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Theology => General Theology => Topic started by: Allinall on November 06, 2005, 09:21:08 AM



Title: Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Allinall on November 06, 2005, 09:21:08 AM
I remember when I was thirteen I saw a picture on my T.V. screen The Reverend Billy Graham and the people singing "Just As I Am" And it felt like You were talking to me And the whole world seemed to fade away Until I heard my mother say "Son, are you okay? Do you wanna pray?" And that became the hour I first believed

Next thing you know I'm high and flyin' Next thing you know My heart is in your hands Next thing you know There's no denyin' Next thing you know I'm a brand new man

Well, I wish I could say I always stayed right there And I did until my freshman year But the world was pulling me a long way from thirteen And you were calling but I didn't hear Still I knew there was something more So, one day my knees hit the dorm room floor I said, "If you're there, and if you really care, Come and talk to me like I was thirteen."

Got a picture in my head today of how heaven might look someday I see the people there, so I pull up a chair And their stories, they blow me away 'Cause I can see it on every face The evidence of grace And as I listen it occurs to me Everybody's got their own thirteen

So, what's your story about His glory? You gotta find your place in the history of grace Yeah, what's your story about His glory? Come on and find your place"
[/b]

I love this new song by Matthew West!  And no, this isn't about the music.  It's about the topic.

Sooooo...what's your story about His glory?  Tell me 'bout your place in the history of grace!   :)


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Allinall on November 06, 2005, 09:35:24 AM
Suppose I should start this ball rollin' now shouldn't I?

Here's my story about His glory...

...I'd been raised in a Christian home.  I'd professed Christ at the age of eight, thought I knew Him, lived like I didn't, and excused it all as being "backsliden."

I thought, about a year after high school, that I should be more God oriented.  I became active in my church youth group, witnessed, read my bible, and did all of the right things.

When I started dating the woman who would become my wife, I tried to base our relationship on God.  We'd read the bible together.  She was from a Christian home too, so it just seemed natural.  Until...

My pastor was gone for a conference for 2 Sundays in a row.  Our assistant pastor was filling in, and, as he did everytime he preached, regardless of topic, he'd bring it around to God's gracious plan of salvation.  I'd heard him preach millions of times before, but that Sunday hit me.  I knew I didn't know Jesus, and I was lost.  But I white knuckled it during the invitation. The next Sunday came around, he preached again and the same affect was had, as was the same result.  White knuckles.  :)

The next Sunday came, my pastor was back and I was looking forward to hearing a message I could apply!   ??? :D Hey, lost minds don't think clearly.   ;D  That morning, during Sunday School, my teacher spoke hard on salvation.  I'd sat under that teacher during High School.  I was sitting there as a college and career age kid.  I had heard him preach salvation, but never, NEVER heard him preach so hard and never during Sunday School.  Needless to say, by the time church came around, I was already squirming.  My pastor got up and said he was speaking on the 3 things every Christian needs to succeed.  "GREAT!" I thought.  First thing needed?  Salvation.  I never got the other two.   ;D  And, I white knuckled again.  I made God a deal.  I said, "God, if I'm not saved, then let my best friend and his fiance be a lunch today."  I thought I was padding the "fleece" in my favor since I knew they were both out of town for the day.  I go to lunch...and guess who's there?  Yup.  Don't remember what I ate either.   ;D

I went through that whole week, with God hitting me at every corner, until Thursday, July 23, 1992, sitting on my bed room floor with a devotional book, answering the question, "What's my purpose for living" I gave in.  I had no reason.  So, I accepted His gift and got a reason!

Well, that's  my story...what's yours?


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Allinall on November 13, 2005, 02:15:48 AM
So what?  I'm the only saved guy here?  BTW, "your story about His glory" is code for *whispers* testimony of salvation... ;D  Let's hear 'em!  I wanna know about what He did in your life! *cracks a whip*  :D


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: nChrist on November 14, 2005, 08:48:23 PM
Allinall,

Brother Kevin, I want to post much more on this subject when I feel just a little bit better.

For now, I do want to share a few thoughts. I have been a spoiled person for my entire life with the RICHES OF CHRIST! I give thanks that I was born into a large family that loves the LORD FIRST in everything. I don't feel that I have ever measured up to my parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and many cousins. I know that loving and doing things for the LORD is not a contest, but I feel inadequate compared to many family members who have given their entire lives in service to the LORD.

