I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way — in all your speaking and in all your knowledge — because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful — 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (NIV)

We live in a society that feasts on the salacious and upholds all that is contrary to the Word of God. Thus, it isn’t surprising that when you talk with some Christians you soon learn that their personal testimony is quite colorful.

That being said, I sometimes wonder if we look too much at the depth of someone’s personal sin rather than at the One who delivered them from their sin. Granted, grievous sin is just that — grievous — but, not everyone sins to the same degree. Yet, we all share one thing in common — we are each sinners in need of a Savior.

Going With The Edited Testimony

There are aspects of my previous life I’m just not willing to share with everyone. In fact, there aren’t too many people who know the intimate details of my early years as I’ve chosen to focus on what my life has been like since I started following Jesus in 1985. I have enough regrets about some of my earlier life choices, youthful decisions made that sometimes effect me to this day. I prefer to concentrate on what Jesus has done for me since then and make those things my personal testimony of God’s goodness, riches, faithfulness and love.

One thing that every Christian should keep in mind is that their personal testimony is all theirs. You can’t refute what a person has experienced though you may try to explain away the changes they have gone through. Inasmuch as some refuse to give God credit where credit is His due, the person giving the testimony knows what is true. The hearer must have a heart to receive what is said, but that is a work of the Holy Spirit to prepare them to receive your testimony and not something you must do.

Testifying Moment By Moment

I usually prefer to give people current news of what God has done for me because the experience is fresh and that person may already know something about what I’ve been going through. For example, I recently had a pressing financial need and felt the Lord leading me to pray specifically for certain events to occur to help me see His hand at work.  God had me pray for a release of funds from a prospective customer and, when things were at its bleakest, He impressed upon my heart to persist in prayer.

The client not only came through while I was praying, but he chose a double portion of what he originally ordered. Moments later the funds were deposited in my account and, in an unusual twist, the client absorbed all related fees!

I can think of many situations down through the years where God intervened to help me, but this most recent event is included in my personal testimony. What’s more, I fully expect that I’ll have an updated testimony to share, many more examples of God’s work in my life, the same kind of work He can do in the life of anyone who submits to His will.

Photo Credit: SCapture

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The Scriptures say, “The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.” — I Corinthians 10:26 (CEV)

I love Spring. As I do Fall, Winter and Summer. But, Spring is the season of renewal, the time of the year when all that is hidden (flowers, leaves, and animals) are revealed once again, while that which is dead (or dormant) is brought back to life.

It is also the season when we mark Our Lord’s resurrection, the Lamb of God, who was slain from the foundation of the earth for our sins.

Next week is what some Christians call “Holy Week” which is the time spanning from Palm Sunday when Jesus was received by the masses as a triumphant king, and on through the last supper, betrayal and crucifixion, and finally His resurrection on Easter morn.  It is a wonderful time for believers to reflect on what God has done for them, offering remembrance of His perfect sacrifice for our sins.

I’m not a huge traditionalist, but I plan to mark the week by attending a midday Good Friday service as well as a Resurrection Sunday service. No, I’m not hung up on the word Easter — I know that it was originally a pagan event — and if someone wants to color eggs, bite off chocolate bunny ears or eat those sugary little peeps, then go ahead and do so to the glory of God.

Which brings me to my main point: it is easy to dwell upon what is wrong or not to our liking in this life and to be upset over this or that injustice. I fully understand this type of thinking as these days are especially challenging to mostly everyone, particularly those who are trying to live Godly lives.

But, having the right perspective isn’t looking at what is going on in Washington, DC or at your job or even at your church. Rather, how is your relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you seeking His will for your life? Are you reading His word, the Bible?

There are times I find myself overwhelmed by all of the “noise” of this world and find that the best thing to do is to steal away for a bit and spend some time with the Lord. One of my favorite ways for doing just that is to put everything to the side, head outside and take a walk. I prefer sunny days, but even on the dreariest of days I can find some benefit in leaving my cares behind.

And God is faithful to meet me where I’m at too: all I need to see is a splash of spring color, the vibrant wing of a subtropical bird or the lovely azure sky to remind me that He is in control of my life, our world and all that is within it.

Don’t let an opportunity to enjoy what God has created pass you by. These times of refreshing can change your perspective, reminding you that Jesus is alive.

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Photo Credit: Zsuzsanna Kilián

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