When I finally figure out how to Live as a Christian.

[TheSuperNews]

• I first decided to become a Christian when I was 16. I had been sitting by a lake reading about another religion. when the thought came into my mind that I had to choose, not waste time experimenting with other religions. I chose the way of Jesus Christ, it seemed the most direct path to salvation, and union with God.
• I first formally submitted to God, accepted Jesus as my Savior, and received the Holy Spirit was when I was 33. Up to that point I did a lot reading, but with little understanding of the Bible.
• After baptism I did notice a dramatic difference in my mind. Initially I experienced a very, very nice Peace. I had a different outlook on life. I felt free.
• But slowly it became apparent that I was still tempted by sin, and became obvious that I still sinned, and did even major sins.
• I held on to Christianity, but I could not figure out how to live like Jesus, how to be free of sin. How to be transformed. I studied the Holy Bible, and that was good, but I still sinned, I kept going back to sin, even though I periodically would repent.
• Finally, when I was 41 years old, after I had a couple years under my belt of seeking God diligently, seeking hard, but still not knowing how to live like Jesus effectively. I was at a seminar/conference and was led with others to pray for revival, for myself, but also for the whole nation. The pastor leading said to cry out to God, from "deep to deep". I did cry out, then God took over, filled me up inside with his spirit, and caused me to pray with all my heart to Jesus Christ (in english, by the way). The Holy Spirit prayed so hard through me that my ribs ached afterward from praying out loud. While Holy Spirit was crying out to Jesus and submitting, I was given a glimpse of what Holy Spirit knows of God...that God passionately, fervently cares and Loves the WHOLE world of people, that he wants everyone on the whole earth to be saved, and become his children, to be born again and become just like Jesus Christ when he was a human (and God) on earth. That was the most mind altering, most permanent experience I ever had.
• For months, and years I pursued having that intense passionate fulness of Holy Spirit that I experienced when I was 41.
• Finally, now that I am 56, I know the way to the best I can find in relationship with Jesus Christ. I still always crave that God will take me over like he did when I was 41, however, at least I am sure I am on my way to the most consistent walk with Jesus Christ I can have. I have learned that to be filled with Holy Spririt I have to daily, even several times daily, repent and ask God to cleanse me of my sin, and immediately ask to be controlled by Holy Spirit, submitting over and over to be controlled by God as Jesus Christ as a human was controlled by God. It is the most consistent way I have a sense of Peace and Presence that I crave. I still desperately want God to powerfully take over me, and powerfully live in me, but I am sure I am on the right track now, and I am very, very, hopeful God will have his way in me.

---TheSuperNews.

 

[sistakrista]

Great testimony! I am praying for you, to remain open to the Holy Spirit & to KNOW His rest! May you learn, it is NOTHING YOU can do! God wants ONLY CHRIST in you! TRUST HIM & REST in Him! He is faithful!

"Then he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel saying, 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of hosts."(Zech 4:6 NAS)

Be at Peace!