A passage to live by…….

11 years, 6 months ago 4
Posted in: Pilgrim's Chronicles

      Some years ago I interviewed the NFL Atlanta Falcon’s quarterback,    Steve Bartkowski.  When Steve signed a football for me, he added below his  signature, Glatatians  2:20.  I went home and looked up the scripture and  read it over and over.  It had a very deep impact on me, and I decided to  claim that same scripture for my life as well.

 

 Galatians 2:20   (ASV)

  20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but    Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith,  the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for  me.  

 

Over the years I’ve put that scripture after my name anytime I sign a  book,    it reminds me not of who I am, but Who I belong to.  When we accept Christ  into our hearts we die on the cross with Him, to be reborn and forgiven when he came out of the grave, because of His monumental sacrifice for us.  It is through faith in Him that I can live for Him, and only through His  strength, that I can live, even close, to His standard. None of this is done  out of obligation, but because of the desire to, the desire to serve Him, honor  Him, and live for  Him!!!  Along with that comes the deep desire to reach out to and love  others, into His presence.

 

Sometimes people send me emails, comment on the blog, and tell me in face to face conversations that they’re proud of me for being so open about my faith.  While it makes me feel good, it is pretty far from the truth, the truth is I could not fail to do this, even if I tried.  When you’ve been saved from all the agony that would surely have come my way, without Him, how could I do anything else.  Let me make it very clear, I love my Saviour, Jesus Christ, I owe Him more than I could ever repay, in thousand life times!  I can’t imagine getting up in the morning and facing one more day without Him by my side.  Who would I turn to when I’ve failed my wife, my children, my friends?  How could I ever face the future if I thought He would not be there for me!

 

No, I belong to Him, I have given Him every moment of my life, and I will serve Him every moment until He calls me home.  Not because I have to, but because I want to, with all my being!

 

Be blessed,

 

the pilgrim

 

P.S.  Yesterday I bought a t-shirt with that scripture on it,  I will wear it proudly, and another that says;  “A man who kneels before God can stand before anyone.”

 

 

 

 

This entry was posted on Saturday, October 13th, 2012 at 9:03 pm

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4 Responses

  1. Al in St Pete says:
    October 15, 2012 at 2:49 pm

    Bill,
    How could anyone read this and not say a word. I read your blog everyday and not said anything, but today I am just saying in my most humble way THANK YOU…

  2. Robert Christopulos says:
    October 15, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    Hi Bill,

    I didn’t have time to write about this yesterday. However, I do want you to know that your attitude of standing up for your faith, no matter what-when we first met instantly made you my friend and comrade in arms

    Trish and I turned to each other and said, “I wonder if he knows how much God has gifted him?”, when you then began sharing Jesus in your presentation. What a blessing that was!

    Thanks for being a good soldier, faithful friend and encourager Bill.

    I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m glad to know that there’s at least one other old war-horse who is listening for the trumpet call, and eagerly waiting for his Master’s voice to charge into the heart of the fray.

    Love Ya Brother

    Rob

  3. Stanley Osei says:
    October 16, 2012 at 10:55 am

    Scripture says “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things shall be added unto you!” and in this light I feel so proud of you as a kingdom member spreading the glorious gospel about our father’s kingdom. Scripture says ” all things” and not some things. May the Lord almighty preserve and protect your life for as long as your mission and purpose on earth is not done. Stay blessed man of “FAITH”.

  4. Nick Coury says:
    October 16, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    I feel so blessed to call you my friend and brother. Thankful that our Heavenly Father saw fit to cross our paths. I read your blogs, they inspire me to do better on my own. Making sure that as folks stop by, they can hopefully get a glimpse of Jesus from my words. I love you Bill and continue to hold you up in prayer…wherever you are in the world.