Again With The Testimony - Trust

"If you happen to think to yourself, These nations are greater than we are; how can we possibly possess their land? don't be afraid of them! Remember, instead, what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt." (Deuteronomy 7:17-18)

Most of us are far enough along in life that we have decades of experience with almost everything. Those of us fortunate enough to have known the Lord for most of this time could write a library of books about Father's actions on our behalf during most of these experiences. This means we have a wealth of testimonies to draw on when we need to encourage ourselves in the Lord during any valley moments.

We should, but often, in our panic, we forget where our salvation comes from. We forget who has never failed us. We forget who has all the resources. And we forget who loves us more than any other. No one can touch his wisdom. And no one is as intensely occupied with our success in this journey.

Like Israel, when we face giants, mountains and situations that are greater than we are, we need only remember our past experiences with Father and trust. He is forever the same. His love is a constant because he can't be any more or any less than himself. He is our rescuer. He is our provider. He is our teacher. He is our corrector. He is our guide. He is ... more than enough in every situation.

Trust.

"Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me." (John 14:1)

Not A Matter Of Theory Only

"These words that I am commanding you today must always be on your minds. Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are sitting around your house and when you are out and about, when you are lying down and when you are getting up. Tie them on your hand as a sign. They should be on your forehead as a symbol. Write them on your house’s door frames and on your city’s gates." (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

The Bible is the revelation of God that God himself has given to us. It is not a book of theory but an explanation of what we experience with God. It is an explanation of how life works when we belong to him. It explains the condition of the world and what his plan is to reconcile the world to him. If the Bible remains a bunch of stories, explanations and theories, it is useless to us.

It was not just the commandments and instructions we were told to pass on to our children. In Deuteronomy 4 verse 9 we read the directive to pass on to the children everything they had seen and experienced. These are the things that the Bible gives explanation concerning, but they are meant to be experienced.

Faith is not a theory. Faith is a substance that God has given to us and it is applied when we experience moments that go beyond our intelligence. We experience faith when we are beyond our own strength, ability, finances. These are not times to run away from but to grab and experience. We do not strive to obtain faith but surrender to God in the experience so it can be activated. We need these difficult and challenging times so we can gain experience to know how faith works.

Even in our testimonies to our children, it is simply a help for them to understand what they are experiencing when they experience it so that they know to surrender and allow God to do what he does.  

Passing On The Story Of Your Family's Spiritual History

There is a reason why our Father gives us occasions to  store away testimonies of what he has done; he knows we easily forget. We could be facing disaster today, call out to him and have testimony of his rescue. But next week something similar could happen and we are once again filled with fear and anxiety because we forget what he has already done for us.

Remembering is important in our developing relationship with our Father and in our growing understanding of how the Kingdom functions. He takes us through things so that we will develop, grow, mature and gain testimony to teach others.

"But be on guard and watch yourselves closely so that you don't forget the things your eyes saw and so they never leave your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren." (Deuteronomy 4:9)

We understand the importance of teaching the instructions of the Lord to our children and grandchildren but in this case it is the testimony that we are told to pass on. We are to tell our  children and grandchildren about our story with God. We are suppose to tell them of what God has done, answered prayers, miracles, interventions, rescues, provision. They need to know more than theory, they need to hear the practical application of being a child of God.

It is more than the testimony of your salvation moment; it is your ongoing story of you and your Saviour. It is about your spiritual growth. It is about your increasing revelation. It is about the Lord's constant interaction and intervention in your history.

Yesterday I was in Walmart with my wife and I saw a baby's album for grandmothers. I scoffed at it at first because I thought it was an album for recording things about the baby. I figured it was just another thing to make money but when I looked inside I realized its true value. It wasn't the story of the baby but of the grandmother to pass on to the baby. It was all about the family history so the baby would understand his roots.

This is the idea of passing on your testimonies, what you have seen and experienced with God; your family's spiritual roots. Every family needs a book of testimony!

The Importance Of The Testimony As Demonstrated By Moses

It has been a while since I even attempted blogging for a whole truck load of reasons. I am not in a position to start back. However, I need a platform for journaling scripture I am chewing on. I considered various platforms but I want something that is online for safe keeping and will assist me in keeping my progress organized. It may mean several entries in a day and some contradictory thoughts. But this is a chewing process for my own edification.

Today I was reading through Deuteronomy 3 and 4.

