This is My Story

"You did not choose Me, but I chose you …" (John 15:16a, NASB)

So begins what I consider to be my "life verse," that one special piece of Scripture that anchors me in my faith, that spurs me on as a Christ-follower. John 15:16, indeed, was at the very center of my return to Christ after my own prodigal journey some 20+ years ago.

In this chapter of "A Portrait of Me," I tell this story. Indeed, you could say that I have been building up to this moment on this blog for a couple of years now. I am fortunate enough to be able to present this story in a special audio format.

Over ten years ago, I served as a substitute speaker on occasion for the Wednesday night 2:42 services at Chase Valley Church. While Chase Valley no longer exists as a unique entity, its DNA lives on after a fashion in the Chase Campus of Cove Church. I had the opportunity to teach at least 4 times, each message recorded and stored on CD. It was to my great relief that all of these CDs were found in the rubble of my house after the storm destroyed it back in March.

Finding these CDs impressed upon me that left in a box, they serve no purpose. In time, as the opportunity warrants, I will awaken these messages from their digital dormancy and share them here on this blog. Indeed, we have the technology. The last message I gave shall be the first.

We love to tell stories. Some stories we tell over and over again. Others, we don't share often enough, but clearly should. This is my story, although it is not mine alone ("all creation tells the story, and testifies of His great glory"). Some of you were there when it was told. Others of you were there when it happened. Still others of you played a direct part in the plan to bring me back home. To each of you, my deepest thanks. To my family, I love you all, more than you know.

Run time is about 35 minutes. You have a couple of options: you should be able to play the mp3 file directly using Windows Media Player, or whatever player you have as your default media player. Or you can right-click on the link and select Save Target As and download the file.

So here it is. Thank you for listening.

April 10, 2002 - Chase Valley Church
Jim Chase - "This is My Story"

Other chapters:

A Portrait of Me: The Key
A Portrait of Me: River Walk
A Portrait of Me: Journey's Dawn
A Portrait of Me: I Am Prodigal
A Portrait of Me: This is My Story