November 20, 2024

Anchor of Hope

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Marvelous, Wonderful, Infinite God; Author of all that is good
Faithful Provider and Giver of life, Source of all power and love

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; Refuge of strength to the end
Righteous Redeemer and mighty to save, He’s the Anchor of Hope for the souls of men

Gracious, Compassionate, Merciful God! Radiant, holy Delight
Beautiful Father, Victorious Son—Source of unchangeable Light

You are Light in the dark, You are healing for the broken heart
You are Hope, you are Lord, You are Life, you are Love that endures

Powerful, Constant, Unwavering God; Shepherd who comes for the lost
Rock of salvation, Remarkable Love, Savior Who died on the Cross

~  Songwriters: Brown Bannister, Ellie Holcomb / Performed by Ellie Holcomb  ~

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This…all of this!…is our reason for Hope!  Biblically, hope is an assurance, something we depend and count on happening. To the world, hope is a ‘wing and a prayer.’

HOPE – verb

  1. To entertain or indulge hope; to cherish a desire of good, or of something welcome, with expectation of obtaining it or belief that it is obtainable; to expect; – usually followed by for.  “But I will hope continually.” – Psalm 71:14
  2. To place confidence; to trust with confident expectation of good; – usually followed by in. “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God.” – Psalm 42:11
  3. To desire with expectation, or with belief in the possibility, or prospect of obtaining; to look forward to as a thing that is desirable, with the expectation of obtaining it; to cherish the hopes of.  [Charity] hopeth all things. – 1 Corinthians 13:7

I would like to encourage you, friends, to grasp this Hope as your Truth!  We are often so good at encouraging others…reminding our brothers and sisters of the Hope they have…speaking to the unsaved and telling them of the Hope they can have.  But speak this Truth to yourself.  Hold to it.  Depend on it.

Your Lord IS Your Hope—He is

  • the Light in the dark
  • Refuge of strength to the end
  • Healer of your broken heart
  • Rock of salvation
  • Savior Who died on the Cross
  • Anchor of Hope

In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise
the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath,
so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie,
we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us.
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul,
a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil,
where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us,
having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Hebrews 6:17-20

At the foundation of it all “this hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast…” A hope that we have had no part in securing, no part in determining, no part in bringing to pass. A hope simply to hold onto—an Anchor of Hope in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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I pray, for each of you that “…our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace, <would> comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word” in Jesus’ Name. Amen. (2 Thessalonians 2:16 and 17)

Mighty To Save

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Everyone needs compassion, a love that’s never failing, let mercy fall on me
Well, everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a Savior, the hope of nations.

Savior, He can move the mountains; my God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of Salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.

So take me as You find me—all my fears and failures—fill my life again
I give my life to follow, everything I believe in, I surrender…I surrender.

Savior, He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save, He is mighty to save
Forever, Author of Salvation, He rose and conquered the grave, Jesus conquered the grave.

Shine Your light and let the whole world see we’re singing for the glory of the risen King,
Jesus, shine Your light and let the whole world see we’re singing for the glory of the risen King.

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Songwriter Rodney Clawson / Performed by Hillsong

This song just makes my heart glad! I want to dance and jump around for my Savior, raise my hands and sing at the top on my lungs!  (I do apologize for anyone standing close by!)  This song has the perfect balance of praise and asking for forgiveness and joy.  Not many songs can do that.  As we read and sing along, think on the words. Let the meaning fill your soul and lift you to new heights!

Being at service on Sunday we were reminded that we are to always show others what it is to be a Christ follower. We are to speak, act, and walk in the path of Christ.  Songs like this will help us keep that focus on the Kingdom.  As the one line goes, “Let the whole world see we’re singing for the glory of the risen King.” One day He will return and we will have to give an account of what we have done.  I know I want to be able to hold my head high and say I have tried my best.

