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Tuesday, January 17, 2017

The Result of Living for and of Mentoring for Christ

I have some amazing news. Our family has always been focused on living for Christ. In fact, our heritage is one of putting forth our best efforts to explain to our children and grandchildren the path to salvation through the Word of God.  In fact, many of our family members invited Christ into their hearts at an early age but some took a little longer. Over time we have joyfully witnessed the baptism of all of our extended family members as they have publicly acknowledged that Christ is their Savior. But, our youngest grandchild, Julian had yet to ask Christ into his heart.  About to turn 14 he still had some questions which may not have been answered the same way by his two parents.  Our son and his ex went through what could best be described as a difficult parting when Julian was still an infant.  Consequently, the messages he heard from one parent were often not the same as he would hear from the other parent.  So we were so thrilled when he decided to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as the true Son of God a few weeks’ ago.  Then his public profession of faith was accomplished and sealed with his baptism on January 15th.  Of course, all the family members, with the exception of his mother were in the audience to witness this wonderful event and we wanted him to have something to mark the most important event to ever occur in his life.  So, Grandma, with just a little help from Grandpa penned the following letter to Julian:

Dear Julian,

Grandpa and I are so happy you have chosen to ask Christ into your heart and be your Savior!  Both of us can tell you that it is truly wonderful to have Jesus in our lives, guiding us and teaching us that God’s truth and living by His truth is what can make us truly happy in life.  Yes Julian, we all have to understand that there is such a thing as truth in all things.  God is truth, Christ is truth and the Holy Spirit who came to reside in us once we believe on Christ as the living Son of God is truth.  Not only does the Trinity of God deserve our worship but the Trinity of God is filled with all knowledge and truth and God expects us to live in truth and love.  Many people will try to bend the truth to make it fit their view of the world; however, just because a person lies or tries to make another believe what they believe does NOT make it the truth.  God wants us to live for Him in truth and love.  This means we should always try to do what is right while loving others as we love ourselves.  We will not always make the right decisions but God will forgive us if we truly repent (recognize we made the mistake and acknowledge it to God) and ask for Jesus Christ’s help.

God made you in His image.  That means He has given you the ability to love, do what is right and to grow to your fullest potential.  It is up to you to choose whether to live up to your potential or not.  It is up to YOU to choose to live for Christ.

Living for Christ means that you read your Bible even when you don’t understand it.  God and the Holy Spirit will help you figure it out IF you keep reading it.  Living for Christ means you try to do only the things that will please God.  So, that means saying “no” to the kids who may try to get you to do things you know are not right.  Living for Christ means honoring and obeying your parents, including Kim, even when you would rather do something else.  Curbing your tongue and NOT making smart remarks just to have the last word or to try and make yourself seem grand is better than hurting others with your words.  Words can often cut like a knife which is certainly not what you want people doing to you so you shouldn’t want to treat anyone else any differently than you wish to be treated.  Christ knows who you are and He wants you to represent Him to those around you, both at home and away from home.

There is an old saying “What Would Jesus Do” and some don’t really understand it.  It’s very simple; when you are faced with having to make a decision that could result in serious consequences if you make the wrong choice, just ask yourself……..What would Jesus do?  

Grandpa and I have a special gift in mind to celebrate your Baptism but we haven’t been able to locate it yet.  We will continue searching for this special gift and present it to you as soon as possible.  Congratulations on making the most important decision of your life which is asking Jesus to come into your heart.  We are so proud to be able to witness the sealing of that wonderful decision by your baptism today.

We love you so much and we want you to know that we will never be too busy to listen to you and give you the best advice we can.  All you have to do is simply ask us.  People can become very smart by doing well in school and studying hard, but wisdom comes about only from living a long time.  Grandpa and I have both lived a long time and we’ve learned from our mistakes.  We’re happy to help you avoid those mistakes that sometimes can affect peoples’ lives for the rest of their time on this earth.

We love you and wish you a life filled with love as you live your life for Christ.

Love,
Grandma and Grandpa



Mentoring every day is so important to not only our family, but to others around us. It is also important to continue mentoring someone who has finally made a commitment to Christ. We certainly do not want to leave them alone or act like that now that they are saved that they do not need support, good examples, and advice. That is why, we wrote to Julian to let him know that we will always be there to answer any questions or to be that example of Christian love.

I encourage each of you to reach out to people and mentor them, showing them that you care. I know that you can be there for your family and friends. But I also encourage you to be there for those that come into your life even if they are just acquaintances. Christians are to be the light of Christ in this very dark world. You can do it! You can actively mentor others for Christ.

P.S.
I have not been able to put out the blog on a regular basis because I fell right before Christmas and broke my left arm and my jaw in two places. God has been with me every step of the way, though. He has given me a wonderful husband who truly does not mind helping me and supports me in all my endeavors. Even with the physical problems that I have had in life, including all the broken bones, I have been blessed by God. So, I encourage anyone who has physical, emotional, or any other kind of problems to put your trust in God and to turn to His living Son, Jesus Christ for Salvation and peace. Christ and the Father will never let you down!

All you have to do to receive Salvation is to truly believe on Jesus Christ as the resurrected and living Son of God. Then, in repentance of your sins (for every human sins) ask for His forgiveness and for Christ to cleanse you of your sins through the blood that He shed for you on the cross. If you truly believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Christ is the Son of God and your Savior, Christ will come into your heart and your life will be changed! You will be re-born into a new person; A person who wants to live in truth and in love, and who wants to walk each day representing the light of Christ to the world. Then go out and tell someone that you have asked Christ into your heart and that He is your Lord and Savior. You will then be a “born-again” Christian. You are Saved for all eternity!



Next, start reading your Bible. It should be your textbook for the rest of your life. God’s Word will guide you and teach you how to live for Him. It will also show you how to live a good and true life for the Lord. Also, don’t forget to find a Bible believing church to attend every week. For, it is through the fellowship, support, and mentoring of other believers that we are able to grow closer to God and stay focused on living for Him. You can do it! You can grow in your walk for the Lord. Maybe you will even be able to help others by being there for them and mentoring them on living for Christ in every aspect of their lives as well. Then, someday in eternity, you will be able to hear the Lord say, “Well done, My good and faithful servant.” May God Bless you in all ways!