My Life Story
I grew up in a Christian home where a relationship with Jesus Christ was modeled bymy parents. As a family we went to church (Calvary Baptist Oakville) every Sunday.By the time I was a teenager God was the furthest thing from my mind, I left the churchand turned my attention to what the world could offer me. Romans 1:21 “For althoughthey knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him…” For the next fewyears I tried to find fulfillment in everything this world says will “bring you happiness”but inside I was lonely and my life was a disaster.
At age 18, God got a hold of my life and convicted me of my sinful lifestyle. He broughtme to a point of repentance over my sin. As the years went by I stopped reading my Bibleand found myself praying only when I needed something. Matthew 7:16 says “You willrecognize them by their fruits.” My relationship with Jesus grew cold and there was nogood fruit in my life, however in my opinion I was a “good person.”
In 1995, I married Natalie, an incredible woman who loves the Lord. We have beenblessed us with 3 beautiful girls. In 2003, when Calvary Baptist Church became HarvestBible Chapel Oakville, the Lord began to do a new work in my life. Although I consideredmyself to be a Christian, when I examined my heart and my desires, I discovered thatmy lifestyle contradicted Gods word. 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, tosee whether you are in the faith.” I wasn’t interested in the things of the Lord. I wentto church on Sunday, but during the rest of the week my life was about me. I wasa “Sunday Christian.” Matthew 7: 17-23 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is inheaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name,and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And thenwill I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
The Lord used a number of people and events to get my attention and to show me the marks of a true Christian life. A “Christian” by definition is a “follower of Christ” and involves a personal “daily” relationship with Jesus. Finally I surrendered my life totally to His will. John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”By Gods Grace, there is new fruit in my life today, for His Glory.
I have spent the last several years seeking and growing a personal relationship with Jesusand by the grace of God, I will spend the rest of my life perusing Him and living a lifethat is pleasing and honoring to our Lord Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His forgiveness,love, grace, mercy and patience.
Hope For Harvest
Never cease to proclaim the authority of God’s word without apology. 2 Timothy 2:4