It seems Moses had done some journaling of his own and was in the process of reviewing his recordings with the nation. The purpose was simple: to strengthen them in the Lord. Moses was about to die, Joshua was about to take over and they were about to head into a life of war. They needed to be reminded that God is good, that they are on his side and that everything is possible through him. So Moses reminds them of the many testimonies of God's goodness to them.

This is a great idea for everyone, because we have very short memories. We could be thanking Father for his provision today and tomorrow be filled with fear about provision. We forget the purpose of testimony.

1. Testimony tells us what God is doing.
2. God has no favorites which means a testimony tells us that what he did for one person he wants to do for everyone.
3. Testimony is meant to encourage the Body of Christ and reveal his glory to the lost.

Testimonies can be considered like food stored in the pantry. With a full pantry we can nourish ourselves when needed. With a pantry filled with testimonies we are able to eat well from the Lord, finding new energy and strength to function as "more than overcomers".

Before entering a God-arranged battle, it is good to review our journal of testimonies.

I Was Dying But I Decided to Live

I almost died two weeks ago but I made a choice to live.

I've been wanting to tell my story for a while but there hasn't been much time so I am attempting to tell it today.

Two weeks ago I woke on a Monday morning. It started like any other morning as the alarm went off and I turned to my phone to read my Bible before getting out of bed. But as I was reading, the screen suddenly changed. It confused me at first until I noticed my thumb was touching the screen. But I couldn't feel it touching the screen. Then the screen changed again.

I figured my arm had gone to sleep so I switched the phone to my left hand but as I did my right arm fell by my side, lifeless. I could not move it. I couldn't even feel it. Then a wave of strangeness washed over me and I knew I was in trouble. I didn't know what was wrong but I knew it was something terrible.

I nudged my wife and told her I was feeling strange. She rolled over and looked at me. She quickly sprung up and said "Something is wrong with your face." Fear and panic was all over hers. I realized that I couldn't feel the right side of my face and talking suddenly took a great deal of effort. Everything suddenly seemed to go into slow motion and took on an alien feeling. It all looked and felt unfamiliar. That's when my brain turned to mush and my thinking became muddled.

I managed to get out the words, "Call 9-1-1".

I couldn't believe the words that were coming out of my mouth. Did I really need help? Yes I did. Panic started to grip me.

I turned to get out of bed and promptly fell into my nightstand and slid onto the floor. Where I fell is where I stayed. I couldn't move, even though I could tell it was awkward and painful I could not will my body to get into a more comfortable position. Not only couldn't I will my body to move, I didn't care to move.

As my wife was talking to the 9-1-1 operator a strange realization hit me: I was dying. In that instant I was overwhelmed by the presence of Jesus. Words describe it have yet to be invented. To describe it poorly, my whole being was flooded by peace and joy. I started to sing, if that is what it could be called with half my mouth paralyzed. I was overwhelmed with a desire to proclaim the name of Jesus and to tell him I loved him. I just kept saying over and over again, "I love you Jesus" because he was right there holding me.

I didn't see him. There was no bright light or tunnel. There was only the comforting presence of my Lord, pushing away all fear, worry, concern and anxiety. There was only peace, joy, and gladness.

As this was happening I was also telling my wife how much I loved her and that it was okay. I told her that I was going now and that I wanted to say good-bye to my children. Things were beginning to fade and the presence of Jesus grew stronger. This life was fading away, the world was behind me, there wasn't any desire in me but to go. I wanted to go. I was longing to go. Everything of this earth was passing away, my mind and heart were filled only with a desire for Jesus.

I turned to my wife to say a final good-bye and to again express my love, but I was struck by what I saw. It was her tears that caused me to turn away from what I was feeling and desiring, to realize her situation. Her reality began to penetrate the peace and joy that enveloped me. Suddenly I felt selfish as images of what she would be left with came flooding into my mind. My heart welled up with love, compassion and concern for this woman who I loved so dearly. I saw the children, the store, the finances, her loneliness and I knew I couldn't leave her like that.

Something changed. I had a desire to stay. I asked to stay. I fought against my own will in order to stay. And I told my wife as much as she continued dealing with the 9-1-1 operator. I started telling her "I'm fighting. I'm fighting." Unfortunately, due to the paralysis of my face what came out was "I'm farting," but somehow she understood. I refused to close my eyes and I started thanking Jesus for my life.

The Scripture that kept going through my head and heart was:

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me." (Philippians 1:20-26)

By the time the paramedics arrived my brain was functioning as if I was drunk. I was enveloped by peace and joy due to the presence of the Lord but I knew I wasn't going to die. I knew I had a choice and I made it for the sake of my wife. Oh, I wanted to go. I wanted to enter into rest. I was more than content to leave the burdens of this world behind but for the sake of my wife I decided to stay and the Lord honoured the desire of my heart.

