Steve Woodard

   One night after an evening service at our church, I asked my parents how to be “saved”. Growing up in a home where church attendance and scripture memorization were part of our daily life, even at the young age of 6 I had an understanding of who God was. His plan is so simple that even children can understand, “if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”. I must also confess as a child that much of my desire to accept Christ was derived from a fear of hell. While too often today hell is glossed over, and some would falsely say non-existent, growing in Christ is understanding his love and mercy. The grace that was given so that we are no longer under the law. It’s understanding that he truly wants a relationship with us. God desires to work in my life and the lives of each and every believer, the only obstacle is myself! I need to remember daily that “the Lord is my Shepherd”. What a relief to know He carries that burden, but too often I want to get ahead of where He’s leading. In order to grow in Christ there has to be less of me and more of Him. He did save me from hell, but he saved me for a purpose, for His purpose, to be used by him. What a privilege to be used by the King of kings and the Lord of lords. To have a personal relationship with the Creator of all.