Nathan Neighbors
Follower of Christ, Husband, Father, & Youth Pastor
Today is a special day. It’s my birthday. Not my biological birthday – my spiritual birthday. On March 6, 1988 my life was forever changed. I was an eleven year old kid living in Florence, SC going with my family to Greenwood Baptist Church. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting with my family on the back left side of the sanctuary. For a few weeks prior to this day I had been sensing that the Lord was after my whole heart. I knew about Jesus, but I didn’t know Christ personally. I had never asked him to be my Lord and Savior. But during the invitation time on March 6, 1988 I release my hands that were gripping the back of the pew and nearly ran down the aisle. I can’t remember all that I said, but I remember crying and barely being able to speak. I remember telling the pastor of my sinfulness and my need for Jesus. As he and I prayed, the God of the Universe and I were reconciled to each other through Jesus Christ. That day began the amazing journey that I’m still on today. I love you Lord. You are my God and forever will be. Thank you for giving me this abundant and free life. To You be the glory forever and ever…amen.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9
Have you ever said, “I wish there were more hours in a day.” I may not always say it, but I certainly live like I need more hours. Work, school, family responsibilities, sports practices, rehearsals…the list is endless. There just aren’t enough hours in a day. But what would we really do if we had more time? What if we had a whole extra day? Tomorrow we get our wish. It’s February 29 – Leap Day. This is a once every four-year opportunity. What will you do with your extra day this year? Let’s spend it glorifying the Lord and making Him known!
Tonight we ended our month-long series on purity by hosting a formal dinner. 70 teens and parents came together to celebrate the commitments these students were making to save sex for marriage. These students made vows, received rings from their parents, and signed commitment cards. The card read, “Believing that true love waits, I make a commitment to God, myself, my family, my friends, my future mate, and my future children to a lifetime of purity including sexual abstinence from this day until the day I enter a biblical marriage relationship.” This is the same commitment card that Ashley and I signed almost 20 years ago. I’m proud of these students for what they’ve done tonight. Let’s pray for them daily as they live out this very hard, but worthy commitment. God’s best is amazing and so worth the wait!
Nathan Neighbors 