I Love to Tell the Story

I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Philemon 1:6
   One of the most thrilling ways for me to share Jesus is to give my pure, wholehearted testimony. My testimony is the basis of my witness. It is my story and it carries great authority because it is my account of what God, through Jesus Christ, has done in my life.
   Honestly? It’s easy to share my testimony. My Father performed such miraculous healing in my life, I’m nearly bursting at the seams to share the story of my complete reconstruction by God’s grace.
   For you, giving your testimony may be challenging. You may be wondering, “Where do I start? How do I finish?” Or your may be thinking, “My story isn’t special. My story isn’t finished yet…I’m not at the testimony stage yet.” Perhaps you feel you are still harboring some hurt and shame and need to make amends. Hey, our hearts aren’t perfect, but neither are they decayed. And even though we’re not invincible, at least we’re engaged in God’s timing and handiwork! You can be assured that the One who created you knows exactly how to purify you, from the inside out.
   Regardless, remember your story is precious—especially to those who know you. God’s family is interested in you and your life. Most of us can relate to your story on a personal level. And, no one will be able to argue with the fact that your life has been changed. There is impact in your story.
   If you read my testimony, you’ll know that I place great importance on The Beatitudes. Read Matthew 5, thinking of your personal story: (1) You recognize you need God (you are poor in spirit), (2) You repented of your self-sufficiency (you are sad), (3) You stop being power freaky and self-sufficient and surrender control to God (you’re humble); (4) You are so grateful for His presence that you want to fill yourself with Him, you yearn for Him (you want to do the right thing more than anything else); (5) As you grow closer to Him, you become more like Him and you forgive others (you are merciful); you change your attitude (your thoughts become pure); and (6) You love others (you are a peacemaker).
   Your salvation was not a casual shift of attitude. It was absolute demolition of the old self and a creation of the new. In my case, a fairly radical change created great joy. And it’s worth every effort, for this is the joy of the LORD.
   Don’t keep your personal truth to yourself. Share your story wholeheartedly, trusting that the Father will guide you—He will use your story to shine His light on others. Hard to deny the importance of His light!
   I love to tell the story of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.


The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them. Matthew 4:16 and Isaiah 9:1,2 NIV

Hallowed Be Thy Name

   Wow!
   Just got back from the last class in the series The Names of God. A rose by any other name is still a rose...and my Father is God with many names--all-seeing, constantly providing, the God who heals me...who knew there were so many names for my God? Thank you Shelly for opening my eyes and heart to the many ways to petition and praise my Father.
   This past weekend at a get together for classmates I've not seen in (gasp!) 30 plus years, I experienced Jehovah Rapha--the God Who Heals Me, and El Roi--the God Who Sees. I can't speak for my fellow classmates and friends, but my heart experienced real healing and rejuvenation. It occurred to me, while enjoying the warm embraces and joy, that My. Father. Sees. Everything. Everything! From the time I was 16 and free spirited to now, God-spirited, my Father has seen and orchestrated each moment! How awesome is that?!
   All these years, I have hidden from these incredible individuals who've had such an impact on my life--hidden because I was ashamed of me. I hid because I saw myself as fearfully flawed--not incredibly made whole. Now, my only shame is that I stayed away for so many years. How I have missed their friendship!
   Why does it take so long for us to realize that God is all we need? He is Elohim: The Creator. He is El Elyon, God Most High; Jehovah Yaweh: I AM! El Roi: The God Who Sees (our own personal accountability partner!); El Olam, the Eternal God--He's ever present! Jehovah Jirah: The God Who Provides; El Shaddai, God Almighty.
  You know what?  I believe El Roi, Jehova Jira, and Jehova Rapha arranged this class and this reunion for me. It was His breath of provision and love that placed me exactly where He knew I needed to be. God has many names; I call Him…Magnificent!