The paramedics and fire fighters managed to pick me up off the floor and strap me into a chair to get me down the stairs. I was frustrated I couldn't help them, having no strength in the functioning part of my body. I remember apologizing that I weighed so much ( I am a tall man) but they politely ignored me. As they wheeled me out of the bedroom my daughter Jennifer looked on with great concern. I tried my best to convey to her that I loved her and that everything was going to be okay. But there was no waiting now. Those paramedics thought they had 3 hours to save my life, they had no idea what the Lord was already doing. The power of our God was about to manifest.

Wait until you read what miracle happened next. Part two.

The Purpose Of Your Testimony

You need to have a testimony. The Lord wants us to have a testimony. A testimony gives witness to the existence and character of our God. It is not good enough to say "I believe in Jesus because my parents did". A testimony is a moment when the Lord does something so big in your life that he leaves no doubt in you. A testimony is something to look back at and remember in moments of doubt. A testimony is the story you tell to those who do not have one as evidence of God's existence and love. He wants each of his children to have one.

The Lord gave a testimony to the entire nation of Israel when he rescued them from their slavery in Egypt. He knew that hardship would fall on them but he was going to use that suffering to give them a testimony that they would always look back at as a nation. It was that "wow" moment and he had planned it from the beginning:

“Go to Pharaoh. I’ve made him and his officials stubborn so that I can show them my signs and so that you can tell your children and grandchildren how I overpowered the Egyptians with the signs I did among them. You will know that I am the Lord.” (Exodus 10:1-2)

I don't think there is a better passage in the Bible for summing up the purpose of the testimony he gives to us.

I accepted Jesus as my Saviour at the age of seven, according to my mother's faith but I did not know Jesus until I was 19 years old, when he gave me my testimony. He allowed me to escape into rebellion, to become enslaved by many things of this world. Then he mounted a rescue where he alone saved me from destruction, when he made himself known to me in a way I could never doubt. Regardless of what becomes of me or what the world may say, no one could ever rob me of the testimony I have been given.

As I watch my children face the perils of this world, some lost in rebellion, some questioning without a testimony, I do not fear. I know what the Lord is doing because he did it for me. He is working on their testimony and a moment will come for the "wow", when Jesus will leave no doubt in them as to who he is and how he loves and what he is inviting them into. The choice will always be theirs so my prayers are that they will decide for Jesus, but I know Jesus will present them with that choice.

Once you have your testimony don't ever let go of it. There will be more to follow but it is that first one that will see you through all that lay ahead of you. Share it often and remember it well. He planned it from the beginning.

Seek Your Own Revelation

We can't live off of someone else's faith. That is the weakness of the Church, we either put too much emphasis on the corporate experience or not enough. We must always keep in mind that we are an individual unit within the context of the whole. As individuals we are responsible for our own spiritual health and fervor. We cannot exist within the whole unless we have our own relationship with the Head. We all need to know and have experienced Jesus for ourselves, not live off the pastor's experience, or Joe's or our parents.

There is an incident in Scripture where Jesus had an encounter with a woman at a well. In this conversation Jesus revealed the woman's sin and offered her salvation. The fact that he had knowledge of her situation gave him legitimacy in her eyes and she marveled at him. Then she did what comes natural to anyone who first encounters Jesus, she ran and told everyone she knew about him. Then the whole town came out to see what she was talking about. Evangelism 101.

Now let's look at what the Scripture says:

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” (John 4:39)

That's always encouraging when people believe because of your testimony. But some of these people did not leave it there. They wanted more:

So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. And many more believed because of His own word. (John 4:40-41)

Even better, they have encountered Jesus and received the Good News he preached. That is where we want to get people, believing because of their relationship with Jesus not just because of our testimony. Our testimony is great but it only opens the door to a wonderful relationship with Jesus. Look at what they said to the woman:

Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” (John 4:42)

Bingo! This is what we need everyone to experience, their own revelation of Jesus Christ. If people try to live off of my testimony they may last for a bit but eventually it will fade. They will be assailed on every side and eventually overcome because there was nothing to sustain or protect them. But when people encounter Jesus for themselves, they experience daily renewal in that relationship.

It is similar to the saying about teaching a man to fish as opposed to simply giving him a fish. We can simply give our testimony which is a good beginning place and satisfies the need short term, but when they encounter Jesus they have everything they need for all eternity. Let's encourage each other to go higher, deeper and wider with Jesus until we have attained the full measure. There is so much more that we have not even begun to understand about him, but one thing we know, "he loves us and gave himself for us".