Lift My Life Up

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

You brought me this far so why would I question You now
You have provided so why would I start to doubt
I’ve never been stranded, abandoned or left here to fight alone
So I’m giving You control

I lift my life, lift my life up I give it all in surrender
I lift my heart, lift my heart up You can have it forever
All my dreams, all my plans, Lord, I leave it in your hands
I lift my life, lift my life up have Your way in me

If peace is a river then let it sweep over me
I’m under fire I know it’s refining me
When I hear You calling out I follow now wherever the road may go
I know You’re leading me home

Take my life and let it be all for You
Take my life and let it be all for You

I lift my life, lift my life up I give it all in surrender
I lift my heart, lift my heart up You can have it forever
All my dreams, all my plans, Lord, I leave it in your hands
I lift my life, lift my life up have Your way in me

Have Your way with me…have Your way with me
Take my life and let it be all for You

Performed by Unspoken /

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Surrender—that’s the word that has been on my heart the past few days. What does it mean to surrender?

The definition of surrender is to give up control of something.  There are many things God has been showing me that I have not surrendered…to Him.  When I don’t surrender I am choosing to take control of the situation in my own strength instead of allowing Him to take control.  When I surrender to God completely I am trusting Him in my situation.  He is ALWAYS Faithful in every circumstance and every situation.

Why is it so hard for us to surrender?  I know the hardest thing for me are my boys! And yet God entrusted me—a woman with a checkered past, saved by Grace—with these precious gifts.  I know that I don’t deserve it.  But isn’t that just like God…to give you another chance to do it well?  And to do it well is my heart’s desire.  So when I choose to not surrender or hang on to the precious gifts I have been given such as my boys, it is as if I am saying I do not trust the Giver of the gift.

So what is it you are hanging onto??  What is it that you need to surrender to Him—the Giver of the gift—and give Him complete control over?  When we choose to surrender our hearts to Him we are showing Him that we trust Him.

In Job 11:13-15 it says,

Surrender your heart to God,
turn to Him in prayer,
and give up your sins—
even those you do in secret.
Then you won’t be ashamed;
you will be confident
and fearless.

I love the last part of that verse…”then you WILL be Confident and Fearless.”  That is who I want to be: a woman who lives her life in surrender who lives Confident and Fearless.  Will you join me and surrender all?

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Father, my prayer this day for myself and any woman reading this is that we will choose to live a life in surrender and leave it ALL in Your hands.  All our dreams, all our hopes, all our plans!  Lord, I leave it in Your hands. Father, “take my life and let it be ALL for you!” In Jesus name, AMEN!!!

Alone…Yet Not Alone

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

I’m alone…yet not alone. God’s the Light that will guide me home.
With His love and tenderness, leading through the wilderness,
And wherever I may roam, I’m alone…yet not alone.

I will not be bent in fear. He’s the Refuge I know is near.
In His strength I find my own. By His faithful mercies shown.
That so mighty is His shield, all His love is now revealed.

When my steps are lost and desperate for a guide,
I can feel His touch, a soothing Presence by my side.

Alone, yet not alone; not forsaken when on my own.
I can lean upon His arm, and be lifted up from harm.
If I stumble, or if I’m thrown, I’m alone…yet not alone.

When my steps are lost and desperate for a Guide,
I can feel his touch, a soothing Presence by my side.

He has bound me with His love; watchful angels look from above.
Every evil can be braved for I know I will be saved.
Never frightened on my own; I’m alone…yet not alone.
I’m alone…yet not alone.

~  Performed by Mrs. Joni Eareckson Tada ~

~  Written by Bruce Broughton, Dennis Speigel  ~

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As I viewed these video clips, I was struck by the fact that the children kept the Truth—that they had been taught by their parents—in their minds and hearts.  And it sustained them through this horrific, brutal time.  Such were similar words that the Psalmist confessed over and over.  He was “alone…yet not alone” many, many, many times.  David was sure that Jehovah (the LORD) was always with him, even when he was (actually) alone.

The Lord is my Light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear or dread?
The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes,
came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me, [even then] in this will I be confident.
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter;
in the secret place of His tent will He hide me; He will set me high upon a rock.
And now shall my head be lifted up above my enemies round about me;
in His tent I will offer sacrifices and shouting of joy;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.
[What, what would have become of me] had I not believed
that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living!
Wait and hope for and expect the Lord;
be brave and of good courage
and let your heart be stout and enduring.
Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
Excerpts from Psalm 27

Perhaps these were among the words the real-life children portrayed in this movie recited in their minds.  For each of us, too, we must not only know that these things are true but it is vitally important to get the Scriptures ingrained into our minds.  There is nothing to replace memorizing God’s Word.  For there will be those times when we need to immediately remember that God is our Light, our Refuge, our Strength,  our Shield.  And that we are NOT alone.

