It has been ten months since I posted on here. wow. I've had lots of blogs run through my head, but by the time I get to my computer, they're gone. So here's this one while it's fresh on my scrambled up mind.
The word "testimony" has always made me nervous. I guess mainly because I'm so uncomfortable speaking in front of people and that's what I always thought of as "giving my testimony". I just looked the word up in Merriam-Webster's Dictionary. Interesting.
1a. the tablets inscirbed withe the Mosaic law: the ark containing the tablets
1b. a divine decree attested in the Scriptures
2a. firsthand authentication of a fact: EVIDENCE
2b. an outward sign
2c. a solemn declaration usually made orally by a witness under oath in response to interrogation by a lawyer or authorized public official
3a. an open acknowledgement
3b. a public profession of religious experience
I love 2b and 3a...and that they should go hand in hand. I've often heard people say, and have said it myself, that the way I live my life is a testimony..."2b the outward sign". But lately I've been convicted and am convinced that the "outward sign" is not enough. Not for me. Not in this day and age. It's time for more "3a an open acknowledgement".
I Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
I have learned so many truths from so many pastors, teachers and other Christians but one truth that has stuck with me and has been a "life-changer" is a statement made by my pastor (Pastor Dave) in a very informal setting...around a campfire. He was asking if anyone wanted to share anything with the group and said (my very loose paraphrase) your testimony should always be fresh. If you don't have a testimony of what God has been doing in your life over the last 4 to 6 months, you need to think seriously about your relationship with Him. Whether you're listening to Him, following and being obedient. Wow.
I love Facebook...keeping in touch with my family that I don't get to see on a daily basis, my friends both near and far, watching their kids & grandkids grow up through pics posted, what they had for dinner, who they went to the ballgame with, how unbearable the weather is, etc. But I would love to hear what God is doing in their lives! NOW! That's more important to me. That's the stuff that matters. And I know God would be so pleased to see His kids talking about Him more! How else is the rest of the world going to know that God's not dead..He's surely alive...He's living on the inside of every person that belongs to Him! The world is desperate for HOPE. You never know when something you say or post about Him will be exactly what someone else needs to hear or read. Tomorrow a new social media opens for Believers. I plan to check it out and expect to find encouragement there....but I won't neglect Facebook....because that's where the rest of the world is reading our posts. We are not of this world, but we are in it...and it's our responsibility to testify of our HOPE in Christ!
So THAT is what God is doing in me NOW. To testify. To be bold. To always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks me to give the reason for the hope I have. To step out of my comfort zone and speak out with an open acknowledgement...not just hope they'll be able to tell by how I live my life. To move from 2b to 3a.
What's He doing in you?
