Written July 28,2012
Revelation 12:11
And if they overcame him because of the blood of the lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.
The word of my testimony, if you were to ask me to tell you why I believe Jesus Christ is the son of the living God. Why he is my personal savior, why I believe Jesus walked this earth and was crucified on a cross. That he was resurrected and lives.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Matthew 27:35 And when they had crucified him, they divided up his garments among themselves by casting lots.
Matthew 28:6 He is not here,he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he was lying.
I came to know of Jesus Christ at the young age of four, while at a vacation bible school. Sweet little spunky, cocked with attitude, Catherine Carpenter. To shed some light on what I mean by spunky, I remember my very first day of kindergarten. My grandmother came to wake me up that morning. In response to her disturbing me, I told her to go kick herself. Oh Cat, me, I wanted that responsibility of being a big girl but man, did I have a way with words.
At age four I vaguely remember going to the alter and praying something to the effect of Jesus Christ died for me as a sinner. Not really sure what I said or prayed. It was a long time ago from where I am today. It has taken me twenty-five years to at least accept that I am spunky,sassy, and often open my mouth when I should hush. However, God made me the way I am.
In any case, church was on Sundays and Wednesdays. Granny always got us to and from church as a family with lunch to follow. My grand-dad sang in the choir. Many times over the years, especially as I approached my youth, I doubted that I prayed the right words from a spirit led heart.
Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, repent and each of you be baptized: and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
I am not sure that at my young age I understood the concept of sin and the sacrifice Jesus made to offer forgiveness. That it was not and will never be anything of myself.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
I later was baptized, around age eight, I believe. It was a very foggy experience with friends who were jumping on the baptism bandwagon with me. However, amidst the giggles I can recall the words our pastor said at every baptism.
"Buried in the likeness of his death, raised to walk in newness of life."
The memories, the details are foggy, unclear and leave me with doubts and questions. Most people believe in God or Jesus Christ. Even atheist sometimes still believe or pray to something.
At the end of many alter calls I have always felt something was incomplete, unfinished, still a call to obey. I have cried, prayed, sought advice from friends I consider spiritual mentors. I have told God that I want Jesus Christ to be the leader of my life, that I know he died for me and my sins. That I believe he rose again on the third day and he lives. The days of doubt and struggle because of my own insistence that cause exhaustion are over.
Romans 6:3-6 Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, so we too might walk in the newness of life.
Because I am being buried with him in baptism into death. What an honor to have the opportunity to nail down and bury the sins that are my past. The wages that mock me, yanking away my worth and grace that Christ so freely gave.
4,14,or 25 years old- its a heart issue. Yes! I deeply believe! Not because I was raised in church and surround by these influences. But because no other name sounds the same.
Jesus, Jesus,Jesus
Only the pureness of the holy spirit can cause a deep yearning that brings meaning to lyrics like-
" When the music fades and all is striped away and I simply come longing just to bring something that's of worth. (Micheal W. Smith)
So we too might walk in the newness of life. Newness, raised to walk in newness of life. If I am gonna walk then I want a light load. So, father, take away the baggage from yesterday.
Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
I have a new body resurrected and ready for whatever he calls me to. So you may not understand my testimony, it whinds from back to front. But rededication of the heart and it's direction have been made in transcending years and ways.
The lord asked me to obey,he called me up and out, decisive and courageous,he said. So glad to celebrate my recent baptism on July 28,2012. He knows my heart, peace says he does. That peace can be yours too.
More pics to come!
No comments:
Post a Comment