You Are Not Insignificant To Our Enemy

Do you sometimes feel insignificant, as if whatever you do will go unnoticed by everyone? If you are a child of Yahweh don't you believe it. There are more eyes on you than you can possibly understand. You see, the enemy knows what kind of influence you have and he looks for every opportunity to diminish that influence. Meanwhile, the world is looking for someone who actually believes and lives by the words of Jesus. The world wants to see if there is any sincerity left. You have more eyes on you than you can possibly know.

The enemy hates sincere believers; those that trust and live by the words of Jesus. He hates those who desire above all else to know Jesus and to walk in his footsteps. He hates and wants to destroy a powerful testimony. So he will push and prod and lay down traps to try to destroy you. His biggest tool is fear. He may not cause situations but he will try to use the good things Jesus is doing in your life, twisting them to produce fear. A glaring example of this is found in Nehemiah.

Nehemiah had come back from captivity to give oversight and encouragement to the rebuilding of Jerusalem but there were many enemies who wanted to stop him. However, Nehemiah was there under the authority of the king of Babylon. He had full authority to do what he was doing so the enemy had to be crafty in their discouragement. Sound familiar? We have full authority under our King to do what we do but the enemy does all he can to bring in discouragement.

In this case, the enemy tried to use an informer, a traitor in their midst, to produce fear in Nehemiah. He told him that his enemies were going to do a sneak attack and kill him. He advised him to go into the temple and lock the door to stay safe. He wanted to produce fear in Nehemiah so Nehemiah would take a cowardly act to preserve himself. This would have brought a halt to the work, discouraged the people and showed a lack of faith. But the enemy forgets that we are well equipped in our relationship with Yahweh to see through such traps:

And I said, “Should such a man as I flee? And who is there such as I who would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in!” Then I perceived that God had not sent him at all, but that he pronounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. For this reason he was hired, that I should be afraid and act that way and sin, so that they might have cause for an evil report, that they might reproach me. (Nehemiah 6:11-13)

Jesus has given you a testimony so he may be glorified through you. Your life is no longer about you but about everyone Jesus can influence through you. Often the difficulties we go through are not about us but about Jesus using us to show sincere faith to the world. He is shining through our weaknesses, our circumstances, as we hold to our faith and trust, not complaining but praising. When people see us in our trials giving praise to Jesus it confuses them. But when they see Jesus answer our needs they begin to see the quality of his love for us. This is the thing the enemy wants to destroy.

There is a reason we are told to put on the full armour of God; we need it. The reason we need it is because on our own we cannot stand up against the fierceness, boldness and trickery of the enemy. The armour and the position we are told to take is all about defense. We are told that after we have done everything we can to stand, we are to stand. We have been given a testimony; stand in it. We have been given territory to defend; defend it. We have been given instructions from Jesus; follow them. Don't turn to the right or to the left. Don't listen to the little whispers. Pay no attention to the rumours that produce fear. You are a fierce warrior in the Lord's army so act like it as you place all your trust in the King.

No matter how insignificant you feel at times, you aren't. So many eyes are watching you, trying to decide whether you are the real thing, a real believer, a real child of Yahweh. Do not allow the enemy to steal that from you. Don't give your testimony away. Even if you have to lay down your life to preserve it, understand, Jesus is able to keep what you have committed to him. I leave you with our brother Paul's words:

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

Fight on!

What Are Your Actions Saying About Jesus?

We talk big. We really do. We have a lot to say about our God and about our relationship with him. It is all good stuff and it should be very encouraging to people. The only problem is that we are often hypocritical in our actions. We say that we love Jesus but then we don't always do what he says. We say we trust Jesus but we seem to have a break down as soon as we face any difficulty. We say that we walk with him but don't spend any time in the Word or in prayer. We say that we want what he wants, we want to live his will, but then we never take time to understand that will and just do what we think is best. People stop listening because of our inconsistency.

We need to jealously guard the testimony Jesus has given us and we need to be consistent in our witness. We should never be afraid of weakness in the face of adversity because he loves to glorify himself through our weaknesses. The Word tells us that he searches the earth looking for those who are loyal to him so he can reveal himself through their weakness. This is not unlike the famous passage where the apostle Paul is shown this truth and declares he wants to be weak always so that Jesus can be revealed in him.

