There is Power in your Testimony
People can reject theology and resist philosophy, but no one can refute a personal testimony.
Sharing your testimony is the most effective way to communicate the power and truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We often place unnecessary pressure on ourselves to have answers for every question, or to discern wisdom for everyone’s problems in order to be an effective witness for Jesus.
You won’t always have the answers, and you may not be able to figure out every situation a person faces, but you can give testimony to God’s faithfulness, provision, and love in your own life.
Paul shared his testimony many times, including these words to the church in Galatia:
Then I began my ministry in the regions of Syria and Cilicia. After all that time and activity I was still unknown by face among the Christian churches in Judea. There was only this report: “That man who once persecuted us is now preaching the very message he used to try to destroy.” Their response was to recognize and worship God because of me! (Galatians 1:21-24 MSG)
Paul was well educated and well respected (if not feared); still, when declaring the goodness of God he didn’t rely on eloquent words or persuasive leadership, he simply spoke from personal experience with the power of his testimony.
To be an effective witness for Jesus…
- Live out your faith.
- Share your personal testimony.
- Continually ask God to empower you by the Holy Spirit.
In a courtroom a witness is only expected to declare what they personally experienced. The entire case does not rest on them – only the part to which they can personally attest.
Never be intimidated by a lack of theological training or inexperience; just share what you know. Give people the power of your testimony.
Father, help us to be faithful witnesses of your greatness today through the power of our testimonies. In Jesus’ name, amen.
..the feet of those who bring good news
When Did We Stop Fearing God?
Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.
C.S. Lewis portrayed Aslan the Lion as being kind, but not tame. The Chronicles of Narnia allegorically tell the Gospel story.
Man tends to view God in one of two extremes – either He is a vengeful, angry God or a passive, loving God who allows everyone to win in the end.
Yet God revealed Himself as being both a God of love and a God of justice.
Justice. Now there’s a word we use quite often today. The trouble is we define it on our own terms.
Our untamable God is the one who defines justice. If He decides to eradicate a spirit of rebellion among His people, as He did in Moses’ day, then His decision is just, even if we don’t understand or agree.
Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put in it fire from the altar, and lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the LORD, the plague has begun!” Then Aaron took it as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the assembly, for behold, the plague had begun among the people. So he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. He took his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked. But those who died by the plague were 14,700, besides those who died on account of Korah. (Numbers 16:46-49 NASB)
When did we stop fearing God?
Not that I need to be afraid to approach Him – oh no! But when I approach Him I must remember who He is, and who I am not.
Is He my friend? Yes, closer than a brother!
But is He a holy, righteous God who demands my utmost respect and honor? Always.
I tell you what matters most to God is not our actions, but the position and condition of our hearts. That’s why rebellion is so evil – because it is a heart condition.
Today I am reminded that I serve God – untamable yes, but His love is behind His every decision. And I trust Him more than I trust myself.
Know What You Believe
Entering into this year I sensed God calling me (and our church) to “dig deep and lay strong foundations of faith.”
In response to that prompting we have committed ourselves to a diligent study of God’s word, to know what we believe and why we believe it.
When Paul came to Berea he found a group of people who not only received the word he brought, but also examined the Scriptures for themselves. As a result, many people placed their faith in Jesus Christ.
…for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed… (Acts 17:11-12 NASB)
It’s one thing to be told something is true. It’s another thing to study things out for yourself.
Too many people wade in the shallow shores of their beliefs, content with the splashings of “Twitter-truths,” while never committing themselves to the deep ocean of truth that remains unexplored.
The gateway into your mind should not be left unattended. Know what you are allowing to come in. Without becoming entirely skeptical, you can still be diligent.
As Paul said to his son in the faith, Timothy:
“Study to show yourself approved unto God a worker who never needs to be ashamed.”
Know what you believe.
Life Changes When We Pray
It was a turning point for Peter.
It was a turning point for the church.
It was a turning point for mankind.
In a city called Joppa, God made it very clear that His Son had come not only to save Jews, but to save all people.
It was a pivotal point in church history, and it was the direct result of Peter spending time in prayer.
On the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. (Acts 10:9 NASB)
There was nothing particularly unusual about the day. While others were preparing lunch Peter went up and spent some time in prayer – a decision that would change his life and ministry, not to mention the hope it brought to humanity.
Luke goes on to record that Peter saw a vision repeated three times, heard the voice and direction of God, obeyed God’s prompting to accompany these men to Cornelius’ house, and then witnessed the outpouring of God’s Spirit in ways he never imagined possible.
What mysteries await to be revealed in the secret place of prayer!
What wisdom has yet to be whispered in the quietness of prayer!
What power is beckoning to be released from the launching pad of prayer!
A few moments in prayer can change everything.
Your Window of Opportunity
I’m convinced that God often gives us opportunities that appear insignificant, but, when taken advantage of, lead to significant blessing.
These windows of opportunity are often accompanied by the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit, opening our eyes to a situation and prompting us to take action.
Philip sensed such an opportunity in Acts 8:29.
Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” (Acts 8:29 NASB)
Philip could have easily talked himself out of this prompting. Why would such a high ranking person in this chariot listen to the words that Philip would say? And, for that matter, what would Philip even say? How do you start a conversation with a foreign official in a chariot?
Sometimes the Holy Spirit shows us opportunities that, at first, seem either silly or daunting. But, what do we really have to lose?
Striking up a conversation doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, if you focus more on the other person than you do on your own feelings and fears, you’ll be just fine.
This week you will have some opportunities to speak on behalf of God. Just remember – God loves that person, and He wants to minister to them through you. Be willing to walk by faith and watch what God does!!
Pastor Dale Jenkins 