"I Am that I Am" -God
In the book of Exodus in the bible, Moses who has left his pampered prince lifestyle in Egypt has become a humble shepherd, husband, and father when he is summoned by God in the form of a burning bush that does not burn. (Ex 3:2) God has chosen Moses to return to Egypt to face Pharoah and free the Israelites from bondage. In Exodus chapter 3 verses 13-14, Moses inquires of God what he should the response be when he tells the Israelites "The God of your fathers has sent me," and they ask for a name. The answer he got was "I Am that I Am."
I'm sure you want to know who I am and what this blog is about. I will not be so arrogant to give you the response that Moses got, but instead, I will be humble and transparent. I am a person who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that he died on the cross for our sins and rose again three days after his death. By label that makes me a Christian, a follower of Christ. I grew up in church and it has always been a part of my life from being a Baptist to Pentecostal to Evangelical. I am sorry to say that I did not get serious about my walk with God until seven short years ago, but it was bound to happen at some point because the word of God is alive and well and it says, "Train up a child in the way he/she should go and when he/she is older they will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Later on and along the way as I post I will reveal my journey and what brought about this decision, but for now I will say the main reason was because I realized I CANNOT make it in this world and withstand the ups, downs, disappointments, pain, and all other pitfalls of life without God in my life. I was put here-as we all were-for a purpose, we are no of us and accident or mistake and after trying to carve out the life that I decided I wanted and failing many times miserably, I have submitted to the ultimate authority and his will and plan for my life.
HOWEVER....I realized very quickly after this submission and commitment that it is 10x's harder to live a life in a way that is required and pleasing to God than it was when I was doing it my way. Again, we will explore these complications along the way, but I have found that the popular opinion among fellow believers is the most complicated part about it is because we live in a world that is becoming increasingly intolerant towards Christianity, biblical living, and righteousness. I have found that I have to make a conscious decision daily that I am going to live in a way that is pleasing to God. I am not always successful at it. It is a literal dying to self when I get cut off in traffic or am treated rudely at the grocery store or on the phone or when something grossly unfair happens to me or someone I know and care about...it is in those moments when I want to react out of my flesh but I have to remember Galatians 5:17 "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want."
So what has this to do with this blog? I created this blog to be a welcoming and safe place for believers or even those who are not quite sure how or what they believe, to come together and connect and commune, encourage and vent, share and reveal their triumphs or struggles along the way in their walk in faith. As I post I will be doing just that. Sharing my stories and experiences about my Christian walk. Some of the stories may be sad, comical, encouraging, or disheartening. I am no ordained minister so I can't say I will be doing any preaching. I am not here to judge, shame or lecture. It is my sincere mission to help other believers along the way and -maybe bring some new ones in-be a source of hope through my experiences. You never know who you may touch through your testimony.
Until Next Time....