December 31

Read: Psalms 103:1-4

We are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him (Acts 5:32).

Bless The Lord, O My Soul

It is always fitting that our testimony to the experience of entire sanctification be given with a deep sense of indebtedness to God. We are finders, not because we are such great seekers, but because God is such a great Giver. I testify today to the wonder of this free gift of God’s grace.

Thirty-seven years ago I was a young man beginning my junior year in college. I felt my deep need to be cleansed from sin and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I knelt at the altar in a college chapel and earnestly sought this blessing. At the altar God graciously dealt with my soul and helped me to reach a place of utter commitment to Him, but the assurance of full salvation did not come immediately. I sought on for a day or two. One morning in my dormitory room as I knelt by my window in meditation and prayer, it happened. Just as the first rays of the rising sun touched the building and lighted up my windowpane, the Holy Spirit came to my soul and illuminated all of my life.

I cannot yet testify to the end of my days, but I can testify that for these thirty-seven years He has been with me. There have been some days of uncertainty, but He has remained. He has made me a better man than I was then. He has led me into paths of Christian service of which I did not dream, The prospect has not always been bright, but the retrospect has always been luminous. In the light of this faith and with the assurance of His presence I propose to journey until traveling days are done.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name (Psalms 103:1).