Absorbing God’s Word
“They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Mark 6:49-50
Applying God’s Word
I have been to the Cow Palace in San Francisco for a variety of events during my lifetime, but the most memorable time was when I went to hear a man named Billy Graham speak about God. I remember walking all the way down toward the stage to a song that still brings tears to my eyes: Just As I Am. As the song played, Billy Graham extended an invitation for everyone to come down to the stage. He said, “As the choir sings, you come”.
I was 12 years old. The same age as my granddaughter, Caramia. I was terrified. My father looked at me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll go with you.”
As my father and I walked toward the stage, my fear was replaced by a powerful sense of calm. Then the tears started to roll down my cheeks. I was touched by the hand of God and didn’t even know it. I wasn’t aware then that Billy Graham would end up being one of my all-time favorite evangelists.
All I did on that special night in 1958 was to come just as I am and invite Jesus into my heart. Jesus made it so easy. He calls all of us to take courage and to come as we are.
Accounting of God’s Word
Have I come humbly before the Lord recently? HAVE I COME JUST AS I AM?