As humans living in this fallen world it is so easy to lose sight of the Truth and get caught up in lies of the enemy. He dangles them off of a very enticing hook. We must remember Jesus is our good shepherd and the only way to salvation.  

When most people give a testimony of their salvation they can remember precise details.

My story is a little different.

As a child, I was raised in church and attended a parochial school. We often went to church twice a week, and the school I attended had chapel each Wednesday. Our church was wonderful but very conservative. Many of my early memories are of church and our family worshiping together. As I grow older, I cherish those memories and my Christian upbringing.

Despite this upbringing, I have always searched for a “deeper truth.”

It was the 1970s. In my search for “truth,” I became a card-carrying member of the meditation society by responding to an ad in the back of a magazine. And yes, I was still in grade school.

The counterculture movement of the sixties was still permeating our culture, and I was drawn to many non-Christian beliefs. Adolescent and college years led to involvement in the new age and a degree plan in Anthropology of Religion.

My search for a deeper truth led me into dangerous spiritual ground and I can only thank Jesus for accepting me back as the prodigal child.

I didn’t live in a pig pen per se, but I was swimming in a spiritual cesspool of deception, and it was destroying my life.

I returned to my Christian roots at a Walk To Emmaus. I believe I was saved as a child, but I spoke the sinner’s prayer just to be sure.

I also repented from all false teachings and rededicated my life to Christ.

In His infinite goodness, God forgave me, and for that, I am grateful.

That deeper way I was searching for was right before my eyes all along. I just needed to walk into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. I still cling to and desperately need His grace every day. To fight away fear and uncertainty in difficult times and to ask for His forgiveness when I blow it.

Please let me encourage you to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus over anything else in this world. He is indeed our good shepherd, and I am forever thankful for His forgiveness and grace. Return to the Lord while He may be found!

(Isaiah 55: 6-9)

Jesus was sent into this world as a ransom for our sins so we could become part of God’s family.