Tag: testimony
Day 5–Blessed Assurance of Eternal Life
Scripture reading for February 6: 1 John 5: 11-13 “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”
When you work in a dangerous field like most first responders, there is always uncertainty of whether or not this day will be your last on earth. Each incident has the potential to threaten your life or your ability to continue doing your job. But responders have learned to face each incident with courage and optimism. We are realistic about the dangers, but chose to live fearlessly trusting that everything will work out. We respond with hope and courage that keeps us calmly rendering assistance.
But our Chief Responder, Jesus Christ, doesn’t want any of His followers wondering or worrying about their lives or fearful to give their lives as they serve. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is given as a Gift from the Father to each believer. The Spirit testifies with our human spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:15-16) The Spirit testifies that God gave us eternal life in His Son. (1 John 5:6-10) The Spirit moved on John to write down these words for one purpose: “I write these things to you who believe in the Name of the Son of God that you may now that you have eternal life.” The Spirit testifies we belong to God. The Word of God proclaims that as we believe in Jesus, we have eternal life.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the blessed assurance of Your Word and the Holy Spirit Who testifies that I am in God’s family. Because of these assurances, I can face any incident or difficult circumstance and respond in faith that You are in me and will guide me through. Give my brothers and sisters who are fearful this assurance of eternal life. I am available to share Your gift of life. Amen.
Satan, Thrown Down to Earth
Scripture reading for December 16: Revelation 12
“Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” Revelation 12:7-11
By faith in God’s Word, we know that events on earth are tied to events in heaven. There is an invisible world that is more real than the physical world we can see and touch. John got to observe the war that was taking place in heaven. Michael, the Archangel assigned to Israel, was fighting against the dragon known as Satan. That great dragon was thrown down out of heaven to the earth in defeat and shame. He was noted to be the deceiver of the whole world and his fallen angels, now demons, who had rebelled with him were thrown down too. Those unsaved left on earth at that time would experience great woe because of the devil’s wrath against God and those made in His image.
But there was a great declaration of victory coming from a loud voice in heaven. The announcement that Satan had been thrown down and would no longer bring accusation against God’s people was great news. The loud voice declared the kingdom and power and salvation of Christ was now ushered in. Those who had suffered under Satan’s accusations and deception but had trusted in Christ’s shed blood and maintained their testimony of faith were overcomers! Even those who had been martyred for their faith were now alive and rejoicing at heaven’s victory through Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:12)
Have you experienced this war between Satan and those made in God’s image? How does any human being participate in this victory? Have you trusted in the ‘blood of the Lamb’ and stated that publicly?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for providing victory for Your people through the shed blood of Your own Son. We believe on Jesus, the Christ, and by faith enter that kingdom and receive His power through the infilling of the Holy Spirit to become witnesses who willingly give that others may know. Amen.
Knowing Jesus for ourselves!
Scripture reading for April 10: John 4
“Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to Him, they asked Him to stay with them, and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His Word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” John 4:39-42
Jesus had purposely gone to Samaria to reach lost people there. The Samaritans were Jews who had intermarried with the people of Canaan in disobedience to God’s Word and were shunned by the rest of the Jewish world. The Samaritans had set up their own alternate place of worship. Jesus encountered a woman at a Jacob’s well in Samaria that He initiated a conversation by asking for water. She was shocked that Jesus, a Jew, would ask her for a drink! During this encounter, Jesus revealed to her that He knew her marriage failures. He challenged her religious knowledge about worship, revealing her need to worship God in Spirit and Truth, not just in a ‘right’ location. She ran to her village and invited others to come and hear Jesus themselves.
People often respond to other’s testimony or spiritual experiences. We are all wired with a deep but hidden desire to know truth about ourselves, God, and eternity. The Jews of Jesus’ day were stirred with reports from those who had encountered Jesus, heard His teachings with authority, or received His miracles. In this Samaritan village, the woman who encountered Jesus, shared her exciting testimony of Jesus’ prophetic ability in knowing her intimately. This caused many to come to see for themselves and receive prophetic words. Jesus stayed two more days ministering there and the people’s testimony was solidified: We now know for ourselves that this is the Savior of the world! Second hand testimony is good, but no one can talk you out of a personal encounter!
Have you heard testimonies of those who have encountered Jesus today? How have you responded to what others have said about Jesus? What could you do today to seek out Jesus for a personal encounter that solidifies your faith?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for those You have sent to me with testimonies of what Jesus did for them. Thank You that You have now revealed Yourself to me personally so that I know Jesus as my Savior and the Savior of the world! Use me like this Samaritan woman to call others to Jesus today! Amen!