Verses 13 and 14 of Psalm 27 are my life verses.  I cling to them…sometimes daily! There have been numerous times, throughout the years I have <endeavored> to follow Jesus as my Lord, when I have felt desperately alone.  But each time, the deliverance for my heart has come from God as I kept reminding myself of this Truth.  And remembering that, yes, I was alone…yet not alone.

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Lord, You are so faithful!  You have provided so amazingly for us through the Truth told to us in Your Word!  Without it…where would we be?  But You are our Light, our Refuge, our Strength, our Shield…that is the Truth.  And You have promised to Your children Your love, tenderness, grace and mercies, Your Presence!  Please help us, Lord, through Your Holy Spirit to hold Your Word in our hearts that it might sustain us, uphold us, ground us, build us up, guide us.  And may we always remember that while we truly might be alone…we are yet NOT alone.  Thank You, dear Lord!  We love You!  We praise You!  We thank You!  In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Hear My Heart

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjvFor several years I have been praying for something specific—and that prayer is still yet unanswered—but I know without any doubt God is waiting in the wings to answer at just the right moment when “He is ready” for it to come to pass.    When I sit and think about when “that moment” will be, this song always comes to my mind and gives me so much comfort!

As I sit and wait in what I have named “God’s waiting room” I open up a book that is sitting on a table in this room, a most wonderful book, “The Holy Bible” that gives me encouragement and strength while I wait and cry out to Him. These two verses below have given me strength beyond strength during my years of waiting.

Wait for the Lord;
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

O Lord, God of my salvation, when, at night, I cry out in your Presence,
let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry.
Psalms 88:1-2

When He calls my name to come forward into His presence from the waiting room, I am sometimes scared to meet Him because I know what I want the answer to be,  but  it’s not always what He gives…so I must accept His answer and move forward.

When I have reached the place where I am willing to accept God’s will/His answer instead of my own, it is then I have reached the turning point of prayer and have realized it’s not about me.   It’s about God and God’s Will for me!  And it’s then I realize God did indeed “Hear My Heart.”

~  Stop and listen to these beautiful words, please  ~

Sometimes I feel no one’s ever been in this place before
This is hard, and I’m not sure that I can do this anymore
I know someday I’ll look back, and all this won’t seem real
Lord, right now I need You to know just how I feel

When there are no words to say, and no prayer that I can pray,
Hear my heart
When I don’t have strength to try, and I’ve cried all I can cry,
Hear my heart
‘Cause You know every fear and every doubt I cannot speak
You know all the ways I need You and all the ways I’m weak
So I’ll be quiet, so You can hear my heart

Every now and then, I recall a simple phrase or melody
It comforts and it quiets, it lifts me up and then it carries me
Far above the pain and hurt I think will never end
The song speaks words I cannot, and it calms the fears within

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * 

A beautiful quote from Corrie Ten Boom that I love to remind myself of is:
Don’t pray when you feel like it…
Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it.
A man is powerful on his knees.

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Dear God, I pray for each one who has prayed for something specific and have been waiting for an answer, give them knowledge and confidence Lord to know the prayer is in Your hand and You will answer when the time is “right.”   Help us to accept the waiting and be comforted to know that Your will is worth the wait.   In Your name I pray.  Amen!

Awesome God

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

There’s thunder in His footsteps and lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)

And the Lord wasn’t joking when He kicked’em out of Eden
It wasn’t for no reason that He shed His blood
His return is very close and so you better be believing that
Our God is an awesome God

Our God is an awesome God
He reigns from heaven above
With wisdom, power, and love
Our God is an awesome God

~  Singer/Songwriter Rich Mullins: Our God Is An Awesome God  ~

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See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God;
and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.
1 John 3:1

Our God is a wonderful, loving, merciful, and graceful God. He loves us all in a way that we will never truly understand. The closest that we can come to understanding any of it is that He shed His own blood on the Cross for us. God has shown us the greatest love by giving us the greatest sacrifice of all time—His own blood.

Our God is a wonderful loving Father who takes cares of us, provides us with what we need, and rebukes us when we do wrong.

