“Many believers never press through to a firsthand experience of the deeper Christian life. We live on the hand-me-down teaching and experiences of Saints and Scholars of other ages. We live on the saying and doings of popular preachers and leaders but it is canned goods. We do not grow our own gardens”. Vance Havner
This was a realization I had about 10 years ago, when I finally discovered a very close and intimate relationship with Jesus!…..But before you loose interest (if He isn’t an interest of yours), let me tell you a story you might appreciate?!
I was saved and baptized at the age of 8…for whatever that means to an 8 yr old trying to align myself with the, perceived, aspirations and expectations of my family and church. I have lived my entire life carrying the title “Christian”. However, growing up, and on into my young adult years, my faith was based on the handed down teachings of my parents, Pastors, Sunday school teachers, friends…etc. It wasn’t until I began to seek Jesus for myself, through reading his word and consistently setting aside quiet prayer time with him daily that I began to experience real change. I then began hiking with Him at Sweetwater Creek State Park (MY sanctuary to this day), just me and my Jesus, hiking and talking for hours at a time, day after day, month after month, year after year…my “home sweet(water) home”.
Now 10 years later, I am so grateful for the journey of seeking and finding my Savior that has led me to a deeper understanding and a greater sense of fulfillment than I have ever had in my entire “Christian” life. I finally stepped out of my “cookie cutter” religion and found a genuinely deeper, more fulfilling, relationship with the only one who has ever died for me….oh….and also resurrected back to life to drive His point home!! Now, I am able to take this relationship and continuously growing wisdom and combine them with the freedom to worship with my family of believers every Sunday. This has certainly been a process, and although it takes time to cultivate, I can tell you that the growth I have experienced because of this relationship is absolutely LIFE CHANGING!!!
So now if you ask me what my religion is, I’ll tell I don’t have one…..I have a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus and I am a “Christ Follower”, or as the original Christ followers were referred to, I am a “Follower of The Way”!!
I encourage you to find your Sweetwater!!
“You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Stay authentic my friends!
Crystal
Authenticity Is A Virtue 