I have watched the Glory of God work in and through all of the people I love for my entire life, so this is a wonderful way to be spoiled. I accepted JESUS Christ as my Lord and Saviour as a small child, but that does not imply that I was yielded to HIS Will and Purpose. In fact, there are some years in my younger life that I'm not proud of. I spent most of my adult life in police work, and I am positive that God was with me through uncountable times of danger. Again, God blessed me by allowing me to work with many Christian police officers who were close friends. I have no doubt at all that God was with all of us, and God allowed us to share many things with the lost and people who were at their absolute worst. I give thanks that I got to see God work in many cases that nothing else did.

I got a very rare disease in my spine near the end of my career, and it almost killed me twice. I had 6 months of hospitals and home nursing, so I used all of my sick leave, but God took care of me. My fellow officers donated sick leave so I could keep getting a pay check. The doctors didn't give me very much hope in ever being able to return to work, even in administrative functions. In fact, there was a time when it was unknown how many organs would shut down or become damaged because of the medicine I had to take. That included my eyesight, walking, and several other things. Many people prayed for me, and I prayed that God would allow me to finish raising my children. I did walk, I did see, and I did return to work, including street work. I had some progressive problems in my spine because of the disease, but God did allow me to finish raising my family and providing for them. I had to retire for medical reasons, but God allowed me to finish what I needed to do for my family and a lot more than what I prayed for. We serve an awesome God, and I'm certain that I'm only still here because of HIM.

It would be almost impossible to list the beautiful things of the LORD that I have experienced in times of extreme illness. I must add that GOD has richly blessed me and my family for my entire life, but there were some special and precious things that God allowed me to experience in my hardest times. In fact, I've never felt closer to JESUS, and God allowed me to really enjoy HIS WORD.

To make a much longer story a little bit shorter, I'm still here and getting to see two grandsons grow up. In my heart and mind, I know that's only because of the Grace and Love of GOD, and I give thanks! Now that I see the length of this post, I think that God has allowed me to post what was on my heart. I'm thinking that I'll keep a few things between just JESUS and me. I do love HIM more each day and one of my favorite things to do is KEEP LOOKING UP!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 103:11 NASB  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: 2nd Timothy on November 14, 2005, 09:39:59 PM
Mines sort of long so I will address this tomorrow when I have more time  :D


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: 2nd Timothy on November 16, 2005, 08:45:19 PM
Hmmm where to begin.   ???


I was born at an early age  ;D  (okok just kidding)

I have very strong Christian heritage.   My dad gave his heart to the Lord at age 7, and won his whole family over to the Lord.   My grandmother was healed of tuberculoses, and carried the scar on one of her lungs for years.    Quite a miraculous story.   Anyhow, later, my dad became a minister and pastored at a number of churches.

I remember at a very early age my mom talking about the Lord returning and all believers being taken up.  She asked me if I was ready to go, and I told her I was not sure.   She explained the gospel to me so easy for a child to understand.  I knew that I was a sinner and that I wanted Christ in my life.

A few years after-wards, my dad decided to do missions work, and we headed off to Trinidad West Indies.   I went to an all boys Muslim school (if you can believe that 8) ).     I remember sharing my faith with a few of my friends, but they were very reluctant to accept it.   For one of them, the main question was, if God had a son, who was his wife?    I tried to explain it, but he just didn't get it.

After 4 years in the islands, we moved back to the states and I went to a private Christian school.   When I got to my teen years, I feel away from God, and started to experiment with many bad things and hanging out with the wrong crowd.   Needless to say, my parents were heartbroken.   But they never stopped loving me, nor did they condemn me.   It was awkward at times, but I'm sure their love for me is what carried me through.

One day my mom called me into her room, and told me that the burden was too great for her to continue carrying.   She said that she was handing me over to the Lord, and allowing Him to do as he pleased in my life, regardless of the outcome.   It seemed pretty scary at the time, but that didn't phase me for long.   I continued in my life of drugs and doing my thang.

