For my first post, I thought it was appropriate to draft my faith journey. I came to knowledge of Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at a very young age, so young that I don't even remember my exact age (likely 4 or 5). I remember my Mom reading to my brother and I one evening and explaining to us the need for salvation from God through His Son, Jesus Christ. My parents served a wonderful Christian example in my life, and I thank God for their leadership and commitment to Christ that they evidenced in their lives (and continue to do so). Over the years, I have reaffirmed my faith in Christ and the acceptance of His free gift of salvation many times, through repentance from sin, acknowledging that He is the Son of God, that he died on the cross for my sins in my place, and that he is truly Lord of my life!

However, I must confess that my faith journey through my teen, college, and young adult years at times was a little stagnant. I really didn't challenge myself much in my faith in those years. I wasn't growing in my relationship with God, and it most certainly showed in my life. Only recently have I felt a deep passion for God's Word and discipleship - a deeper passion than at any point in my life. Which brings me to a large reason for this blog. Even if no one other than me ever reads this blog, I still desire to regularly articulate my thoughts on the Christian life, on the issues of theology as well as issues of the day. I also seek a closer walk with my Savior, and hopefully, through careful thought and journaling of these topics, the Lord will provide me with more knowledge and understanding.

I find the more reading, studying, and thinking I do on the things of God, the more questions that I have. I feel myself questioning and pondering the things of God that I used to take for granted and assumed I had a handle on. Part of me feels a little troubled in doing all of this questioning, while the other part of me is starting to realize that this is, in a way, the essence of one's walk with God. We don't have all of the answers. No theologian or biblical scholar has all of the answers. We are mere men, created in God's image. God is God. And I believe that God takes joy in our seeking Him, in our questions, and in our humble submission to Him and His will in our lives. Acknowledging to God, regularly, that I don't have all of the answers, that I desire to know Him and His will, that I need Him to make it through the day, that I desire his companionship and whatever wisdom he chooses to reveal to me - all of these things I believe only strengthens the relationship.

I love the newly found passion I have for learning and studying the things of God, and I thank God for it. I regret letting so much time in my life pass by seeking the things of this world instead of things of God. However, God is always faithful, and he's always been faithful in our relationship. He created me, He sustains me, he's forgiven me, he sacrificed His Son for me to pay the penalty for MY sins. How could I not want to know more about HIM?! How could I not want to pursue God more and more each day, to know Him and His Word, to seek to obey His Word, not out of obligation but out of thankfulness, honor, praise, and gratitude for what He's done for me. And how can I not talk about what God has done for me? How can I not speak about the relationship that I have with Him? Whether it be complete strangers or my closest family and friends (whom both, I hope, will dialog with me on this blog) - how can I not talk about my relationship with Christ, my journey in faith with him, and my desire to truly "Live His Word".