Life is the Berries
SEASON REASON Growing up, I lived for me—not God. I was prideful, controlling, and used God’s name badly. Neighborhood kids said I was NOT going to heaven. My wide-eyed fear of death and hell began.
By Laura Loveberry Elementary School Assembly Author/Speaker Inspirational Speaker Women’s Retreats/Conferences Caricature Artist
Later, I joined a Christian group, attending fun meetings for the boys, pizza, and games. I heard God-stories of coming to faith. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.,” (John 3:16 NASB). We all sin. The penalty for sin is death, but Jesus paid the cost for our sin when he died and rose again. Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. I longed for the peace, passion, and purpose of Christians. But, as a control freak, I ran away from God every time with my heart racing. One meeting night, I grappled with a Jesus decision. I was a sinner needing a Savior, but battled in my mind again. My heart pounded. The cross is our bridge to God. I wrestled with this when a friend hugged me, whispering, “Jesus loves you.” Jesus loves me! I bolted smack dab into Jesus. Gobsmacked! After 4 years of dashing away, this time I stopped abruptly, plopped in a chair, and prayed something like this: “Dear God, I am so sorry for running away from you. I am a sinner. I believe you sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sins so I can be forgiven. I believe Jesus rose from the grave, so I can enjoy heaven with you. I trust in Jesus by faith. Thank you for saving me. AMEN.”
18 | SimplyHers.net
I added, “Um . . .er . . . Can you please not make me a Jesus Freak? AMEN.” Giggle. I’ve been a Jesus Freak ever since—and loving it! My fear of death vanished. I started going to a Bibleteaching church. Someone gave me my first Bible. I read it daily for growth. I pray and talk to God every day. God gives me HIS strength in my challenges. Jesus’ joy oozes! It’s the reason I wrote this page. God renewed me! You, too, can become a Christian. It’s life-changing! Won’t you confess to God you are a sinner, needing a Savior, too? Believe Jesus died to pay the cost for your sin. Christ rose to life for you to gain a new life in Jesus! God created you and me for this purpose— to love God and love people. I invite you to communicate to God, guided by my prayer above, or use your own words. Pray it. Mean it. Turn to Jesus in faith, now! Jesus loves YOU! God created you for this, my friend. Faith It. He’s the reason for the season! *If you trusted in Jesus by faith just now, may I suggest ways to mature in the Lord? Tell a Christian about your newfound faith. I invite you to join a Bible-teaching church. To grow, read your Bible, starting in John. Pray to God daily. Enjoy friendship with believers. Draw strength from God for challenges. Share your God-story, inviting others to faith in Jesus. Pray. Read. Grow. Share. Live out your destiny to love God and love people. Feel free to email me if you said YES to Jesus today. It’s my honor to pray for you. loveberrylk@gmail.com