During this time, (some years later), I was playing in a rock band, and one night during a break from practice, we were all sitting around talking about life, death, God, the universe etc.   One of the guys said, "Hey, your dad is preacher right?   Lets go talk to him and see what he has to say about all this".    I just laughed and said nah, we don't want to do that.   (not wanting to give my folks any false hope).   One of the other guys insisted, yeah lets go talk to your dad, I want to ask him some questions also....lol

So off we went.  We arrived at my house, and I said to my dad, "Dad, the guys have some question they want to ask you".   He welcomed us in and we sat in the living room, and he layed out the Gospel in plain terms.   I had heard this so many times in my life, but a strong feeling of conviction came over me this time.  The guys left, and I retreated to my room to argue with my conscience.   I tried to sleep, but couldn't.   I tried to listed to music, but the conviction stayed with me.   I knew I was living in sin, and I knew only Christ could save me.   I broke down in tears and asked Christ to forgive me, and help me to live the way He wanted me to.   A tremendous burden lifted off of me that night.   I had met the risen Lord right there in my room all alone.

Next morning, I told my folks that I had rededicated my life to Christ.   There was much rejoicing and happiness around the house that day.

One by one, my friends called.   I knew I was going to have to tell them about my new commitment to Christ.  Surprisingly, they all shared the same testimony.  They had all gone home, and were met by the Lord in their rooms.  Each one had accepted Christ!!!

My life is nothing to be proud of, but I know that only a Lord, risen from death could make the changes in me and my friends that happened.   I still struggle with my Christian walk at times, but the Lord has certainly smiled on this sinner, and forgiven me of my sins.   I know that He is mine, and I am His Praise God.


This world is a hostile place.  Full of things that can destroy us.   I know I was bankrupt spiritually.   I sought to be my own Glory and made a mess of things.   If thats where you are today, I know someone who can change your life!   He can be your Glory too.  Choose mercy, Choose Grace.  Choose Christ!   You were made for Him to be your God, and you were made to be His child!

He already bore your sin and shame on calvary.   Its a simple choice.   Choose your own Glory, or Choose His.   I choose Mercy, Grace, and His Glory.   I pray that you do too!    :)  

Grace and Peace!


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Soldier4Christ on November 16, 2005, 09:08:08 PM
Iwas born at an early age and no I'm not stealing your joke, 2T but I am making use of it.  ;) :D I was not a full term baby. I was born 2 and half months early but still weighed in at 9 lbs 3 ozs. I was also born again at an early age. I was 8 yrs old.

I have posted this on here before but I would like to post it here again.

_______________________

Testamonies are such a wonderful thing. I know that it helps me to see what God has done and is doing for other Christians. We tend to start taking for granted the many wonderous things that God does for us. Through testamonies we can be reminded that God does not forget us nor does He leave us (Heb 13:5).

I was raised in a Christian family. The Bible was my first reader. I came to accept Jesus as my Saviour at the early age of 8 years. I served the Lord along with my parents and 7 other siblings through our local church. Following the examples of Jesus, my parents set an example for all of us kids.Being poor and a large family, we did not have much, but we always had what we needed. Food on the table, clothes and a warm home to live in with lots of love to go around.

One day a group of young children came to our church without their parents. Their clothes were ragged, just jeans and a white t-shirt, and some with out shoes or socks. All of them were dirty. My Dad picked up the youngest one and carried him into the church. As usual for us back then we had a potluck dinner after services. Those visiting kids ate just about everything in sight to point of actually getting sick and then coming back to eat more.

My Dad, being raised in the old Swedish traditions, was not lent to showing his emotions. When we got home from church that day I saw him crying for the first time. He didn't say a thing but went about collecting things into a box. Potatoes, carrots, home canned vegetables, Grandmas home made soap, clothes. He told us kids to pack them in the car then took us with him to this family.

We went to the local dump. There was a small lean-to built out of old lumber taken from wood crates. Holes in the walls everywhere. He took the boxes, left them at the door and we drove off.

The next day my Dad went to talk to a local farmer. The farmer went to this family and hired the father right away and moved them into a farm house on his farm.

The following Sunday the whole family came to church and eventually all of them accepted Jesus as their Saviour.

I learned many lessons that day that have helped me in my walk with Jesus.

At the age of 19 I joined the U. S. Navy. Within a year I was placed in the Viet Nam war. During this time I slipped away from the service of the Lord. It was not the Navy influence nor was it the war. It was simply my fault. I started doubting my faith. I even got to point that I doubted the existance of God. Thank God that he did not forsake me nor did He leave me. God opened my eyes up wide and I do mean wide. He showed Himself to me in so many, many ways. I saw His hand all around me, not just in Viet Nam, but throughout my entire 20+ yrs in the Navy. Unfortunately I blinded myself to Him. Now that I look back at those times I know it was Him for no one has the power to do what He did.