The power of a testimony!
Scripture reading for November 13: Acts 21-23
Have you had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ? How did it impact your life? The Word of God tells us that we overcome the accuser, Satan, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony! (Revelation 12:11) Our testimony helps us and God uses it to reach others. Many people have been won to the Lord through the power of a testimony!
Paul had gone to Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost and had taken Trophimus the Ephesian with him. He went through the temple purification rites for seven days and went to the temple to verify that the appropriate offerings had been made. There Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul and Trophimus and began to stir up a riot. They aroused the city and men came running and seized Paul and drug him out of the temple, and began to beat him, intending to kill him!
The Roman guards heard the commotion and stopped the beating, putting Paul in chains. The commotion of the crowd was so great that they had to literally carry Paul back to the barracks. The crowd was shouting, “Away with him!” (Acts 21:33-36) Paul asked the commander of the guard permission to speak to the crowd. He gave Paul permission to address the crowd.
Paul simply shared his testimony of his own encounter with Jesus Christ. These were his people and quite likely some of the same people who had earlier demanded the death of Jesus Christ. Many were likely their descendants for this was over twenty years later! In sharing his testimony, Paul told this hostile crowd about his own anger against Christ and His followers. (Acts 22:3-5) He told them how he was struck blind and Jesus spoke to him, giving him instructions. He told them of his healing and call to go to the Gentiles. At this point, the crowd turned on him again and demanded his death!
What can we learn from Paul sharing his testimony? We remember that Paul, himself, was touched by Stephen’s testimony on the day he was martyred! (Acts 22:20) We learn how our testimony helps others to relate to us and us to them. It offers us a way to share our personal encounter with Jesus Christ. The results are always up to the Holy Spirit and often they may not appear positive at first! Try sharing your testimony with someone today as the Holy Spirit directs! You will be blessed and obey Jesus!
War in heaven, the devil on earth!
Scripture reading for December 15th: Revelation 12, Psalm 100, Ecclesiastes 2
Revelation 12: 7-12 “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.””
John now writes about war in the heavenly realm. There was conflict between God’s powerful angels and Satan and his rebellious angels. There was victory for God’s angels and Satan was cast out of heaven and down to earth. Satan would no longer be allowed to accuse God’s people before the throne. The kingdom rule of God and Christ was in charge. But the accuser would attack God’s people on earth. They would overcome him through standing in faith in the victory of the cross through Jesus Christ’s shed blood and their testimony of faith. They would stay true, even if it cost their lives! In standing firm, victory was assured and they would enter God’s heavenly gates with thanksgiving and praise for His love and deliverance!
Psalm 100:4-5 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His Name! For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the promise of our victory through the blood of Your Son, our Lamb! I will cling to Jesus Christ as my testimony of salvation. Give me grace today and each day to resist temptation and thankfully enjoy life under the leadership of Your Holy Spirit. Give grace to brothers and sisters around the world under the devil’s attack. Reveal Jesus Christ as the conquering Lamb!
Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 “There is nothing better for a person that that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, is from the hand of God, for apart from Him who can eat or who can have enjoyment?”
A good testimony!
Scripture reading for October 6th: 3rd John, Psalm 50, Proverbs 14
3rd John: 9-14 “I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also add our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name.”
John calls out two people in this short letter by name. One he warns for evil in speaking lies against John and hindering the support of godly ministers. Diotrephes was self-centered and rebellious towards God’s established authority. John warned that he would confront him openly when he arrived. The other person, Demetrius, had received a good testimony from the believers and church leaders. Demetrius was following the Truth, as taught in Jesus Christ. John also testified that this was truth. John asked the believers not to imitate evil, but imitate good. This imitation was not to be a show, but come from a true relationship with Jesus Christ and obedience to Truth. John desired to come and be with them face to face to fully work through these matters with love and grace. He greeted them and asked the church leaders to greet each person by name, speaking God’s peace over them.
Psalm 50:5-6 “”Gather to Me My faithful ones, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice!” The heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is judge!” Selah
Prayer: Father God, Your testimony about me is the most important. But I know that my life impacts my spouse, my family, other believers, and those in the world I live in. May I not just imitate what is good, but do good from a healthy relationship with You and those I live with. I have made a covenant with You through the sacrifice of Your Son, Who is my righteousness. May He testify for me at the Judgment!
