How Great Thou Art

When my Sweet Hubby and I made the decision several months ago to become members of our church, as part of the process we were each asked when we were saved. That is, when was it that we first accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. And you know - I couldn't remember. It seems I've always known Jesus...always tried to walk with Him, always had a real relationship with Him. I just could not for the life of me remember a "defining moment" when I made the decision to ask Him into my life.

And that bothered me. Every day. Because it seemed that I should be able to remember something so BIG. Other people remembered, why didn't I? I just couldn't understand it. So I prayed about it. I tried to remember a time when I didn't know Jesus. Nope, couldn't do it. He's always been in my life. I have no conscious thought without the Lord being present. Ugh - it was sooooo frustrating. I knew I had to have made the decision at some point. But WHEN??

A few weeks ago, my Sweet Hubby and I were asked if we would be willing to have our testimony videotaped for the church. It was THAT day, the day of the taping, that the memory of when I asked first Jesus to come into my life flooded back to me. And I do mean flooded...like it was yesterday! It all came rushing back, almost as if God had unlocked the door to that memory.

I'm not sure exactly how old I was, but I do know that I was young. 9, 10, 11...in that range. In my home, we loved Billy Graham. Whenever Billy Graham had a televised Crusade, our TV was tuned to that station and we watched. This particular night, we had watched Rev. Graham preach and then my parents left the room. I remember my Dad was in the dining room because he'd brought work home from the office...I think my Mom was in the kitchen. On the TV, Rev. Graham had issued the invitation. There in our living room, all alone, I was on my knees. And I asked Jesus to come into my heart, forgive my sins and be with me always. Praise God!!

It explains a lot. Why I love Billy Graham. Why I love the songs "How Great Thou Art" and "Just As I Am" and George Beverly Shea. They hold special places in my heart...they led me to a deeper relationship with my Jesus and I'm forever grateful. I hope I never lose that memory again.

Do you remember when you made your decision for Christ? Take a moment now and relive that precious memory...It was the best decision you EVER made! One that will have everlasting consequences! If you haven't made that decision...won't you? It really is as simple as the prayer I prayed as a child. "Jesus, I love you and want you with me always. Please come into my heart. Please forgive my sins. Amen."

"Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it at all." Luke 18:17

And because today is Music Monday, I'm posting this video clip of a Billy Graham crusade, circa 1969! I loved watching it all...but at the 6:00 minute mark is George Beverly Shea singing "How Great Thou Art" today's song choice. Remember to scroll down and mute my player before viewing the video!

How Great Thou Art ~ George Beverly Shea (6:00 mark)

My favorite verse to this song is one he didn't sing. But I'll post it here. Now granted, I cry easy. But I don't understand how you can read these words, let alone sing them, and remain dry-eyed.

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing,
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Oh yes Lord...How Great Thou Art!