Just one example of the many (If the opportunity arises I will try to share many others with you);

During Desert Storm I was stationed in Bahrain with a hospital unit. The entire hospital including our berthing was all tents. Our compound fence was made of sea vans ( a metal box that fits on the frame of a semi-truck trailer that can be removed and placed on ships). These sea vans were stacked two high around us. There was a military air base about 10 - 15 miles south of us. Every night scud missiles that were aimed at the air base were blown up by patriot missiles above our heads. When Desert Storm was declared over we started dismantling the hospital. As we took the sea vans down to pack the tents and supplies into them we discovered scud/patriot schrapnel all over the tops of them yet not one piece was ever found inside the compound. Many of this schrapnel was large enough and sharp enough to have easily gone through a tent.

The base Chaplain pointed this out to us and thanked God for placing His hand over us.

I was reaching a point in my life where I started assessing my own life. What have I done with it, where was I going from here, what was it all worth? I was also being placed under conviction for my lack of faith. I could feel that God was asking me why I was not faithful to Him. I answered, but Lord I have read my Bible, I have prayed to you when the times got rough, I have even gone to church occassionally. I shrugged it off still.

I left the Navy at that time and worked my way from an electrician journeyman up to an electrical contractor in just a few short years.In 1997 I suffered a heart attack that put me in the hospital. It was minor and in a few weeks I was back at work. In 2000 I had another heart attack, emergency surgery requiring a a quadruple bypass. At this time I also found out that I had another heart attack back in 1991 cause by a blocked vein to the heart that had been corrected by a natural bypass. (A natural bypass is one that is not done by man).  On top of this the Gulf War Illness took me over. I was suffering from this and did not know it until the trauma of the surgery made it worse bringing it out full blown.

This time I lost my business, my homes (three of them), all my trucks, my car, everything but my family. Praise God I still had them. I was on my knees and couldn't get up. I asked God why, I am going to church regularly. I read my Bible every day. I got my answer....

I heard a sermon that Sunday titled "Give Your All To Him" and on the radio that afternoon a song. I don't remember the song. The only words of it that stood out and stick with me today are "give your all unto Jesus".

It was not enough. He wanted my all, not just a part of me. Now I spend everyday with Him and for Him.

Have you given your all to Jesus?


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Daniels-Faith on November 16, 2005, 10:50:31 PM
Hello everyone,Ihavn't been here for awhile ,we had a emergency out of town and just got back.Pasto roger i enjoyed your testiomy,and i to was in the viet-nam era and in the navy SeaBeas Batt.9.I had also wandered form the lord
but i wasn't really committed to the lord untill several years ago.I had posted when i firstt came here at about the same time you did Pastor Roger,and i related the story of my son Michael who was a engineer and God caleed him and he went back to be a ordained minister.Well Michael stayed on me for several years about going to church and as usual i put up a reason or 2 why not to go.Well this went on for quite awhile,and then one evening he came home and started on it again,he started crying and came over and hugged me and said dad i want us all to be together after we are out of this body and in our heavenly bodies,and he said (I  want to be the one too welcome you home when you get up here)well i didnt think anymore on it i had gone to church with him but it was just for him to make him happy,and i didnt think on his words till later.And then we got the word that he had been kille at a job site he was bent over and was taking a soil sample when a big earth mover ran over and crushed him.A nd then his words hit me right between the eyes,he knew he was oooging to his reward and he told me in his own words.Well to make a long story aas short as i can the days and weeks after he died,i kept going to church it was as if something was not actually pushing me but pointing me in that direction.
I have been a regular at Rock Springs Bapist Church and was accetpted as a church member a while back,and a added bonus im to be Baptized on Nov. 17th and be cleansed by his blood.And it wasnt Michaels death that pushed me foward to give my testiomony it was the good Lord he didnt want all his work to be in vain,and im so glad he did it haas made this bad time better for all of us.I was never a real bad person well in the service i was a young man away from home nad kicked up my hills but it wasnt the military as the Pastor said it was me.But i know i still had pleanty of sins to account for.The only thing i regret is i waited so long i could have felt this happiness and joy along time ago.But your never to old for
Jesus hes waiting with his hands out all you have to do is reach out and he will be there i know i wasnt really saved when Mike got killed but i know THE Lord Jesus stepped in for my family and helped us thru this.I can see MICHAEL just waiting for me to step thru those golden gates    and i cant wait to se my son again,and on sunday on nov. 17th i know he will be there or watching from Heavn saying thats the way
dad the Lords way.

