Testimony!

My home is decorated with family photos, capturing a moment in time. I look at one from 1976, of a very young couple. She is visibly with child, their first. Yes, I remember the setting of that picture 4 decades later! We memorialize special moments, don’t we?  At family gathering we re-tell our stories, laughing, perhaps crying, building our sense of belonging, connected by heritage, understanding who we are in part because we know from where we came. Our stories are the testimony of what it means to belong to the Scott clan.

When Christians gather they celebrate a ritual meal and when the Cup and Bread are shared it is, as Jesus said, “in remembrance of Me.”  When go back, for a moment, to the Cross and His love. Hopefully we also recall the joy we knew when we accepted His gift of life and renew our hope.  It is important for us to tell our own faith stories, too.   

Can you tell the story of your own faith-awakening, concisely, and in a way that presents Christ to those who do not yet know His love?  We used to call that our ‘testimony.’  However we refer to it, we need to be able to tell The Story of Jesus and how He has changed our life.

When Joshua led the people of God into the Promised Land, it is worth noting that before they started the campaign of conquest, they built a memorial! After God stopped the Jordan River so that they could cross on dry land, here is what he did.  "On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan.

He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The LORD your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.” (Joshua 4:19-24, NIV)  The stones told the story. They were a testimonial to the faithfulness of God.

Theology and doctrine are of critical importance but those truths live through real people, you and me. Paul says that our lives, when changed by the Truth of Christ, are to “reflect^ the Lord’s glory” as we are “being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory.” (2 Corinthians 3)  Our children, our extended family, our friends need to ‘see’ the Gospel even more than they need to hear it.

One of the ways they see it is in the work of the Spirit happening in us in the ordinary days, when we tell our testimony. When we walk with Jesus, we need not be self-conscious about talking of our Friend. We must not invent fanciful tales. We just tell the stories of His grace and love.  These stories are the ‘memorial stones’ that cause others to “might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful.”

I love to hear those authentic stories of His grace, that is often found in our failure.  My faith finds refreshing in the testimony of a Believer who knows her God personally. Do you know Him?

In John 9, there is a story of a man whose sight was restored by Jesus’ touch. His exuberance in telling the story caused the religious authorities to haul him in for questioning, insisting that he must be making it up, that it could not be true. They badgered the man and his parents. "They asked them, “Is this your son? Was he born blind? If so, how can he see?”(John 9:19, NLT) "So for the second time they called in the man who had been blind and told him, “Give glory to God by telling the truth, because we know Jesus is a sinner.” (John 9:24, NLT)

I love his response to this, and take the word from the Word for us today from his conclusion. “I don’t know whether he is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” (John 9:25, NLT)

Can you say the same, that Jesus has taken away your spiritual blindness, given you eyes that see the goodness of God?  What’s your testimony about His grace and goodness?

__________________

My Testimony

 I saw Satan fall like lightning

I saw darkness run for cover

But the miracle that I just can't get over

My name is registered in heaven

 

I believe in signs and wonders

I have resurrection power

Still the miracle that I just can't get over

My name is registered in heaven

My praise belongs to You forever

 

This is my testimony from death to life

'Cause grace rewrote my story I'll testify

By Jesus Christ the Righteous I'm justified

This is my testimony (oh I'm alive)

(This is my testimony)

 

Come together sons and daughters

Bought with blood and washed in water

Sing the praises of the Spirit Son and Father

Our God will finish what He started

Our God will finish what He started

 

If I'm not dead You're not done

Greater things are still to come

Oh I believe

 

Brandon Lake | Chris Brown | Steven Furtick | Tiffany Hammer

© Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC)

Maverick City Publishing (Admin. by Heritage Worship Music Publishing) (Admin. by Heritage Worship Publishing)

Bethel Music Publishing

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The First Step!

 

Sometimes people ask me, “What is the hardest part of preparing a sermon?”  My reply is a bit irreverent – “Getting my behind into my desk chair!”  As with so many things, big and small, the first step is usually the most difficult. There is a moment when we must commit ourselves, putting our minds and hands to the task. 

When we contemplate starting something new – we often see a wall of impossibilities, don’t we?  However, when we begin, when we tackle the task, there are resources, there is determination, and somehow it gets done.

The book of Joshua tells the story of Israel’s possession of the Promised Land.  In chapter 3 they are camped on the plains, ready to go. But, there is a problem. Between Canaan and their camp the Jordan River was a barrier. To complicate matters, at the time of their contemplated crossing it was 'at flood stage.'  

