As most of you know I grew up in First Methodist Church, Baldwyn, Ms, where until the time I went away to college, I was there every time the doors opened. Little did I know this foundation building in me through several people in the church would have a lifelong impact on my life. I don't remember any of the preachers in those young impressionable years having a strong of an effect in me but I do give several people the credit for helping make me who I am today. Those being; Walter Green, Sunday school teacher in Jr High, Billy Roberson, High School Sunday school teacher, Mrs Jesse Caldwell who taught me those songs of the church that still resonate within me and bring back memories of long ago. Church in the Wild wood is what comes to mind when I think of her. Never knew what the significance of that song was to my faith until I realized that it represents the church of our youth and like I referred to above as what helps us to build our lifelong foundation.There was also Mrs Ruby Bryson, Beverly's mother who was our MYF counselor, faithfully there every Sunday night putting up with all of our rowdiness. Thanks to all of these.
From the point in high school I began to get a little rebellious and at the end of high school after a few things not really going my way and some disappointments there came a point that I decided that I wasn't going to care about certain things anymore and as a result I got into some really sinful things, things that I am not really proud of. I was very unstable for several years and after graduating from college was in and out of my parents home and living a life no one should be proud of. Momma and daddy, especially momma were trying to get me to go back to church and on occasions I would relent and show up. We had a new preacher come to town, W.T. Dexter, and things began to change. I began to go more and more, but still there was a lot of discontent and turmoil within me until I came to the point that I couldn't handle it anymore. Late one afternoon in the early fall of 1977 I went to Brother Dexter's office seeking his advice and before I knew it I was laying out my life before him without even knowing why. He told me God would forgive me all of the things and change my life. He ask me could we pray and ask me to repeat after him. I did and at that point I knew something had happened to me. Maybe it was because something broke within me and I wept like a baby. I started going to church but I didn't make what had happened in that office public and before long I was getting back into the same old rut. Doing some of the same old things. I was more miserable than I was before I was saved because I had the Holy Spirit living in me now and I was rebelling against Him, what a war that was. But guess who won. I had moved to New Albany and met Claudia. I was still in church and not living the life of Christ. When I would go to church the invitation would be given and I would be under such conviction to go, my heart would pound like it was coming out of my chest and my hands would sweat. Finally one Sunday I knew that I really needed to make my confession of Christ as my Lord and saviour public. With knees shaking and heart pounding I stepped forward. My life changed again. I went to Claudia's apartment that night and told her what had happened and not that night but as a result of that testimony to her she gave her life over to Jesus.
At that time my life began to change radically. I spent time with Him talking with Him and learning about Him. I became so hungry for Him and as a result I came to know him personally, not just a name and not just knowing about Him. He became real to me. He has brought me through so many things and has shown me so many things. He became my counselor and comforter and even though I falter and fail and still sin he has never left me, He is my friend and Lord.
There are those I would like to thank for the foundation they helped establish in me Some are mentioned above but in addition to those there are others that have played an important role in my life. I thank God for the family I was raised in, My Daddy Thomas A. Lampkin, who always had an ear for me without any criticism, my Mother Marjorie Lampkin, who prayed for me in the worst of times and continues to today; Uncle Bill Lampkin who had that unbiased ear and always lent his wisdom and advice; W.T. Dexter who showed me the way of the cross; Rev Doug Hardin, Who helped me grow in the things of God; My wife Claudia who encourages me and keeps me honest; but most of all my Lord , My God, My Friend and My Saviour Jesus who gave his life for me that I might have life to the fullest.
GOD'S WORD OF THE WEEK
The Lord comforts the church with His promises
1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. 3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour
Isaiah 43:1-3 (KJV)
3 comments:
Pleasant surprise to find your blog.
Great words. Like the message and hope to see more.
This is just great!
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