Full-Time Training - Testimonies

“This Is My Story, This Is My Song, Praising My Savior All the Day Long”, D.W.

Growing up meeting with the local church, the words “Oh Lord, Amen, Hallelujah” were common to me. Starting in children's meeting we would shout, sing, and call on the Lord. I thought all children at church learned to praise the Lord in the same manner. Eventually I became calloused to the power and meaning behind those words. In junior high and high school they became words that were used in excitement and as joyful exclamation. To me, they were just words that were uttered at the appropriate time, our version of euphony.

When I came to the Full-Time-Training in Anaheim, I was amazed at the open and free use of praise to the Lord, especially in singing and praying. Sometimes, at the beginning of classes, groups of trainees would stand up and call on the name of the Lord or praise the Lord. At the beginning I would feel self conscious and empty when I thought of mouthing the words in unison. One day in class we sang a hymn, which said, “Calling Jesus is to call the one we love!” After singing that hymn I realized that when I say “Oh Lord Jesus!” I am not just saying words; I am calling an actual Person. Just as when I call a friend by name, I gain his attention, and may even cause him to come forward. The same is true with the Lord Jesus--when we call His name, He comes to us. He is even called “Amen” (Revelation 3:14), so when we say “Amen,” we are invoking His presence. Praising the Lord and calling on His name has become such an enjoyable experience.

There are times when I have no words to utter but His name will come from my lips. Then His person with all of His riches comes to supply me in my spirit. Now the words, “Oh Lord, Amen, Hallelujah,” are no longer empty; they are full of the reality of the person of Jesus. I can call on Him in all situations--happy, sad, frustrated, etc. These words are not only for set responses but they convey the Lord to me for my enjoyment and nourishment.

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