Friday, August 24, 2007

• GLEANINGS (I pray) FROM A SIMPLE TESTIMONY

  Currently Listening Hiding Place By Selah YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE see related

       

  "O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long." -- Psalm 71:5-8 (NLT)   As I read this Bible passage today in my personal worship time, I was struck by how much it applied to me. God doesn't have any grandchildren. I was born into a godly home to missionary parents who taught my siblings and me the precious Word of God by mouth and by example. I wasn't instantly God's child, just because of my godly heritage. I had to realize for myself that I was a sinner in need of God's gift of salvation personally.    50 years ago sometime this year, I became God's child. In simple faith I accepted His provision for me, & realized that "God so loved Carolyn that He gave His only begotton Son, so that when Carolyn believed on Him, I was promised that I would not perish, but have everlasting life. (Jn. 3:16 personalized).    I was only four years old, but then, that is the beauty of the Gospel message. It is not hard to understand. It just requires that little amount of faith (like a mustard seed.... or like that of a little child).    And that faith isn't anything that I can gloat about, or take any prideful credit concerning, because it is God's gift to me. It is not of any good works that I might do, but it is because His Spirit is within me, that I have works wrought in me by the grace of God to His glory. (Eph. 2:8-10 ~ my paraphrase). He knows that without Him I can do nothing, and yet He continues to show His grace & mercy to me, daily. He forgives me when I blow it, & brings me along in His loving way.     My prayer is that my life will continue to count for Him more and more each day to His glory.  I want to praise Him for not only saving me, but for keeping me secure, and for being my personal Friend & Guide, & oh, so much more.   I hope that all who have read my simple testimony can say that you too are truly God's child, & that you have a personal relationship with Jesus day by day, moment by moment.  There was nothing very earth-shattering about my experience. I sat on our sofa with my mom, & asked her to help me as I wished to open my heart to Jesus. I didn't have any "gross sins" to confess, but I did realize that I was a sinner, nonetheless.   As I look back over the past 54 years, I am so grateful that I have had most of my life to lean on Him. And I pray that my next however many years that God gives to me, will be nearer and dearer yet, as I continually seek to love Jesus more and more, as evidenced by my entire being.     PRAY FOR THE COUNTRY OF PERU. Pray for the people of Peru. On August 15th, a massive (8.0) earthquake hit near the coast of central Peru. At least 650 people killed and 1600 injured. Several Christian organizations are serving the needs of the victims: International Aid, Compassion International, Food for the Hungry, HCJB Global Hands, Samaritan's Purse, & a number of local churches. If you desire to help in the relief efforts, each of the above are links to their own websites. Please pray for the requests that are below (from each of the groups given above in order below). Pray for hearts to be opened to the Gospel through this work. Pray that the churches have a strong testimony in the area at this time. Pray that the resources will reach those who need them. ------------------------------------------------- Pray that aid will come quickly to those who need it. Pray that those suffering from post-traumatic stress will be open to the Gospel and assistance of Compassion. Pray that the missing children are found safely so they can receive the aid they need. -------------------------------------------------- Pray for the health and safety of the staff as they provide emergency relief and Christ’s love during this time. Please pray for the thousands of children and families impacted by the earthquake. ------------------------------------------------- Pray for the strength of the team as they meet needs in Peru. Pray that the outpouring of aid opens doors for the hope of Christ. ------------------------------------------------- • That God will meet the physical and spiritual needs of the earthquake victims. • For safety and wisdom for the Samaritan's Purse team. • That the Lord would be glorified through our efforts. TO GOD BE THE GLORY AS HIS WORD AND WORK REACH TO THE NEEDY!   CREDITS: Music video (link at top of site) - You Tube - Bell Choir playing "You Are My Hiding Place" Map & flag ~ CIA - The World Factbook -   Prayer-mini ~By: CountryBugkin Site & Entry backgrounds by ~ TRIPLES with EMMA

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