Monday, April 18, 2022

Happy Birthday!

 


Happy Birthday to Me!

No, it's not my Birthday! Not my baby birthday at least. It was Fifty-Three years ago, in 1969 on this day, my Mom dragged me to church. Although I would have preferred to stay home and watch the three channels on our black and white telly. (I so lamented that my Mom wouldn't buy a color TV.) And no less, it was a Friday evening! I would miss the Brady Bunch! And I would miss calling one of my many friends! But, no! Mom had to drag me to a Revival no less!

Yes, I was upset! But not for long. As we settled down into the pew, I began to relax. Singing started the service, and I always enjoyed singing the hymns. Even the real old ones. They brought me such joy! The the Pastors wife got up and sang, she played the zither (she reminded me of June Carter Cash, who had just announced that Johnny Cash had got saved). I loved it's sound. Then the pastor got up and played the piano. He was really good at it. And it sounded lovely. (He was also a music teacher and taught children piano in his home.)

When the music ended, it was time for the preaching. I settled back in my seat. I remember wishing I had brought a book along to read. (I admit it. I ocassionally snuck a paperback book in my Bible, and read it during service. It was the last time I ever did that. ) 

You see, that night the preacher preached about Hell. He preached about it, he described it. I could almost hear the fires crackling. The heat rose up and I could almost feel it. I could see, in my mind's eye, the terrors he described. The smell of burning flesh; and the sizzle that fat makes when it is drawn out of the body with the fire.

When the altar call ame, I was the first person down the aisle. I knew I never wanted to go to Hell!

I knew for sure, that I wanted Salvation. My Sunday School Teacher, took me by the hand, and led me into an empty classroom. There I knelt before the Lord, and I asked Him into my heart. And there he's been, for Fifty-Three years! And He has NEVER failed me! I am so glad He lives in me!

HOW ABOUT YOU????

Have you heard the call? That yearning call of Jesus? How He wants to hear from you! If not, then make tonight the night. Ask Him into your heart. He can see you through a rough time, and He can be there in the Good Times. He makes the Good Times really Good!

Please take some time, and get to know my Jesus! You will never, ever, regret that you did!