Consider Ezra for a moment. He came from a long line of priests and was a scribe of the law of Moses. Ezra was also in captivity. But this was the time of the great release, when it was put in the hearts of the foreign kings to release the children of Yahweh and to support the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple. I imagine Ezra had spent a long time explaining Yahweh and Israel to the king and even bragged about the power of Yahweh.

The king commissioned Ezra to return to Jerusalem and make offerings on his behalf. He loaded him down with officials and lots of money so it is obvious that Ezra's words must have had an impact. But then those words were put to the test. The empire was huge and hard to police so travel was dangerous. It was only natural that with all that money Ezra should request an armed escort. But Ezra was sensitive to the words, the testimony he had spoken to the king:

For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. (Ezra 8:22-23)

It may seem like a little thing to you but it speaks volumes to me that Ezra was jealous for the reputation of Yahweh. He had told the king that Yahweh's favour rested upon all those who served him. Imagine how that testimony would have been diminished if Ezra had asked for protection. So he did what we all should do, he fasted and prayed until the Lord's will and direction were made clear to him. They were protected by Yahweh and the testimony stood.

Sometimes we are guilty of bragging about things that we are not prepared to live. It is easy to talk of trust until we are put in a desperation situation where we have to exercise that trust. It is easy to talk to others about faith until we are in a situation where we have to lean only on the promises of Jesus. The worse times are when we have a choice to either trust Jesus or to ask the world for help. Too many of us turn to the world and allow our testimony to fall. We should not speak of anything that we are not willing to put into action because we will be held accountable for our words.

I think it would be a good thing if we decided to be more transparent and honest with ourselves and those in our sphere of testimony. Sometimes we have to grow into trust and faith but we need to be aware of it so we can speak our testimony in such a way. We are just beginners in this relationship so we should not claim to be something we are not. We are learning to trust, learning to obey, learning to walk by faith. Our desire should always be to have our walk match our talk. When our words are put to the test, as they were for Ezra, we shouldn't shrink back but instead throw ourselves into the arms of Jesus, seeking his strength and direction. It is good to brag about the Lord but it is even better to allow him to glorify himself in your weakness so the whole world can see him in us. That is our purpose.

God Does Not Need Us To Prop Him Up

We've got to stop propping God up and let him protect his own reputation. We are doing him a great disservice by thinking we have to defend him or do anything for him unless we have been assigned the task and are relying on his strength. Is he without power or intellect? As he said to others, do we think his arm is too short?

Do you remember the account of David's first attempt to bring the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem? There is mention in it that God's throne sat between the two angels on the cover of the Ark. This was a very important symbolic thing between God and the nation he had raised up to represent him. It was holy because it belonged to God.

In 1 Chronicles 13 we read that the oxen had stumbled so Uzzah, who was walking beside it, reached out his hand to prevent the Ark from tipping. You would think this was an act of kindness, love, dedication, a natural thing to do. But God killed Uzzah for doing this. There were two problems with Uzzah's actions.

First, he was not a Levite. God was very specific in his instructions concerning the care of the Ark. The responsibility had been given to the Levites and even they were not permitted to touch it. They were given very long poles that went through loops on the Ark. Remember this thing was extremely important and holy; it bore the name of God. (1 Chronicles 13:6) David did wrong in not asking the Lord how he wanted it done. He consulted his military leaders and all of Israel but he did not consult God.

Second, Uzzah gave a bad testimony about the greatness of God. If God could not look after the Ark, protecting it and providing for it, what did that say for God's ability to protect and care for his nation or his governance over all of creation? In that one simple act Uzzah tried to rob God of all the glory due him. God does not need defenders. He does not need anyone to look after him or protect him. He does need our sacrifices and is not dependent on our worship. He is self-sufficient. He has designed the Body of Christ and put a structure in place. He has assigned each person a place with responsibility and he has empowered each to do what needs to be done. But it is his choice. It is by his power.

Praise Jesus for this age of grace in which we live or there would be a lot more Uzzah's being buried. We are terribly guilty of robbing God of his glory. We weaken our testimony about his greatness all the time. Every time we defend him. Every time we try to argue his existence.  Every time we try to be something for which we have not been called. Every time we take on a responsibility that is not ours because it doesn't appear anyone else is around to do it. This isn't our place. We must let God be God, without definition, explanation or defense. God can explain himself. God can defend himself. God will reveal himself. God can provide for himself. God raises up and tears down. We call him Lord for a reason. It is our place to testify and worship because of what he is doing. For us "doers" that is harder than it sounds.

