Have you ever been in a courtroom? I worked in federal law enforcement for over 10 years, and let me tell you, I’ve been IN a courtroom. You may have all these notions from movies or tv shows as to what it’s like, but until you are the witness on the stand… Well, you get the idea!
It’s a strange thing to be a witness in front of people you don’t know, people in suits, a judge that sits way higher than everyone, men wearing guns, and of course, the person everyone is testifying about. Having to point at a man, in front of all of those people - a man who smuggled people for a living - while he stares you down, is still one of the more intense experiences of my life. The Bible says, “The truth shall set you free.” If there is one thing you want to make sure of when you testify, it’s that you tell the truth. Truth won’t get you into trouble, truth is freeing. It’s easy when you’re cross-examined by the defense attorney to feel like you’ve done something wrong. Some of those guys are really good at twisting words. If you stick to the truth, it’s not a problem. So, back to your life. What does a witness do? He/She testifies, correct? What has God done in your life that is worth testifying about? I could probably think of over 100 things pretty easily. So, here’s the kicker---Tell people about those things. That’s it. Really! It’s that easy. Jesus didn’t say to wait until you’re a pastor or evangelist or Bible study leader. He didn’t even say make sure you know the Bible! Yes, we want to grow in maturity and know what God’s word says, but maturity is not a requirement to be a witness! Isn’t that amazing?! Anyone can do it. Everyone is commanded to do it. God never made sharing the gospel hard. Why do we make it that way? Don’t get me wrong, you can read God’s Word over and over again and He will speak to you in fresh new ways that build new heights in your faith journey. However, Jesus simply said to his followers, “You will be my witnesses”. God wants everyone to be able to share His message, His LOVE. Maybe you are in a really rough season in life, and you’re thinking how could you possibly share anything good with anyone? People want authentic relationships. They don’t want to hear only the good highlights of life all the time. People need to know that we stumble, that we question things and that there are others dealing with many of the same things as they are. I would say this. Share the good and the bad. The good news of Jesus is the best gift you can give to anyone. I think the bad times in life are only a setup for God to come through. If a person knows the authenticity of questioning and doubt in your life, the glory of God will shine all the brighter when Jesus comes through on your behalf. Our hope in Him needs to be shared in a depression-rampant culture. This morning, as I woke up, I heard the words of a song I’ve been listening to over the past few months. “It was the rhythm of your dancing that woke me from my sleep.” I won’t go in depth into all that Steffany Gretzinger is singing about, but if you’re interested, here is some backstory from my point of view. God wakes us up. He woos us. He wants time with us. He wants to pour into us, so that we can pour His life into others. Listen, I have 4 kids and I live in roughly 300 square feet. It’s not always easy to find time with just you and God. He’s given us all reason to testify, to be a witness. Death to life. Depression to hope. Addiction to freedom. Fear to love. https://youtu.be/EkUpLaqqZQA We are witnesses of His power in transforming our lives. I am not who I was a month ago, much less, 5 or 10 years ago. He has made me new, and I’m going to testify of all the things He’s done in my life until my time on earth is finished. Would you join me in being a witness? There are people all around you that need His love. They need hope, they need freedom, they need life. And you are the best one to bring it to them.
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Hello!We're a family of six living full-time in a skoolie (aka a school bus converted into an RV). We are inviting you to join us as we live life to its fullest and empower others to do the same. Welcome to the family! Archives
January 2021
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