God blessed me by allowing me to be born into a Christian home, with Christian parents that loved the Lord, each other, and my sisters and me. They worked hard, teaching us right from wrong and setting the right examples for us. I was exposed to the Gospel at an early age and gave my heart to Jesus while still a young boy. I’ve been a Christian for almost as long as I can remember, but I’ve not always lived and acted like it.
Jesus’ famous story about the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 is a good example of my spiritual experience. This young man had it all, born into a solid family with all the comforts and security, but wanting to experience more of life. My favorite verse in the story is Luke 15:17, “And when he came to himself.” When he came to himself and found himself among the swine, he said I will return to my father. His father welcomed him home and said this is my son who was lost and now is found. The story ends with a party and banquet honoring a good for nothing son who had sullied the family reputation. No one can drift so far away that they will not be welcomed home by our Father, and no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
I can’t point to a specific event or time in my life when “I came to myself”. There was no dramatic incident that changed my life. I was unhappy and God spoke to my heart and said come back to me and I will give you peace and return your joy. I did and He did. I began reading my Bible and studying every day and the more I learn the more I want to learn.
I can’t imagine starting a day without talking with God and reading His Word, and praising Him for the multitude of blessings He has poured out on me and my family. God is good !
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Dan, though I have known you over 30 years, it was only through social gatherings at postal conventions, but I knew you were head and shoulders "above the crowd" from many people in the world today. I loved reading about your "prodigal years, and coming back home -probably many young men who grow up in a Christian home have a time when they stray before knowing that ONLY JESUS CHRIST SATISFIES.
I, too, grew up in a strong Christian home, received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at age ten, and have strived to live for HIM the best I knew how. Have always felt that my mother was watching over me from heaven, and I have never wanted to disappoint her. My mother died when I was 3, and my baby sister just turne one. My daddy had us in church everytime the doors opened, and read the Bible ALOUD, and got down on his knees every night to pray ALOUD before any of us could go to bed. Though I did not understand it, I am so grateful he did what he knew to do to raise the two baby girls, and four teenagers, that Mama left when God called her home at age 40.
I enjoyed your review of Clarence Thomas' book, and have greatly admired him also - especially after watching on TV what he had to endure before finally being confirmed to the Supreme Court. He is a Georgia son we can all be proud of. Praise God for Praying Grandparents!
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