Two chapters over in 1 Chronicles we find David's second attempt to bring in the Ark, but this time he has either read or received instructions on how to do it. This time the Levites knew that it was God who was in charge any they were simply to follow his instructions. Instead of trying to do it on their own, they understood their place, and they were grateful. They made sacrifices to God for doing it through them instead of having the attitude they were doing it for God:

God gave the Levites the strength they needed to carry the chest, and so they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. (1 Chronicles 15:26)     

Maybe that is too subtle a difference to understand but it is a major difference. We do not use our strength to assist God because he is too weak to do it on his own. Instead, God gives us the strength to complete what he has given us to do. Uzzah was not the chosen instrument and his actions gave a poor testimony as to God's greatness. The Levites were the chosen instrument and God gave them the ability to do it, for which he received the glory; a proper testimony from the instruments of God.

This is why it is vital that we understand who God is, who we are in him and what responsibility has been assigned to us. We have been assigned a place in the Body to serve Jesus. It doesn't matter if we think we are capable or not. God will provide and it will only add to our testimony of his greatness. And please, let God be God. Serve according to his will and take only the actions he has instructed you today. He is holy and all who belong to him are holy.

Let's Let Them Know About Jesus!

Given the right circumstance and motivation, we can all be bold. Some of you know that I was always a quiet kid growing up; quiet when adults were around. However, get me with my friends, away from everyone else and I was a wild man. At home with my parents I was a reader, stayed to myself, didn't venture an opinion on anything. With my friends I was an adventurer, building forts in the tree tops, daring to jump bikes over dangerous places, speeding down snow covered hills at break-neck speed. In the right circumstances we are all bold.

Boldness takes a certain level of confidence and trust. When we are with those we trust, those who we know will watch out for us, those who accept us for who we are, those who do not put limits on us, we can be fiercely bold. Imagine how bold we should be in the presence of our Lord and friend. Imagine how we should be all day long as we journey through the day with our Jesus. Imagine the confidence we should have in obedience to our King, who has promised to always be with us and who knows us better than anyone else. Imagine the comfort we feel considering Jesus has seen us at our worst and still covers us, still calls us blameless and innocent and who still desire a deeper relationship with us.

Who cares what anyone else has to say or whatever opinion anyone else has. I am looking for Jesus' approval and I want to do his will. All day long I just want to be in obedience to his desire for me. It's all that matters. It's all that should matter.

Remember though, he has purpose for our living. He has given us a message to give to others. He has done something wonderful for us and has told us to tell others about it. He wants the whole world to know how wonderful and loving he is. He wants them to know there is hope, a way out, a better life, a greater way, someone to love them, someone to set them free. You have that message they need to hear. You are Jesus' testimony.

It's not easy at times because our flesh still tries to hold us back. We hate rejection. We hate standing out in a crowd. We hate being alone, caste out, marginalized. But this is where we need to remember how important Jesus is to us and we need to remember we have been called to this important task and we need to remember the boldness that is ours because of this relationship. Apostle Paul knew it was hard at times but he also knew he had to be bold in the proclamation of the good news:

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)

Fearlessly? What did Paul have to fear? Death? Rejection? That his flesh would try to set different priorities for him? That he would be worried about the opinions of others? Paul had more enemies than all of us combined and he was facing trial. Paul was about to stand before Caesar and he did not want that fact to cower him into speechlessness, or to react by his flesh. He recognized his weakness and he wanted to be strengthened against it.

Do you love Jesus enough to seek fearlessness in your daily walk, in your speech  decision making, and proclamations you make every day? Are you willing to live large according to the Spirit's direction, to be bold in sharing the good news of what Jesus has done for you? There is no time for reserved character or shyness. If Jesus is our confidence then we should be able to talk about him all day long. Don't hide the good news in your secret spiritual closet. Bring it out for the whole world to see and marvel at the greatness, love and grace of our Jesus. If you need prayer for this then we will pray for you. Let's let them know about Jesus!

Why Treating Your Teacher Or Boss With Respect Is Important To Jesus

I am afraid that there are a lot of Christians who don't know Jesus and don't spend any time with him. You can see it in a lot of their attitudes and sometimes you can even hear it in their preaching. People spend more time in hearing about Jesus than they do in actually studying his life, his words, or even sitting in his presence. We worship a Jesus we only know by word of mouth, and that is a dangerous thing.