Proverbs 14:11-12 “The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
One Mediator between God and man
Scripture reading for September 12th: 1st Timothy 2, Psalm 32, Proverbs 27
1st Timothy 2: 1-6 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”
Prayer is the lifeline for believers! We serve a living God Who is actively listening and talking with His children. Paul encourages the believers to pray for all people, especially for those in positions of authority. Prayer paves the way for a quiet and godly life. God invites us to ask, seek, and knock for the needs we have to spread the Gospel. God desires all people to come to repentance and a knowledge of the truth of His provision for their salvation. God has provided Jesus Christ, His only Son, as the Mediator between God and man. Jesus Christ gave His life on the cross to pay the penalty of all sinners. The Gospel is the testimony of God’s saving provision given to His people to share before the final judgment. Like the days of Noah, God shut the door right before the flood came. Today is the day to act.
Psalm 32:5-6 “I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach Him.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your heart to save sinners and to respond to the prayers and intercession of Your people and Your Son, Who is our mediator. Thank You for Your call for us to pray for those in authority and for open doors to share with the lost. I offer myself to You to use to encourage Your Church to pray and to proclaim the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to save sinners!
Proverbs 27:12 “The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.”
Victorious testimony
Scripture reading for December 16th: Job 8-11, Revelation 12
Key Scriptures: Revelation 12:7-11 “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world–he was thrown down to earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”
John had a ring-side seat to a war in heaven–of all places! Angels were fighting one another with Michael, Israel’s chief angel, fighting against the ancient serpent, Satan. Satan was the deceiver of the whole world and the accuser of God’s people. He lost the conflict and was cast out of heaven and down to earth along with his other rebellious angels. A loud voice in heaven made a declaration of victory: God’s salvation and kingdom had come and Christ was in authority. All Christ’s brothers (and sisters) now conquer the accuser, Satan, through the blood of Christ Jesus–the Lamb of God and by the word of their testimony of faith in Him. Victory is assured, even in their death through martyrdom!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory won for us who believe in You on the cross of Calvary and Your own blood. Help me to faithfully declare my testimony of faith in You and Your shed blood with the lost that they also might conquer their fallen adversary and know eternal life and Your steadfast love.
Job 10:12 “You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.”
Sunday rest and reflection!
Sunday November 16, 2014
Dear Friends,
Sharing Jesus with others by sharing our testimony brings overcoming power to our lives. Many Christians never share their experiences with Christ and miss out on the blessing this brings to them as well as others. Gather today with God’s people to refocus your life on Jesus Christ and have a personal encounter with Him in worship, prayer and the Word! It will be the best decision of your life!
In His Love, Pastor John and Mary
Almost converted!
Scripture reading for November 15th: Acts 24-26
Are you ready to share your testimony and share the Gospel? Today’s reading causes us to stand up straighter and proclaim our testimony more vigorously! We are to bring close encounters with Jesus to a lost world!
The Apostle Paul visited Jerusalem and ended up in jail as he had been warned prophetically. (Acts 21:10-14) Nothing takes God by surprise and He prepares His people for the troubles ahead. Angry Jews falsely accused Paul and he was put in jail in Caesarea under the Roman governor Felix. Jews from Jerusalem came there to present their case against Paul with a lawyer named Tertullus. The charges that they made had no proof and Paul, with the help of the Holy Spirit, spoke convincingly. Felix was well acquainted with those of the “Way”. Later, he and his wife asked to have Paul brought before him for a private audience. Paul preached the Gospel and sought to convince Felix that Jesus was the “Way” for him as well. (Acts 24:24-26) Scripture records that Felix became afraid and cut Paul off. His real motive was a bribe! Money blinded Felix and his wife from finding the true treasure of eternal life in Jesus Christ!
Two years passed and a new governor, Porcius Festus, was appointed. The Jews came before him to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem for trial. They planned to kill him as he was being transferred. (Acts 25:3) Paul speaks by the Holy Spirit and appealed to Caesar. (Acts 25:10-12)
Royal visitors, King Herod Agrippa and his wife Bernice, arrived to pay respects to Porcius Festus. They stayed a few days and Festus told Agrippa about Paul’s case that he had inherited from Felix. Agrippa asked to hear from Paul. The leading men of the city, high-ranking officers, and King Agrippa and his wife held a meeting and had Paul brought in chained as a prisoner. Paul again shared his testimony of his encounter with Jesus! He passionately appealed to the King, preaching Jesus as the Christ! The King listened carefully, but stopped the discussion with a question to Paul: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28) May we keep our focus this day on bringing people close encounters with Jesus!