Testimony Time :: Rachel

I was born into a Christian family, for which I am extremely grateful! How blessed am I to have been born into my wonderful family…and having my parents emphasis the importance of following Jesus and obeying His Word is something that will impact the rest of my days. 
From a young age, my parents have taught me about Jesus and the Gospel.  As far back as I can remember, I wanted to ask Jesus into my heart. I remember praying with Daddy on several occasions, but never really feeling any different or freed. 

The Lord kept working in my life, convicting me. Then, in January of 2006, at the age of 8…one evening I was getting ready for bed. I reached out and grabbed my Bible, and started reading in John. After I had read a while, I came to a verse. I don’t remember what it was, but it moved me and a thought popped into my head: “If I died tonight, where would I be?” I knew in my heart that I would be in hell. I started to cry and my Mother came into my room to say goodnight. She asked me what was the matter, and I told her I wanted to ask Jesus to save me. She went and got Daddy and he showed me some verses, and asked if I was ready…and I said, “Yes!” We knelt and I asked the Lord to cleanse me and to give me a new heart. I still remember how I felt…so clean! Praise the Lord!

I did not get baptized immediately because Daddy wanted me to wait until I understood what it all meant. In 2009, I was baptized, and that was such a blessing. 

I am so grateful that the Lord is a merciful and gracious God, one who is slow to anger and forgives men of the evil they have done. I have failed in so many ways, and struggled through many things, but He is patient and kind and is still working on my life! I have learned that salvation is not a “say-a-prayer-and-you’re-done” matter, but a continual walking with the Lord, seeking HIM, dying to self, and so much more. I could keep sharing on different things the Lord has worked in my life, forming a more perfect salvation in my life, but I will just leave it at the beginning of my journey. Please pray for me! 

This hymn is a favorite of mine, and I think it sums my testimony up really well. :) May the Lord bless you!

My faith has found a resting place,
  Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
  His wounds for me shall plead.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
  This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
  He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word,
  The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name,
  Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick,
  The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
  For me His life He gave.

I need no other argument,
  I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
    And that He died for me.
             -Eliza E. Hewitt

~*~*~*~

I would love to post YOUR testimony at some point in the future...if you're interested in sharing, please comment! ~Rachel 

7 Ways a Daughter can Honour Her Father

In the society we live in today, the father’s role is increasingly being attacked, abused, and misused. Even the role of men in general is being undermined, and this is something that I find very disturbing—especially when I see people whose lives have been damaged as a result of men not getting the honour they deserve.

So I’ve decided to put together a little list of some of the ways you can honour your father—just as Ephesians 6:1-3 says.

“i <3 You” by DaDooDa is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

1. When you are making yourself a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, offer to make your dad one, too—especially if it is his day off. I know my father appreciates it!
2. Ask your mom what your dad’s favourite meal is, and make it for the evening meal. This is one way to serve your entire family (your mom gets the meal off, after all!), and even if you accidentally burn the food a little your dad will appreciate the effort! Or, if you don’t feel confident enough with a whole meal, make his favourite dessert!
3. Help him with his projects. Is he renovating a part of your house? Then ask if he has something you can do to help! Sometimes, I don’t even have to offer—Dad just volunteers me. :)
4. Obey him promptly. Has he asked you to do something for him, even if it is something that doesn’t really have to happen right away? Get it done as soon as possible. He might not thank you for it, but that is a way you can honour him.
5. Pray for him. I don’t do this one enough! Pray Numbers 6:24-26 over him. Bless him with your prayers—even if he never knows that you pray for him, I know he will be blessed.
6. Send a note with your dad in his lunchbox! We’ve done it a few times when his birthday comes around, but I know this is something you could do at any time of the year. Send him an encouraging poem, Bible verse, or quote to find when he opens the box for his lunch! What a fun surprise.
7. Never talk bad about him, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. Tearing him down doesn’t help you, and certainly doesn’t help him or his reputation.

Your father is a precious gift. I suppose you could say that you are his gift, but in a way he is a gift to you as well—not all girls are privileged to even have a father! I know my dad is a wonderful dad—I couldn’t even start explaining all the things he does for me! And although I know it isn’t Father’s Day, I want to say—thank you, Dad.

Honour your father—in every way you possibly can. He’s worth it.
~Esther