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.
And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil.
He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat,
and live forever.” So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden
to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out,
he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword
flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Genesis 3:21-24

Adam and Eve committed the first sin recorded in the Bible. God had told them not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:17). Yet, Eve, as most humans tend to do, followed her own nature, listened to the serpent, and ate of the tree. Then she convinced Adam to do the same. When they did, they became conscious of themselves and realized that they had sinned. They tried to hide, but were not able to. God found them. He knew where they were and did not have to look for them.

Even though they disobeyed Him, God still loved them. As any loving Father would do, God punishes Adam and Eve and sent them from the Garden, but He still provides for them. He clothed them and provided them with food by providing Adam with an area to farm. He punished Eve just a little more, but this pain also brings a gift. Through the pain of childbirth, women bring forth life. To keep them from eating of the Tree of Life, God banished them from the Garden. They were punished by their Father, but He also continued to provide for them.

God loves His children. He provides for them in amazing ways. He also knows what is best for us and provides and cares for us in ways that we need. God loves us, and that is amazing enough.

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Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being so amazing. Thank You, Lord, for shedding Your blood to show us how much You love us. Without this great sacrifice, we could not be close to You or live eternally with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

I See The Lord

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

I see the Lord
Seated on the throne exalted,
And the train of His robe
Fills the temple with glory
And the whole earth is filled
And the whole earth is filled
And the whole earth is filled
With His glory

Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord

~ Performed by Rob Mathis/Maranatha Music – Written by Chris Falson ~

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When I first heard this song I was totally amazed and awed. At the time I was taking lessons in sign language. This is one amazing song to sign. When you allow the Holy Spirit to speak through you, you are able to praise Him in a most wonderful way. I could just visualize our heavenly Father seated on His throne, listening to an angelic choir.

Isaiah wrote in chapter 6:1-4 “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.  And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!” And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke.”

One day we will see our heavenly Father and we will have the opportunity to worship right along with the angels. Perhaps some of us will catch a glimpse while here on earth!

Hello! My Name Is Child of the One True King

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Hello, my name is regret…I’m pretty sure we have met
Every single day of your life, I’m the whisper inside
That won’t let you forget
Hello, my name is defeat…I know you recognize me
Just when you think you can win I’ll drag you right back down again
‘Til you’ve lost all belief
Oh, these are the voices. Oh, these are the lies
And I have believed them for the very last time
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind
The One who makes all things new has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life

What love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called His children
I am a child of the one true King
What love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called His children
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I’ve been saved, I’ve been changed, I have been set free
“Amazing Grace” is the song I sing
Hello, my name is child of the one true King
I am a child of the one true King

~  Written and Performed by Matthew West  ~

Regret, Defeat, Loser, Unworthy, Worthless….  Are these the lies that you choose to believe???

Yes, there have been times in my life I have felt ALL of those things. But, let me assure you, that YOU ARE NOT YOUR PAST MISTAKES. Praise the Lord for this Truth!!!
I am no longer defined by all the wreckage behind
The one who makes all things new has proven it’s true
Just take a look at my life
Yes, just take a look at my life!!!  My life is a miracle and I am living proof of what Jesus can do in someones life. God has given me a second chance.. My past is not pretty. But I no longer put my focus there…I live in the truth of my redeemed life. Your past mistakes do not define your future with God; praise Him for that!

For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.
Heb 8:12 NIV

How amazing that our God remembers our sins no more.

To provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair. And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD to glorify Him.
Isaiah 61:3 HCSB

Sisters, I encourage you to put the past in the past and let God heal those wounds and broken places and completely restore those years. That you would choose to believe the Truth of who you are in Him and that ‘Amazing Grace’ is the song that you will choose to sing!

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Heavenly Father, I thank You for the promise that You give us a crown of beauty instead of ashes; and I pray for each and everyone reading this that they would reject the lies and embrace the truth of who they are in you and KNOW just how much you love them. Thank You that You meet each of us where we are at and that you remember our sins no more! In Jesus’ name, AMEN!!!

A Living Prayer

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

In this world I walk alone with no place to call my home,
But there’s one who holds my hand through rugged roads, through barren lands.

The way is dark, the road is steep, but He’s become my eyes to see,
The strength to climb, my griefs to bear. The Savior lives inside me there.

In Your love I find release, a haven from my unbelief.
Take my life and let me be a living prayer, my God, to Thee.

In these trials of life I find another voice inside my mind.
He comforts me and bids me live inside the love the Father gives.

