At a New Year’s church service in 1994, I rededicated my life to the Lord. I originally got saved in a Baptist church when I was about 6 or 7 years old. I remember distinctly listening to Rev. Brown’s sermon and feeling like he was talking directly to me. When he gave the altar call, I wanted to come up to the front of the church, but I hesitated. You see, I had never seen a kid go to the altar before. I didn’t know if it was allowed and I certainly didn’t want to get in trouble. I slowly stood up, and walked forward. To my surprise, I received a warm welcome and sat in a chair facing the congregation. My legs swung back and forth, not even touching the ground, as I accepted the Lord into my heart.
Fast forward to 1994 and I had that same feeling – like the pastor was talking directly to me. I decided that I would go to church to start the new year off right. When the pastor gave the altar call, I hesitated again. This time because I started to go through all of the reasons why I could not become a Christian. The main reason being that my heart was full of unforgiveness. But, I walked to the front of the church, and again I was welcomed with loving arms. Love is definitely what I would need to nullify the hatred in my heart. Love is what would transform my heart and mind.
Once I truly began to live my life for the Lord, I wanted to serve somewhere in my church. Children’s ministry seemed like the best fit, as I was a teacher looking to start my own school. But again, I hesitated. How could I teach anyone about the Bible when I didn’t know it myself? What would I do if the children asked me a question that I didn’t have the answer to? If I was going to teach these children the Word, I had to know it for myself. I decided that I needed to read the entire Bible, front to back.
I have now read the Bible through several times – I love the Word of God! 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 says,
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” The word has been all of these things to me. I can not count the times that a scripture has popped into my mind when I was determined to do the wrong thing. It has encouraged me, strengthened me, and shown me who I am, a child of the Most High God. I would be so very honored if you would join me in reading the Bible through this year. I promise that you will not be the same as you allow the scriptures to prepare you for your good works.