Daniels-Faith


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Daniels-Faith on November 16, 2005, 10:52:03 PM
Hello everyone,Ihavn't been here for awhile ,we had a emergency out of town and just got back.Pasto roger i enjoyed your testiomy,and i to was in the viet-nam era and in the navy SeaBeas Batt.9.I had also wandered form the lord
but i wasn't really committed to the lord untill several years ago.I had posted when i firstt came here at about the same time you did Pastor Roger,and i related the story of my son Michael who was a engineer and God caleed him and he went back to be a ordained minister.Well Michael stayed on me for several years about going to church and as usual i put up a reason or 2 why not to go.Well this went on for quite awhile,and then one evening he came home and started on it again,he started crying and came over and hugged me and said dad i want us all to be together after we are out of this body and in our heavenly bodies,and he said (I  want to be the one too welcome you home when you get up here)well i didnt think anymore on it i had gone to church with him but it was just for him to make him happy,and i didnt think on his words till later.And then we got the word that he had been kille at a job site he was bent over and was taking a soil sample when a big earth mover ran over and crushed him.A nd then his words hit me right between the eyes,he knew he was oooging to his reward and he told me in his own words.Well to make a long story aas short as i can the days and weeks after he died,i kept going to church it was as if something was not actually pushing me but pointing me in that direction.
I have been a regular at Rock Springs Bapist Church and was accetpted as a church member a while back,and a added bonus im to be Baptized on Nov. 17th and be cleansed by his blood.And it wasnt Michaels death that pushed me foward to give my testiomony it was the good Lord he didnt want all his work to be in vain,and im so glad he did it haas made this bad time better for all of us.I was never a real bad person well in the service i was a young man away from home nad kicked up my hills but it wasnt the military as the Pastor said it was me.But i know i still had pleanty of sins to account for.The only thing i regret is i waited so long i could have felt this happiness and joy along time ago.But your never to old for
Jesus hes waiting with his hands out all you have to do is reach out and he will be there i know i wasnt really saved when Mike got killed but i know THE Lord Jesus stepped in for my family and helped us thru this.I can see MICHAEL just waiting for me to step thru those golden gates    and i cant wait to se my son again,and on sunday on nov. 17th i know he will be there or watching from Heavn saying thats the way
dad the Lords way.

Daniels-Faith


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Soldier4Christ on November 16, 2005, 11:43:57 PM
Hi Daniel,

I'm not really new here. I've been with the forum since Oct of 2004. Yes, I remember your testimony in the "About You" area. It was and is a beautiful testimony and it will be a wonderful reunion when we all get to heaven.

I knew a lot of SeeBees in NMCB 9. When and where were you there?



Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Allinall on November 17, 2005, 11:50:14 AM
Allinall,

Brother Kevin, I want to post much more on this subject when I feel just a little bit better.

For now, I do want to share a few thoughts. I have been a spoiled person for my entire life with the RICHES OF CHRIST! I give thanks that I was born into a large family that loves the LORD FIRST in everything. I don't feel that I have ever measured up to my parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and many cousins. I know that loving and doing things for the LORD is not a contest, but I feel inadequate compared to many family members who have given their entire lives in service to the LORD.

I have watched the Glory of God work in and through all of the people I love for my entire life, so this is a wonderful way to be spoiled. I accepted JESUS Christ as my Lord and Saviour as a small child, but that does not imply that I was yielded to HIS Will and Purpose. In fact, there are some years in my younger life that I'm not proud of. I spent most of my adult life in police work, and I am positive that God was with me through uncountable times of danger. Again, God blessed me by allowing me to work with many Christian police officers who were close friends. I have no doubt at all that God was with all of us, and God allowed us to share many things with the lost and people who were at their absolute worst. I give thanks that I got to see God work in many cases that nothing else did.