Joshua, who was proven in his faith told the people - "Think of it! The Ark of the Covenant, which belongs to the Lord of the whole earth, will lead you across the Jordan River! Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe. The priests will be carrying the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. When their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will pile up there in one heap.” (Joshua 3:11-13, NLT)  How many of them heard him and silently said, “I’ll believe that when I see it!”?

40 years earlier their parents, when faced with the difficulties of possessing the Promised Land, had refused God’s invitation. Their faithlessness caused them to die as wanderers in the wilderness. Joshua was a survivor of that generation. The promise is theirs to own, but, they will have to make a choice of faith unlike their fearful fathers. 

He pressed them to consecrate themselves, to follow the Lord, and to ‘step into the river.” And, when they did the river stopped flowing! Joshua summarizes the occasion saying, "This was so that everybody on earth would recognize how strong God’s rescuing hand is and so that you would hold God in solemn reverence always." (Joshua 4:24, The Message)

Note this! The river stopped flowing ONLY “when their feet touched the water.”  They had to take that first step in faith before the miracle happened!  

There is a powerful life lesson here for us. When God says, "Go," and it appears that there is no way, it’s time to step into the water! Faith will follow the Presence of the Lord, just as the people of Israel followed the Ark of the Covenant into the Jordan River and committed themselves to the possession of God’s promise. Obedience will open a way forward - from where we are into a new and wonderful place of His purposes.

What seemingly insurmountable situation hinders your spiritual progress today?
Is God inviting you to a new ministry, to a new season of growth, to discovery of His promise and Presence in a deeper way?

Are you willing to follow in faith and obedience, one step at a time?

 That first step ‘into the river’ is the toughest one, but if you are led by Him, He will make a way.

This word from the Word is a song for the tested, one that anticipates the fulfilment of His promises.  As you read these ancient, inspired words, I pray that the Holy Spirit will make them alive and compelling to you.

"O Israel, the Lord who created you says:
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters and great trouble,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”  (Isaiah 43:1-7, NLT)

___________ 

Got Any Rivers

(Selah encourages our faith with their beautiful arrangement)

Got any rivers

You think are uncrossable

Got any mountains

You can't tunnel through

God specializes in

Things tho't impossible

He does the things

Others cannot do

 

Oscar C. Eliason © 1945
Assigned New Spring (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.)

CCLI License # 810055

He knows ME!

 

“Daddy, watch me!” I can still hear the now decades old echoes of my little ones who wanted me to notice their latest accomplishment. Wise parents know the importance of validating their children, with sincere praise, with focused attention and meaningful affirmation. It builds confidence in that child, helps to ground her in a world filled with those who will affirm less desirable choices if her parents do not encourage the best ones.

To some degree, we all continue to desire that kind of affirmation. My are still not too old to hear, “I’m proud of you!”  Nor, am I.  I find it deeply gratifying when someone tells me how my work and/or life has encouraged, helped, or blessed them.

There is a passage in the Psalms that reminds us of God’s notice.
It can be read as a warning. When a parent tells their little one, “Remember, I’ve got eyes on the back of my head,” it’s a warning that if they misbehave, it will be noted and there will be consequences. When that same parent says, “I’ll always love you and take note of who you are,” the words are an affirmation. 

Read on … "O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord." (Psalm 139:1-4, NLT)

Ah, friend, I rest in those words, finding them greatly comforting.
Is it because everything I do is right, every thought perfectly conformed to His will? Oh if only that were the case, but I am still part of a fallen Creation, as the hymn says, “prone to wander, prone to leave the God I love.”  

So, how can I feel good about my Father’s omniscience if it means that what He sees includes my successes and my failures, my temptations and my sins?  Because I know that He is a gracious Father, full of compassion and mercy. I also know that I have a powerful Advocate in Heaven, Jesus Christ, Who is making my case, forgiving my failures, and giving me the gift of the Spirit so that I can grow in grace.  