I can't see how Jesus would be pleased at all with what we have done with his Bride or how we live in this world. We haven't been saved to conform to our society but to stand firm in the new creation that we are in Jesus. If we actually study the life and words of Jesus we would soon discover that to live by Jesus' pattern is to live a life that is in direct contrast to our society. One of the things that disturbs me most is how Jesus lived as a servant to mankind but we, as his followers, live as if mankind should serve us. Jesus taught:

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

This teaching concerning our attitude in living a life to God's glory is expanded in the epistles but I will use just one example:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

I have seen too much of life to say that most Christians understand and live in this attitude. It is a rare exception to find a follower of Jesus who understands this precious attitude. Most of us are very demanding of other people, sometimes reducing them to tears. I have seen it with my own eyes, one minute a person testifying about the goodness of God and the next walking away in triumph after reducing a store clerk to tears over some small mistake. Those of you who drive, what is your attitude on the road? What about with the service person on the phone? What about with your teacher or your boss?

That's an interesting question for those who go to school and for those who have bosses: Would your teacher or boss know that you love Jesus by your attitude of respect and service to them? Do you go to school or to work with the attitude that they owe you, or do you go with humility and respect, with a desire to bless them? This is what Paul told Timothy to teach those who were in the bondage of slavery:

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2)

Yes, that is what they told those who were treated like objects to be bought and sold. Obviously Paul understood the value to God of a person in slavery because he desired to teach them how to serve Jesus even in that horrible condition. Do you consider your boss or your teacher, even your parents worthy of respect simply because they are the authority over you? Maybe they are terrible, not earning any respect but the respect we show has nothing to do with what they earn and everything to do with God's love. This is what it is to be a follower of Jesus Christ.

We don't keep track of their offenses against us. We don't push for our rights. We aren't even concerned for ourselves. We only want to honour Jesus so that his name and the teaching of the gospel is not slandered. It may mean suffering for the name of Jesus but it is our calling to do that if it brings glory to God. In our society today it's all about our rights. When a store clerk makes a mistake we have the right to demand compensation. When a teacher is in a cranky mood we have the right to complain. When our boss asks us to do something beyond our job description we have the right to refuse. There are all kinds of rights in our society but, after being possessed by Jesus, we no longer fall under the system of this world. Our rights in the Kingdom of God is the privilege to love and obey Jesus Christ.

If this is our right then I strongly suggest that we spend the time to get to know him better, to study his example, to know his words and submit to his Spirit. In this way we will learn the importance of putting others ahead of our own needs. In this way, by our love, they will know that we truly do belong to Jesus Christ.

What Jesus Are People Seeing In You?

Have you thought much about what you are going to do today? Saturday's are great for that, the ability to make up your own agenda for the day. Have you thought who you are going to do it for? Odd question, I know, but consider it for a moment. "Who are you going to live for today?" is a question that has the potential to re-shape our day.

We are often the only representation of Jesus in people's lives. They don't read the Bible, go to church or follow Christian blogs. They don't sit around discussing God with their friends and most likely their family is not Christian either. So that leaves you. How does that make you feel?

What we say, what we do, how we act, the attitude we have all reflect on who Jesus is. I wish we could all represent him perfectly but we can at least deal with the things that are in our control. We can make choices about the words we speak, the attitude we have, the places we go. But most importantly, we can do the right thing when we mess up. When we get angry, say the wrong thing, take the wrong action, hurt someone because of it, we can turn around and apologize. We can seek forgiveness and vice versa if a friend hurts us. Forgiveness and reconciliation speak with a mega phone who God is and what he has done for us. You can live an example of that today.

We also need to follow through on what we testify about God. We tell people we love him and trust him but then when we are in a tough situation we panic, we become fearful, we worry. Where is our testimony then? We need to make sure that our actions can measure up to our words or we are taking away from the glory of God. There was an important man in the Bible who had to transport the gold and jewelry for God's temple. Normally he would have asked the king for guards to go with him, to protect him, but this was God's stuff and if he didn't think God could protect it then he wasn't much of a God. He said:

I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” Ezra 8:22

It is too bad more of us do not consider the shame of saying one thing but then doing another. If we have testified about the great love of our Father we need to live today showing that we actually believe it. If you have told people about his love then live today in the truth of that love. If you have told others to trust God then you need to live a life of trust today. If you have told people about God's forgiveness you need to live a life of forgiveness, not holding anything against anyone.

It is a great day today but let's live it to give Jesus the glory and not take it from him. Let's live this day for Jesus. Stay strong and be courageous in all you do. We serve a mighty God who loves us because we belong to him. Let the world see it!

