GOOD NEWS changed my life....

He gave me life- both physical and spiritual

Let me begin by saying this: It isn't about me-- it's all about God, through His Son Jesus Christ!

February 20th, 1975, the Lord gave me physical life. I've been blessed by God with two wonderful parents and two older brothers. I am definitely the youngest. Growing up I was spoiled (I finally realized that when I was in my 20's).

When I was 2 years old my folks decided to move away from the city and relocate us to the country. Dad sold our place in Rockford, Illinois and brought our family of 5 to an acreage outside of Rockton, Illinois (about 2 hours west of Chicago). I have some great memories of living there.

I loved playing sports when I was in school. I mainly focused on soccer and running (track and cross country). I also played the trumpet starting in 4th grade and ended my band years after graduating from high school in 1994.

When I was 7 years old God chose to give me a brand new life. This "new life" is found in Jesus Christ. God awakened my heart to Him when our family was listening to a speaker. This particular man was addressing the crowd about Heaven and Hell. Where was I going to be heading to when I died? At the time I wanted to begin following the Lord because my family already was.

I grew up going to church and many church activities hearing about God-- but it wasn't until I turned 21 years old that someone finally sat me down to challenge me in where I was spiritually. He opened up the Bible to First John Chapter 5 and led me to verses 11 and 12.

"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."

I was blown away when I read those words!! God chose to save me through His Son; God chose to give me life! God, through His precious and holy Scripture, chose to give me the assurance that He lives in me and that I'll see Him one day face to face.

God has changed my life dramatically! Growing up in a church and around those who claim to be Christians can make ones heart numb to what is True (that Jesus Christ came to give us life through His death and resurrection). I remember a few years ago I asked the Lord to give me a fresh look at the Gospel (which means-- good news). Shortly after I was introduced to another gentlemen who challenged me in my faith. God used James to help me see truths in the Bible that I've never seen before. The Lord answered my prayer. He gave me a fresh look at Him, His Word, and the Gospel.

Let me review two things. God chose to give me life physically and spiritually. I love what the bible says in Psalm 139:13-16 --

"For you formed my inward parts;you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them,the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."

WOW-- God actually created me! That is such a comfort to know. I am so thankful that I am not some accident that just happened. Because God formed me in my mothers womb- I am able to have hope.

And then-- He gave me a spiritual re-creation. The Bible says- "he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior," Titus 3:5,6 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. [1] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Life in Jesus Christ is the ultimate hope for all of us! Everything about my soul (how I think, feel and the things I choose) is inclined towards God, through the power of His Spirit living inside of me. God's Word is living inside of me and that is how I live daily-- seeking to obey Him through the meditation of His Word (read Psalm 1 and Psalm 19).


For 8 years I served with an organization called, Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru), and the Lord led me to the most beautiful young lady who is now my wife. We tied the knot before the Lord and our loved ones August 2nd, 2008. We now have two beautiful daughters- Abigail Jane, born March 27, 2010 and Madison Grace, born December 28, 2011.  To God be the glory for all that He has done in my life! I give Him all the praise!