I got a very rare disease in my spine near the end of my career, and it almost killed me twice. I had 6 months of hospitals and home nursing, so I used all of my sick leave, but God took care of me. My fellow officers donated sick leave so I could keep getting a pay check. The doctors didn't give me very much hope in ever being able to return to work, even in administrative functions. In fact, there was a time when it was unknown how many organs would shut down or become damaged because of the medicine I had to take. That included my eyesight, walking, and several other things. Many people prayed for me, and I prayed that God would allow me to finish raising my children. I did walk, I did see, and I did return to work, including street work. I had some progressive problems in my spine because of the disease, but God did allow me to finish raising my family and providing for them. I had to retire for medical reasons, but God allowed me to finish what I needed to do for my family and a lot more than what I prayed for. We serve an awesome God, and I'm certain that I'm only still here because of HIM.

It would be almost impossible to list the beautiful things of the LORD that I have experienced in times of extreme illness. I must add that GOD has richly blessed me and my family for my entire life, but there were some special and precious things that God allowed me to experience in my hardest times. In fact, I've never felt closer to JESUS, and God allowed me to really enjoy HIS WORD.

To make a much longer story a little bit shorter, I'm still here and getting to see two grandsons grow up. In my heart and mind, I know that's only because of the Grace and Love of GOD, and I give thanks! Now that I see the length of this post, I think that God has allowed me to post what was on my heart. I'm thinking that I'll keep a few things between just JESUS and me. I do love HIM more each day and one of my favorite things to do is KEEP LOOKING UP!

Love In Christ,
Tom

Psalms 103:11 NASB  For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.

Tom,

Thank you so much for your testimony!  You've shared bits and pieces of it with me before, and I always "get blown away."  We all have the tendendy of measuring ourselves by others, and either finding ourselves better, or as in your case, not as good.  All I can say Brother, is that if your family was/is better believers than you in their service of our Lord...then that's quite a family.   :) Thanks again.  


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Allinall on November 17, 2005, 11:55:56 AM
Hmmm where to begin.   ???


I was born at an early age  ;D  (okok just kidding)

I have very strong Christian heritage.   My dad gave his heart to the Lord at age 7, and won his whole family over to the Lord.   My grandmother was healed of tuberculoses, and carried the scar on one of her lungs for years.    Quite a miraculous story.   Anyhow, later, my dad became a minister and pastored at a number of churches.

I remember at a very early age my mom talking about the Lord returning and all believers being taken up.  She asked me if I was ready to go, and I told her I was not sure.   She explained the gospel to me so easy for a child to understand.  I knew that I was a sinner and that I wanted Christ in my life.

A few years after-wards, my dad decided to do missions work, and we headed off to Trinidad West Indies.   I went to an all boys Muslim school (if you can believe that 8) ).     I remember sharing my faith with a few of my friends, but they were very reluctant to accept it.   For one of them, the main question was, if God had a son, who was his wife?    I tried to explain it, but he just didn't get it.

After 4 years in the islands, we moved back to the states and I went to a private Christian school.   When I got to my teen years, I feel away from God, and started to experiment with many bad things and hanging out with the wrong crowd.   Needless to say, my parents were heartbroken.   But they never stopped loving me, nor did they condemn me.   It was awkward at times, but I'm sure their love for me is what carried me through.

One day my mom called me into her room, and told me that the burden was too great for her to continue carrying.   She said that she was handing me over to the Lord, and allowing Him to do as he pleased in my life, regardless of the outcome.   It seemed pretty scary at the time, but that didn't phase me for long.   I continued in my life of drugs and doing my thang.

During this time, (some years later), I was playing in a rock band, and one night during a break from practice, we were all sitting around talking about life, death, God, the universe etc.   One of the guys said, "Hey, your dad is preacher right?   Lets go talk to him and see what he has to say about all this".    I just laughed and said nah, we don't want to do that.   (not wanting to give my folks any false hope).   One of the other guys insisted, yeah lets go talk to your dad, I want to ask him some questions also....lol

So off we went.  We arrived at my house, and I said to my dad, "Dad, the guys have some question they want to ask you".   He welcomed us in and we sat in the living room, and he layed out the Gospel in plain terms.   I had heard this so many times in my life, but a strong feeling of conviction came over me this time.  The guys left, and I retreated to my room to argue with my conscience.   I tried to sleep, but couldn't.   I tried to listed to music, but the conviction stayed with me.   I knew I was living in sin, and I knew only Christ could save me.   I broke down in tears and asked Christ to forgive me, and help me to live the way He wanted me to.   A tremendous burden lifted off of me that night.   I had met the risen Lord right there in my room all alone.