What It Means To Shine In An Exposed World

We live in an age where privacy is prized as it is slowly eroded away. Never before have we had such an opportunity to share with so many people who we are, what we believe and what we are doing. At the same time, there is a growing desire among some in our culture to turn it all off and remain hidden, unnoticed. Their thought is that they do not want to share their life with strangers and it is nobody's business what they are doing. There is also another group that thinks it is a useless act of self-display. They ask questions like, "Who's going to be interested in the fact I am grocery shopping." I would like to address this last group first.

There was a time when biographies were important for inspiring people to greatness or at least to things of greatness in the mundane. Children would read and learn about great men and women of the faith. Adults would read about great figures from history. We would read about their victories and defeats, both public and private, and we would be changed. Now we have the opportunity to see a lot more heroes daily and not great people of history. The ordinary guy has become a source of inspiration and hope. I know that I am daily inspired by many of the people in my social network, doing ordinary things in an ordinary way. We know life is not about the extraordinary events but about the faithful daily prodding. I like how people find inspirational moments in their day, in the grocery store, the parking lot, taking the dog for a walk, even in an ordinary conversation with a son over a bowl of cereal. When we share what we are doing and some of our thoughts on our experience in the day, we have no idea who we are inspiring and who we are offering hope to in their day.

There are people who consider it a waste of time and I agree if you fill your day with it and forget to live your life. However it is not a waste if you treat it like a great interactive book that you are writing with some friends. You don't spend all day with your nose in a book, but you do cherish those moments when you can curl up with it. It is also a waste of time if people are not being honest and are trying to project an image. This is where Christians have an opportunity to shed that veneer and allow the real light to shine. We are not perfect and people are turned off when we try to project that we are. Where Jesus is really seen in us is in our weaknesses, our failures, our warts and wrinkles but that is hard for us to share. Jesus taught:

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

A city on a hill is expose at night. In the dark everyone can see the light reaching out. If we hide our life, staying hidden away, no one can see the light of Jesus in us. Jesus told us our life must be on display if that light is going to be seen. We want them to see Jesus, not us but often the real Jesus only shines out as we work through the challenges of life. People want to see how our faith helps us overcome the same things they are trying to overcome. If we do not admit to our addictions, our mistakes, our heartaches, how will they know that Jesus can heal these things?

Jesus' life was definitely on display. The only time he removed himself was when he needed to have some private time with his disciples. In fact, his life was so greatly observed that he was able to say to his accusers:

"I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." (John 18:20-21)

I recently met with a pastor who had some questions for me. As we spoke he told me that he had been looking through my Twitter and blog to get to understand me better. At first I was taken aback; it was the first time I had met a lurker and it kind of threw me off. I suddenly felt naked, exposed because he knew many of my thoughts, feelings and the actions I had taken yet I knew very little about him. Even coming home I started thinking about the number of people who could be lurking in the shadows watching my life. My natural reaction was to stop exposing myself so much but after some more thought I reminded myself that this had been my goal, to be accountable and transparent as much as I could. My life is not a shining example but a series of failures. However, Jesus has exposed himself in these failures, demonstrating his forgiveness, love and grace. The general thinking is, "if he has done this for me, imagine what he can do for you".

I have a good friend who lives this every day. The best way to describe him is as a bull in a china shop. He gladly exposes his life for the sake of others. He wears his weaknesses and failures but always for the purpose of preaching Jesus. Not everyone can take him. To be honest there are times he is too much for me but I can tell you this, he is genuine. His love is real, his compassion is amazing, he is generous to a fault, he is big, he is loud and he is a great person to have as a friend. He does in person what some of us try to do through technology. He is old school and there is nothing wrong with that because his motivation is the love of Jesus for the lost. Those of us who try to do it with technology need to check our motivation because sometimes we can forget and we start thinking it is all about us. It isn't. It's all about Jesus and the Father's desire for everyone to be saved from the coming judgment. We cannot hide away our lives because the light is shining through us. We need to be willing to be exposed, to be involved, to admit our mistakes, to admit our fears and doubts and then let the world see how Jesus deals with all of it in us.

Some people are going to appreciate it, even if we do not hear from them. Other people are going to misunderstand and think we are self-important. Others are going to hate us because we are exposing things they fear in themselves. All we want is for people to see the active love and grace of Jesus in our daily living because there are people who want to know there are others out there struggling to keep the house in order, who is facing a rotten boss, who loves hockey even though their team constantly fails, who is dealing with a sick child, who understands what it is to feel alone in a crowded house. You working out your salvation daily as your plod along in life can be the greatest inspiration some people need. You are a daily hero, don't hide away the light.