
simple; when you are faced with having to make a decision that could result in
serious consequences if you make the wrong choice, just ask yourself……..What
would Jesus do?
Grandpa and I
have a special gift in mind to celebrate your Baptism but we haven’t been able to
locate it yet. We will continue
searching for this special gift and present it to you as soon as possible. Congratulations on making the most important
decision of your life which is asking Jesus to come into your heart. We are so proud to be able to witness the
sealing of that wonderful decision by your baptism today.
We love you so much and we want you to know that we
will never be too busy to listen to you and give you the best advice we can. All you have to do is simply ask us. People can become very smart by doing well in
school and studying hard, but wisdom comes about only from living a long
time. Grandpa and I have both lived a
long time and we’ve learned from our mistakes.
We’re happy to help you avoid those mistakes that sometimes can affect
peoples’ lives for the rest of their time on this earth.
We love you and wish you a life filled with love as
you live your life for Christ.
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa
Mentoring every day is so important to not only our
family, but to others around us. It is also important to continue mentoring
someone who has finally made a commitment to Christ. We certainly do not want
to leave them alone or act like that now that they are saved that they do not
need support, good examples, and advice. That is why, we wrote to Julian to let
him know that we will always be there to answer any questions or to be that
example of Christian love.
I encourage each of you to reach out to people and
mentor them, showing them that you care. I know that you can be there for your
family and friends. But I also encourage you to be there for those that come
into your life even if they are just acquaintances. Christians are to be the light of
Christ in this very dark world. You can do it! You can actively mentor others
for Christ.
P.S.
I have not been able to put out the blog on a regular
basis because I fell right before Christmas and broke my left arm and my jaw in
two places. God has been with me every step of the way, though. He has given me
a wonderful husband who truly does not mind helping me and supports me in all
my endeavors. Even with the physical problems that I have had in life,
including all the broken bones, I have been blessed by God. So, I encourage
anyone who has physical, emotional, or any other kind of problems to put your
trust in God and to turn to His living Son, Jesus Christ for Salvation and
peace. Christ and the Father will never let you down!
All you have to do to receive Salvation is to truly
believe on Jesus Christ as the resurrected and living Son of God. Then, in
repentance of your sins (for every human sins) ask for His forgiveness and for
Christ to cleanse you of your sins through the blood that He shed for you on
the cross. If you truly believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that
Christ is the Son of God and your Savior, Christ will come into your heart and
your life will be changed! You will be re-born into a new person; A person who
wants to live in truth and in love, and who wants to walk each day representing
the light of Christ to the world. Then go out and tell someone that you have
asked Christ into your heart and that He is your Lord and Savior. You will then
be a “born-again” Christian. You are Saved for all eternity!
Next, start reading your Bible. It should be your textbook
for the rest of your life. God’s Word will guide you and teach you how to live
for Him. It will also show you how to live a good and true life for the Lord.
Also, don’t forget to find a Bible believing church to attend every week. For,
it is through the fellowship, support, and mentoring of other believers that we
are able to grow closer to God and stay focused on living for Him. You can do
it! You can grow in your walk for the Lord. Maybe you will even be able to help
others by being there for them and mentoring them on living for Christ in every
aspect of their lives as well. Then, someday in eternity, you will be able to
hear the Lord say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” May God Bless you
in all ways!