Next morning, I told my folks that I had rededicated my life to Christ.   There was much rejoicing and happiness around the house that day.

One by one, my friends called.   I knew I was going to have to tell them about my new commitment to Christ.  Surprisingly, they all shared the same testimony.  They had all gone home, and were met by the Lord in their rooms.  Each one had accepted Christ!!!

My life is nothing to be proud of, but I know that only a Lord, risen from death could make the changes in me and my friends that happened.   I still struggle with my Christian walk at times, but the Lord has certainly smiled on this sinner, and forgiven me of my sins.   I know that He is mine, and I am His Praise God.


This world is a hostile place.  Full of things that can destroy us.   I know I was bankrupt spiritually.   I sought to be my own Glory and made a mess of things.   If thats where you are today, I know someone who can change your life!   He can be your Glory too.  Choose mercy, Choose Grace.  Choose Christ!   You were made for Him to be your God, and you were made to be His child!

He already bore your sin and shame on calvary.   Its a simple choice.   Choose your own Glory, or Choose His.   I choose Mercy, Grace, and His Glory.   I pray that you do too!    :)  

Grace and Peace!

AMEN!!  Man I love testimonies like this!  It just goes to show how nothing we do can keep us from God's grace.  You've shared pieces of this with me, as has Tom.  Thanks for bringing the whole thing together Bro!

And let me chime in here too...if these stories seem neat but hold no truth in your life, they can.   :)  I'm praying that those who read this thread and don't know Jesus, will take the time to meet Him.  


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Allinall on November 17, 2005, 12:00:14 PM
Iwas born at an early age and no I'm not stealing your joke, 2T but I am making use of it.  ;) :D I was not a full term baby. I was born 2 and half months early but still weighed in at 9 lbs 3 ozs. I was also born again at an early age. I was 8 yrs old.

I have posted this on here before but I would like to post it here again.

_______________________

Testamonies are such a wonderful thing. I know that it helps me to see what God has done and is doing for other Christians. We tend to start taking for granted the many wonderous things that God does for us. Through testamonies we can be reminded that God does not forget us nor does He leave us (Heb 13:5).

I was raised in a Christian family. The Bible was my first reader. I came to accept Jesus as my Saviour at the early age of 8 years. I served the Lord along with my parents and 7 other siblings through our local church. Following the examples of Jesus, my parents set an example for all of us kids.Being poor and a large family, we did not have much, but we always had what we needed. Food on the table, clothes and a warm home to live in with lots of love to go around.

One day a group of young children came to our church without their parents. Their clothes were ragged, just jeans and a white t-shirt, and some with out shoes or socks. All of them were dirty. My Dad picked up the youngest one and carried him into the church. As usual for us back then we had a potluck dinner after services. Those visiting kids ate just about everything in sight to point of actually getting sick and then coming back to eat more.

My Dad, being raised in the old Swedish traditions, was not lent to showing his emotions. When we got home from church that day I saw him crying for the first time. He didn't say a thing but went about collecting things into a box. Potatoes, carrots, home canned vegetables, Grandmas home made soap, clothes. He told us kids to pack them in the car then took us with him to this family.

We went to the local dump. There was a small lean-to built out of old lumber taken from wood crates. Holes in the walls everywhere. He took the boxes, left them at the door and we drove off.

The next day my Dad went to talk to a local farmer. The farmer went to this family and hired the father right away and moved them into a farm house on his farm.

The following Sunday the whole family came to church and eventually all of them accepted Jesus as their Saviour.

I learned many lessons that day that have helped me in my walk with Jesus.

At the age of 19 I joined the U. S. Navy. Within a year I was placed in the Viet Nam war. During this time I slipped away from the service of the Lord. It was not the Navy influence nor was it the war. It was simply my fault. I started doubting my faith. I even got to point that I doubted the existance of God. Thank God that he did not forsake me nor did He leave me. God opened my eyes up wide and I do mean wide. He showed Himself to me in so many, many ways. I saw His hand all around me, not just in Viet Nam, but throughout my entire 20+ yrs in the Navy. Unfortunately I blinded myself to Him. Now that I look back at those times I know it was Him for no one has the power to do what He did.

