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A Life of Purpose and Passion
Before I accepted Christ I was living a life that did not have a true purpose. Most of what I pursued was based on pleasing myself or others. It was prideful life that was influenced by the cares of the world. Once I accepted Christ my purpose became clear I was called to serve God. God gave me a path to follow and passion to live to the Glory of God. I have been a born again Christian for over 40 years. The path has been challenging; trials and tribulation are part of every Christian's walk. However, the power, presence and Love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit overwhelm any adversary; the victory has been won. God continually uses His children to share the Gospel to change lives and further the kingdom. We are all called to share and spread the gospel. Our lives are a reflection of the Christ within us. By the love mercy and grace of God, I have and will continue to be used as a servant of God.
Before I accepted Christ there was a void in my life. I lacked a true sense of purpose.
When I graduated from college I was pursuing a career as a musician. I had the talent and I was developing the skills, but something was missing. Even though I was putting in the time to improve. I was not working enough to maintain an income. I was discouraged. This had a negative impact on the work ethic I needed to be successful. I lacked the passion and true sense of purpose I needed. I struggled with and experienced bouts of depression and underlying anger about unresolved issues that impacted my relationship with God. I believed in Christ but I didn’t trust Him based on the suicidal death of my brother years before. My spirit was troubled and I didn't really know who Christ was. There was no true peace.
When I accepted Christ my life changed. The void was filled with a new sense of purpose, passion, love, joy and peace that I had never experienced before.
With the promise of eternal life I was transformed. I was born again and I knew I was called to serve Christ.
Before I was saved I was a struggling musician working as a substitute music teacher. Now in my mind I thought: “This is temporary I'll do this for the time being.” The last thing I wanted to be was a band director. However, I was at a church musical, and the “the call was made to invite people to receive Christ” I knew it was time, and I accepted Christ, (my girlfriend, who would become my wife accepted Christ too; Praise God) I experienced a transformation. I was a new man in Christ. God forgave me and removed the sin I had been carrying for years. I trusted God as my Lord and Savior. I felt the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. His fruit is in me love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. It is all in me, available to be harvested throughout my life. Within a year of accepting Christ, I was hired as a full-time band director. God sent me where He wanted me to be. I had a true passion and divine purpose for this ministry. I spent the next 40 years as a band director teaching and sharing the Gospel at high school and middle school levels. The programs were successful and the students learned and enjoyed music. But, most importantly they experienced the love of God. I was used to spread the gospel and His love touched the lives of thousands over a period of 40 years. We are all called to be examples and witnesses. God led me to do what He wanted me to do and everyday has been and will be a blessing.
I know that when I leave this earth I have been promised a life in eternity with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Forty years ago I confessed with my mouth that Jesus Christ is my Lord and my savior. I believe He died on the cross for the sin of the world. On the third day He was resurrected. Jesus is alive. In his death and resurecction He conquered sin, death and Satan. I asked for forgiveness and repented of my sins. He gave me the gift of salvation and filled me with the Holy Spirit. God does not lie! I have faith and no doubt that I will spend eternity with Jesus Christ in heaven!
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