I truly believe that a person's testimony, salvation or otherwise, is one of the most powerful expressions of the Christian faith. I thrive on hearing God-stories. When I had my blog giveaway/contest, I asked for testimonies based on songs affecting one's faith. Well, people submitted, and I was moved. That's where "Lifesong In the Limelight" on Saturdays was born.
Debra from Clothed With Scarlet has become a friend of mine in the world of blogging. Her writings are authentic, purposeful and Christ-filled. I've cried at some of her posts, and laughed at others. She is a blessing to so many in the blogging community with her God-given gift of encouragement. I couldn't be more excited to share her heartfelt testimony today as this Saturday's
Just As I Am
by Debra Kaye
The song that deeply changed my life was the hymn Just as I Am by Charlotte Elliott. I was 9 years old and standing in a small Baptist church on 27th Avenue in Vero Beach, Florida. The choir stood at the front of the church up by the baptismal tank in their long flowing robes. The pastor would come down from his standing place and stand at the front aisle and the choir would begin to sing each Sunday morning.
This particular Sunday they began to sing Just as I Am. I had sung it many times with them but this Sunday I heard the Lord speak to my heart. The pastor was standing at the front praying and interceding and the Lord said "Come...Just as you are."
My heart raced and I did not want to step out of my seat and walk forward, but the pull was so great. Not knowing how I was at the front of the church in front of everybody and why my face was soaked with tears, I stood there looking at the pastor and he took my hands and began to ask me the questions about Jesus.
Did I want to accept Him? "YES," I cried. Did I know and recognize my need as a sinner? OH YES!! I couldn't imagine why He would forgive me but I was assured...Just as I was, He would. The pastor prayed with me and I will never forget and typing this brings back that wonderful feeling of a clean slate...forgiveness. No longer carrying around a burden. Knowing love. And what had I to offer Him? Only me....Just as I was...It's still hard to comprehend!!
There is never a time that I hear this song that I do not recognize the impact it had on my life. The reassurance that Jesus would accept me and forgive me. I am eternally grateful!! I have written the words for you below.
Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidd'st me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, 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, I come.
Just as I am, tho tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears, within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, 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, 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, I come.
Debra Kaye is a humble servant of her Lord, Jesus Christ. She is the devoted wife to Jason, whom she considers her true gift from God. She is also the mother of Krystle and Joshua.
It is her desire to reflect Christ in her life in all areas and loves the blog community that God has plugged her into. She can be found at her blog, Clothed With Scarlet.
In the Key of HE,
4 friends shared a comment:
Such a sweet testimony, Debra is such a blessing.
That's one of my favorite people right there. Wonderful testimony Debra!
Love you sister.
Beautiful testimony, Debra! Thanks for sharing it, Laura!
Thank you so much for your blog, which I’ve really come to appreciate. It's so important that we continue as a light to the world, especially as Christmas approaches and so many people are more open to hearing about the things of God. Thanks again, Karyn
www.christiancupid.com/blog
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