Comments and Poems
By Ruth R. Martin
This poem is based on the invitation that was given when I asked Jesus
to come into my heart and save me.
As long as I could remember, I had been brought to Sunday School and
church every Sunday. Bible stories were part of
my bedtime ritual each night..."Read me a story". Bedtime prayers were
also part of this
nightly routine. My Sunday School teachers
faithfully presented Biblical values to young pupils. At this time I was
nine years old and
my Sunday School teacher was a sixteen year old Christian girl who loved
the Lord and her young charges. I was attentive and always loved Sunday
School and church...especially the singing of hymns. BUT.. I had never
felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit until this Sunday morning.
Our church was nearing the close of it's annual mid-summer revival. On
this Sunday morning
I sat in my usual pew..second from the front..
with my friend Lucille. I joined in the singing of
a newly revived congregation, put my offering in the plate when it was
passed, found and read the sermon text with the visiting minister--and
settled back to quietly draw pictures or write notes to Lucille on the
bulletin.
I have no idea what the message was that
morning..I don't remember a word the evangelist said, nor do I recall
his name. But
somewhere along near the end of his sermon,
I became aware of something happening to me.
I found myself actually LISTENING to the message. It seemed there was no
one present except myself and I was feeling and hearing
SOMETHING I had never known before. I only
felt in my heart what I believe is the FIRST TIME I had ever actually
HEARD the Gospel...
that Jesus loved and died for sinners, and that was me, and He wanted to
save me. I didn't
know it was the Holy Spirit dealing with my tender young heart...I only
felt such a sweet, sweet drawing in my soul, that I could not, and did
not want to refuse. To this day, my recollection of that morning is as
new and fresh
now as it was that glorious morning. Do you
remember the invitation song that was being sung when you accepted the
Lord as your Savior? I do...
" Only trust Him, only trust Him, only trust Him now
He will save you, He will save you, He will
save you now."
I became aware of tears on my face (...what
is happening? Why am I crying?) And then I heard the preacher say, "
Will you come to Jesus now?" I knew he was talking to me. Next
thing I knew I was pushing Lucille aside so I could get to the front of
the church. Not realizing what was happening, surprised, she started to
come with me, and I vaguely remember saying
"Stay here ..I have to go by myself."
Seated on the front pew, a dear Lady led me to open my heart and ask
Jesus to come in and save me. Then she hugged me....(this woman
was smiling and crying at the same time. Everything is so strange and
wonderful this morning) and said, "Now that Jesus has saved you, you
must tell someone else," Such excellent advice. I still give that same
advice to
a person I have the joy of leading to Jesus. I
don't even know who that dear woman was, but I am eternally grateful to
her for introducing me to the Savior.
Dear Reader, " If you have never opened your
heart to the Savior, I invite you to do so with the
same words that drew me to Him many years ago...Will you come to Jesus
now?"