Take my life and let me be a living prayer, my God, to Thee.

~  Performed by Alison Krauss and Union Station; written by Ron Block  ~

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This beautiful bluegrass ballad is an affirmation, a declaration, a commitment. It is the heart-cry of the songwriter to his God. I love that he wrote, ‘take my life and let me be….’  He recognized that, even though he had so much in his heart he wanted to commit to God Almighty, he still needed God’s involvement. He knew he needed God.

The writers of the Psalms often communicated very similar thoughts.

Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You do I pray.
O Lord, in the morning You hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for You and watch.
But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy,
And spread your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.
For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.
Psalms 25:1-3, 11 and 12 ESV

Listen to my words, O Lord, give heed to my sighing and groaning.
Hear the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You do I pray.
In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord; in the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You and watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].
Psalms 5:1-3 AMP

And as such it is with us, too. We cry out to our heavenly Father with words of commitment and declaration. Truly our affirmation of our trust in Him…our faith and belief that He is Faithful…our acknowledgment of our great need for our El Shaddai.

Take my life and let me be a living prayer, my God, to Thee!

Just as I Am

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~  Listen while you read, please!  ~

Just as I am – without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee – O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am – and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot – O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am – though toss’d about with many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without – O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am – poor, wretched, blind; sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find – O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am – Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe – O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am – Thy love unknown has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone – O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am – of that free love; the breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above – O Lamb of God, I come!

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May 15, 1975, in Jackson, Mississippi, at a Billy Graham Crusade, I took my daddy’s hand and walked down flights and flights of stairs to the stage where Mr. Graham was preaching and made my public profession of faith.  The Holy spirit moved in me during this hymn—and my life was forever changed.  As I sit here, with my sweet daddy’s brown Bible open to where he wrote all about that day, I am so grateful. I have Jesus as my Savior and I will never be the same. Never underestimate the power of music, sweet friends!

“Just As I Am” was written by Charlotte Elliot.  Her life was a testimony of patience and endurance in suffering—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She was ill in her 40’s with pain that was often debilitating.  She felt useless to God until,  one night before a bazaar to benefit a school, she began to question everything.  She started thinking that maybe God was just an illusion of emotions… that maybe that’s what spirituality is.  The next day, she felt her life questions must be met and conquered in the grace of God.  So there, she took a pen and paper and wrote for her own comfort, “the formula of her faith.”  She then had it published in “The Invalid’s Hymn Book.”

For years now, “Just As I Am” has been sung as a hymn of invitation in church gatherings all over the U.S. and beyond.  But to me it is personal—it’s my salvation— and it is where my relationship with my Lord began.  And so I wrote my own words of commitment:

~Just as I am – not having to say or do anything, You died and shed Your blood for me, and that You would have us come to You, – O Lamb of God, yes, we come!

~Just as I am – right now, rid my soul of this darkness and sin, even one. Your blood can cleanse it all – O Lamb of God, yes, we come!

~Just as I am – though I am trudging through mud and trials. I have so many conflicts and sometimes I doubt You. I choose fear over faith sometimes – but You call and I come!

~Just as I am – poor, wretched, blind. Yet You give sight, riches, blessings, and healing, both physically and spiritually and emotionally. Yet, all I need is You, in You I find complete healing, when I seek You, I find You – O Jesus, I come!

~Just as I am – right where I am, You accept me, You receive me with open arms. I am welcomed, pardoned, cleansed and relieved!!! Because all Your promises are true and You always come through – O Lamb of God, I come!

~Just as I am – Your love unknown has broken down every barrier, every one! Now to be Yours, yes Yours alone – O God, I come!

~Just as I am – Your love is free. It stretches to the Heavens and there is no end to it, here for a season, then above – O Lamb of God, I come!!!

We come, on our knees, to Him and He receive us with open arms, always!  Where are you today? God knows and He cares;  and He loves you so much!  Run to Him and rest.  He is waiting.

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Let us pray:  Dear God, this hymn in itself is our prayer. Just as we are, without one plea, we thank You for shedding Your blood for us, so that we are free to live with You forever. Thank You for breaking down the barriers for us. Thank You for Your endless love that is freely given. You forgive and forgive again; and You accept each of just as we are. O Lamb of God, we come.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.