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I Am (Live)
by Gaither Music Video
Today is my birthday and I wanted to share something personal. My journey to the Lord began when I was just nine
years old, during summer. A girl named
Mary Jo Brubaker and Pat Proto, two very a popular girls invited me -- a very
ordinary girl -- to something called 'Vacation Bible School'.
I knew what a school and vacation was but had never seen a
Bible. I don’t remember much about that time,
but my Dad did buy me my first Bible and I memorised this:
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I
shall not want. He makes me to lie down
in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of
righteousness for His name’s sake.
“Even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me, Thy
rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
“Thou hast anointed my head
with oil, my cup overflows. Surely
goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23
God took over from there.
God settled me into an English class when I was twelve, where
my teacher was Mrs. Doris Smith, who loved the Lord. She and her husband, Owen, began to pray for
me every day from that day until they passed away not that long ago.
My Mom, who wanted the best for me and thought I was a very
contrary girl, used to sit me and my brother, Tim down to watch Billy Graham
preach any time he was on TV.
My curiosity was peaked, and I used to write to Mr. Graham
asking questions. Every time I did,
someone would reply with a lovely letter, answering the question, and always including
a little booklet, ‘Peace With God’. I had
quite a collection.
I began to read my Bible like any book and was really hurt
when I finished the Old Testament – my problem with God was how many innocent
animals had to die to shed their blood for the sins of evil people. It made absolutely no sense. In fact, it took me awhile to start reading
the New Testament because of it.
When I did…well I can still remember my surprise when I would
come to a verse or a passage that held the answer to my heartaches and seemed
to speak directly to me.
I was needed by Somebody: “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The
harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His
harvest.’” Matthew 9:37-38
I was so tired, and He said: “’Come to Me, all who are
weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for
I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls, for My
yoke is easy and My load is light.’” Matthew 11:28-30
I was worried about how often my parents fought, and He
said, “And knowing their thoughts He said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided
against itself is laid waste, and any city or house divided against itself
shall not stand.’” Matthew 12:25
And He told me what He wanted me to do: “’Go therefore
and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commended
you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” Matthew
28:19-20
When I was nineteen, I sat alone one afternoon and read
through one of those little booklets, ‘Peace With God’, and gave my life over to
Him humbly and a little fearfully, wondering what it would all mean.
Today, I can say that the journey thus far has been filled
with as many twists and turns, ups and downs as there is in the Blue Ridge
Highway. Yet every day since that day,
He has given me more than I could image to be thankful for!
Even on the days when I forget and believe I can do what is
right in my own eyes! Yet, His patience,
love and grace has held me fast in the hope of just once being available to
stand in the gap for His purposes.
Thank you for being part of my journey and take care with
love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)
PS: Find my
statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com
(where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to
share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google
search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’. (Also,
there is an android ‘Google
Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone. Not sure about Apple.)
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
·
Midwest
of USA – devastating and deadly storms rage across the USA. Over 70 are confirmed dead and the path of
destruction is amazing. Please pray for
all those affected by the death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they
are found) and safe. Pray rescuers,
health-care providers and agencies supporting those who have lost everything
will have strength and courage to keep on helping.
· Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to
share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus. These leaders and baby Christians are now in
heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during
this time.
·
Elina –
pray she stays strong in her faith, as she and her son have found a husband and
father to share their life. Pray her
wonderful musical career brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn
from her.
·
Ray Sr. – now in respite care. The cancer may have spread as he is having
back pain. Pray the Lord opens His heart
to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are
strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.
·
Ray Jr –
needs additional strength and courage as he journeys through the growing
frailness of his father.
·
Louise, sister of
Rachael – MORE thanksgiving.
She has come through her third and last surgery and is doing well. Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery
complete after her double mastectomy. Back
to a normal life and routines. She sends
thanks for all your prayers.
·
Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.
·
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old
wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).
Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send
trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now
must be made.
· Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and
Rachael – now in her second year of college.
Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions
and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.
·
Adam –
please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and
that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt
the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he
badly needs.
· Barb – my brother’s
faithful and kind wife. Thank you for
praying for her. She needs prayers to
sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional
stress and challenge at work.
·
Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend. She is chronically unwell and frail. Please pray for her, her parents and health
carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
·
Hans –
a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now. Pray for his financial situation to improve
and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he
is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support
him through this journey. Pray for his
Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with
extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
·
Callilah
- a lost child. Pray the Lord will
capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
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