Thursday, February 26, 2009

Yielding My Rights

This morning I pulled out an old set of cassette tapes produced by The Institute in Basic Life Principles. The series is called The Pineapple Story featuring the testimony of Otto Koning’s missionary years in New Guinea. The twelve tapes share Mr. Koning’s powerful witness to yielding one’s rights to God and what a tremendous change that can bring to your life and to those lives around you.

I had listened to this series several years ago when I was away from God. A friend had stopped by one day with a delicious meal and the first tape of this series. I fought listening to the tape because I knew I was away from the Lord ~ this friend knew I was away from the Lord ~ and I wasn’t interested in being preached to. When I finally surrendered to listen to it ~ needless to say ~ it was life changing.

It had been many years since the waters had been stirred in my soul by the Holy Spirit. For way too long I had practiced quenching the Holy Spirit (I Thessalonians 5:19 - Quench not the Spirit). That day after listening to the tape, the flood gates opened and would not close. I cried and cried for hours mingled with prayer ~ confessing years of sin ~ begging God to forgive me. The sobs were so intense I thought at times I would stop breathing. It was such a magnificent time of cleansing. I do not believe I will ever forget it. That was over 11 years ago. Indeed, God used Mr. Koning’s testimony to bring a dramatic change in my life.

This morning when I began to listen to that "first tape" in the series I heard things that I had not heard when I listened to it in the past ~ kind of like when we read the Bible ~ you can read a verse many times and each time get something different out of it according to how the Holy Spirit is leading.

To spare you reading such a lengthy post I will continue tomorrow with how Mr. Koning’s testimony inspired me today ~ an inspiration I was desperately in need of ~ thank you Lord. See you tomorrow blog friends.

5 Thoughts On The Matter:

Sharon said...

I agree how things like this can speak to us in a new and fresh way when we re-read or listen again. Isn't is wonderful how the Lord knows just what we need?!

Unknown said...

I am praising the Lord with you for your testimony and how God changed you and renewed you!
I have been touched today by your blog and post! The new song you put by Gold City is just sooooo up lifting and worshipful! I haven´t heard them. I would love to get a cd.
I have heard a little of the Pinnaple Story but didn´t know it was a 12 tape series. It must be wonderful. I think I have read the book or the illistrated story for kids.
May God bless you for sharing! Big hug!

Marsha said...

So good to hear from you here again my friend.
I have the book The Pineapple Story, but I never realized it was a 12 tape series. I'm anxious to hear what the Lord is teaching you.

Be blessed today and always.

Abounding Treasures said...

Cathryn,

It's so good to see you posting again and I've never heard of *The Pineapple Story* so look forward to your post tomorrow when you share what the Lord is telling you through it :o)

I continue to pray for you and send my blessings!

Deborah said...

Hi Cathryn! Glad your back. I haven't heard this story or series, but praise the Lord for the help it's been to you.