Truth!
"The eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, (who revere Him) on those whose hope is in his unfailing love." (Psalm 33:18, NIV)  I remember the story of Hagar, the servant of Sarah, who became a surrogate mother for her, bearing Abraham a son. Jealousy made their household a place of terrible tension and Hagar was thrown out, a woman in a world where there no social safety existed. Alone in the wilderness, in despair, a messenger of God found her, assured her of God’s notice. Apparently she found the courage to go back to the family of Abraham, and she discovered something about God we need to know, too. "She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13, NIV)

God sees past the outside, deeper than your image, knowing you better than you know yourself – and He loves you.  He really sees you. Draw great comfort from that fact. He makes no mistakes, never jumps to a hasty conclusion, and is never tricked by ‘first impressions.’ He sees, He knows, and He loves. 

That is why we can pray the closing lines of David’s song in that Psalm.  He trusts himself to God’s mercy and to the truth that his Father can and will lead him to a transformed life. "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT)  Will you join him in that prayer of faith? I will!

Here is a word from the Word, poured out to El Roi (The God who sees me) today.
"We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you." (Psalm 33:20-22, NIV)  Amen.

___________ 

Everlasting God
(Listen and choose to ‘wait on the Lord’)

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

We will wait upon the Lord

 

Our God You reign forever

Our Hope our strong Deliv'rer

 

You are the everlasting God

The everlasting God

You do not faint

You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak

You comfort those in need

You lift us up on wings like eagles

 

Brenton Brown | Ken Riley

© 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055

Murdering God?

 

Is God dead? Friedrich Nietzsche, the 19^th century German philosopher, shocked the world by proclaiming the ‘death of God.’ This son of a Lutheran pastor rejected Christianity as a young adult and became a fierce opponent of the faith.  In the second half of that century, many in Europe were leaving Christian faith, which led him to make his shocking declaration about the ‘murder of God.’ Nietzsche wrote of the danger that came with abandoning God and leaving behind the social and moral contracts that had been cornerstones of Western culture for centuries. Would anarchy result? Would the social order fall apart?

His answer was to substitute the discovery of and the assertion of Self for the God of Christian faith, becoming one’s own god. He saw the love and compassion which Jesus taught as a trap of weakness, choices to serve the weak and thus to promote mediocrity. His philosophy was twisted to serve the ends of the Nazi party in Germany and became the justification for the atrocities of the Holocaust as well as the terrible cost of World War 2.  

God is NOT dead but millions of us act as if He were. Is this new?  No, it isn’t.
David’s song of the 2^nd Psalm, acknowledges that our sinful nature resists submission to the living God.  "Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from this slavery.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury." (Psalm 2:1-5, NLT)  

As I look across this nation it appears to me, that for many, in essence, God is dead. “I will follow my own will” is the rallying cry for sexual license, for greed, for discrimination, for abortion rights, for racism, and so many other issues. The old line that ‘might makes right’ is now accepted truth. Power is no longer seen as a sacred trust, it is now pursued so that those holding it are able to force an agenda with no external restraint coming from Heaven. The social, political, and moral anarchy in our land is, I believe, a direct result of rejecting God and chasing self-fulfillment above all.
(Please do not stop reading here!)

But, it is too easy to rail on the culture, to point out the sins of society while ignoring our own choices. Christian, we need to start much closer to home, examining our own lives.  

Have you killed God? Of course, neither you nor I can actually ‘kill’ the Lord of Glory, but we can think, act, and live as if He were dead. We may hold memories of Him, even keep the customs that celebrate Jesus, without really serving Him, without bowing our will to His. 

Faith is not really faith if it just sentiment or tradition. James, in his letter to us, uncompromisingly calls for action aligned with our claim to faith. "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." (James 2:17-18, NIV)  "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:7-10, NIV)

Christian, let’s become true disciples of Jesus, heart and mind submitted to His will, our highest aim to know, serve, and love Him. And, He will LIVE in us!

Here is a word from the Gospels. Lord, speak to my heart.
Jesus says,  “If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you." (John 14:15-17, NIV)

“If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him." (John 14:23, NIV) "The Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26-27, NIV)

_________ 

Build My Life

(Jesus, our solid Foundation, our Savior, our Lord)

Worthy of ev’ry song we could ever sing

Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

 

Jesus the name above ev’ry other name

Jesus the only one who could ever save

Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe

We live for You

We live for You

 

Holy there is no one like You

There is none besides You

Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are

And fill me with Your heart

And lead me in Your love to those around me

 

I will build my life upon Your love

It is a firm foundation

I will put my trust in You alone

And I will not be shaken

 

Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett

© 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited)

Kaple Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)

Bethel Music Publishing

CCLI License # 810055