Psalms 119:50b …“for thy word hath quickened me”

For the first time in my life, I can open the ‘Word of God’ and feel so engrossed in what I am reading, that I have difficulty laying the book down. Within me is an insatiable desire for MORE. I want to know MORE about the One who loves me so much that He sent His Son to die for me. I want to know MORE about the Son who said, “As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:17) Jesus loved the Father, and us, so much ~ He willfully laid His life down in obedience and faithfulness knowing that the Father had given Him the power to take it up again in the resurrection. And, what about the promise…“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high”? (Luke 24:49) God sent the “Comforter”~ filling earthen vessels with His powerful presence. (Acts 2:3) As I read in the ‘Word of God’, every story is laced with love in its completeness. My soul is drawn into a deeper consciousness of His character ~Father, Son and Holy Spirit ~ and the call to continue to “go on unto perfection”. (Heb 6:1) He has ordered our footsteps and, He is faithful to complete what He has begun in us (II Thes. 3:3) ~ if we are willing.

For several years, I was a mediocre Christian ~ compromising the spoken Word of God. I would believe a word…if it suited my life. Otherwise, I would say that the Word I heard was bogus and, most often, not interpreted correctly or, not spoken in love by the person delivering it. Looking back, I can now say that I was “religious” in my own interpretation of God. I was lazy spiritually and captious with God ~ independent in my thoughts and actions yet, rebellious in my willingness to submit to Him. I was so empty! As I continued on this mediocre path, I found myself without God….miserable and alone. I found my life had become similar to the Prodigal Son. With no way out, I cried out to God…“I need YOU!”. “I don’t know how to get out of this situation!”. “Please help me!” JESUS ~ so faithful and true ~ waited patiently for my heart’s cry out to Him and, He responded immediately; He closed every door the evil one had opened for me, He loosed the bands of wickedness and, He placed my feet upon solid ground. Without a doubt~ Jesus rescued me!

Walking through this difficult period in my life has pulled my heart close to my Savior. It has been, at times, painful but, Jesus has been with me every step of the way. I thank the Lord for the brethren who never forgot me in their prayers. I thank the Lord for speaking to me prophetically concerning the gift He placed within me ~ “as you begin to pick up your guitar and play to me, I will begin to heal you”. I’ve cried many tears. But, as I pick up my guitar and sing, I feel a comfort and joy ~ for it ushers me into His wonderful presence. I also thank the Lord for His Word which is “pure” and “holy” and uncompromising ~ filled with promises of life and hope. I am beginning to understand that Faith and Grace are not just words that Jesus says, but, it is in Himself ~ His divine character. So, I continue in the faith, “that I might finish my course, with joy”. (Acts20:24)

Brethren, may we continue to grow in the faith and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. With Much Love in Him ~ Darlene