Just one example of the many (If the opportunity arises I will try to share many others with you);

During Desert Storm I was stationed in Bahrain with a hospital unit. The entire hospital including our berthing was all tents. Our compound fence was made of sea vans ( a metal box that fits on the frame of a semi-truck trailer that can be removed and placed on ships). These sea vans were stacked two high around us. There was a military air base about 10 - 15 miles south of us. Every night scud missiles that were aimed at the air base were blown up by patriot missiles above our heads. When Desert Storm was declared over we started dismantling the hospital. As we took the sea vans down to pack the tents and supplies into them we discovered scud/patriot schrapnel all over the tops of them yet not one piece was ever found inside the compound. Many of this schrapnel was large enough and sharp enough to have easily gone through a tent.

The base Chaplain pointed this out to us and thanked God for placing His hand over us.

I was reaching a point in my life where I started assessing my own life. What have I done with it, where was I going from here, what was it all worth? I was also being placed under conviction for my lack of faith. I could feel that God was asking me why I was not faithful to Him. I answered, but Lord I have read my Bible, I have prayed to you when the times got rough, I have even gone to church occassionally. I shrugged it off still.

I left the Navy at that time and worked my way from an electrician journeyman up to an electrical contractor in just a few short years.In 1997 I suffered a heart attack that put me in the hospital. It was minor and in a few weeks I was back at work. In 2000 I had another heart attack, emergency surgery requiring a a quadruple bypass. At this time I also found out that I had another heart attack back in 1991 cause by a blocked vein to the heart that had been corrected by a natural bypass. (A natural bypass is one that is not done by man).  On top of this the Gulf War Illness took me over. I was suffering from this and did not know it until the trauma of the surgery made it worse bringing it out full blown.

This time I lost my business, my homes (three of them), all my trucks, my car, everything but my family. Praise God I still had them. I was on my knees and couldn't get up. I asked God why, I am going to church regularly. I read my Bible every day. I got my answer....

I heard a sermon that Sunday titled "Give Your All To Him" and on the radio that afternoon a song. I don't remember the song. The only words of it that stood out and stick with me today are "give your all unto Jesus".

It was not enough. He wanted my all, not just a part of me. Now I spend everyday with Him and for Him.

Have you given your all to Jesus?


Man!  I love the testimony of your dad.  The man got it.  That's an inspiration to me Brother.  Thanks for sharing it with me.  And remember...we're all works in progress.   :)


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: Soldier4Christ on November 17, 2005, 12:16:12 PM
Quote
And remember...we're all works in progress.

Amen, Allinall and yes my Dad really had it.  ;)



Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: nChrist on November 17, 2005, 03:04:04 PM
Brothers,

These testimonies are beautiful, and I sincerely appreciate you sharing them with us. Brother Kevin, the name you applied to this thread, "Your Story About His Glory", is a fitting and proper title. In fact, the Glory, Grace, and Love of God is what I thought about over and over again as I read about what God does in the lives of HIS Children.

I feel refreshed and encouraged when I am reminded about the awesome GOD we serve. Apart from JESUS, this short life would be almost impossible to bear. But with JESUS, HE shows us spiritual treasures that HE shares with us and fills us with hope. ALL GLORY GOES TO GOD!

Love in Christ,
Tom

Romans 5:8-9 NASB  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

Galatians 4:4-6 NASB  But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: ggamble on December 18, 2005, 03:12:36 AM
Greetings, 2nd Timothy

Praise Jesus, awesome testimony!
I can say I tasted much of the same life. As being self-willed, I also played music. I'll share more of my story, next reply. It's really awesome to experience His love, is it not. Well, I got church in the morning so I must retreat its late here in Indiana, I know God willing, He has something for my soul tomarrow.

We walk in the Spirit, praise Jesus, for that to be so!

May the Lord bless thee and keep thee
Only always for Jesus
In the Love of a brother in Him
ggamble


Title: Re:Your Story About His Glory
Post by: 2nd Timothy on December 18, 2005, 06:23:34 AM
God truly is a God of miracles isn't He?   I look forward to hearing your testimoney.   I was really touched by what little you shared in the other thread.

Blessings!