Testimony Born of Trials.


John Bunyan's Tomb

Image by Noodlefish via Flickr

In a cell Pilgrim’s Progress was born.  And long after the penman’s body had turned to dust, the “scholars” of this world began to recognize the value of this chain birthed word of the Lord.  Since then, the work of God has found its home in the hearts of millions.

Has God placed you in a certain place of personalized suffering?  Do you own words of understanding born of stripes?  Speak with the wisdom of God.  Testify to His Glory.

By His Grace.

Put up or Shut up.


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Image via Wikipedia

As I respond to comments, the words sometimes astound me.  I know it’s not me who is responding.  It’s a lead conversation.  The Lord is in the concepts.  And He allows me to interpret what’s being spoken from Heaven.

I posted something in response to a comment today that has really caused me pause.  “If I wanted to tear down any social structure I wouldn’t use a direct attack of hacking limbs or even banishing them from society in general.  I would infiltrate their group, act like them enough to get honors, then allow myself to be seen corrupting their code of honor.”  What shall we say to that?  If this statement doesn’t provoke a serious look at our motivation and “belonging”, we’re in serious trouble.

Christians:  If you find yourself bringing shame to the name of Jesus, you alone will answer for it.  In the mean time you help the enemy block the door for those trying to enter.  And you do yourself untold harm when you appear before Him.  Let me say this please.  And take note that I don’t give a rip what you might think of me for saying this.  If you’re doing harm to the body of Christ in this world, it would be better that you pull away from the body and stop telling people you’re Christian.  At least the Lord would be able to see that you care enough about His honor to suffer loss.  If you can’t keep your lust under control, if you can’t keep your loose tongue sealed behind those quivering lips, if you just can’t seem to stop bringing shame to the Lord, then step away.

Do you think I say this without personal experience in this matter?  I’ve gone through more than a decade of isolation because I saw myself doing more damage than was reasonable.  I know we all slip.  I’m not poking at that.  I’m looking intently into the eyes of those who believe it’s ok to do anything they please or say anything they want, and still allow others to think you’re a Christian.

I could say so much more about this.  But I think I’ve said enough to have my head delivered on a platter by those who hate the Holiness of God. And if you continue to draw a bad name to Jesus, you’ll eventually look much like that picture above.  While you should have been a clear message to the world through your display of Christ, we can’t make heads or tails of your testimony.  And you will be held accountable for all of it.

 

By His Grace.

Captured and Released to a Better Promise


All day long, every day, and that without faltering, He holds out His Gorgeous hands to a withering people. His strength is Great and He is not dismayed. His people know Him who calls from Heaven. And through them He has commanded the giving of His testimony. We are a people cut from the dust to serve the Living God of eternity.

You are one of His; captured and released to a better promise. Stand strong and brave, bold and ceaseless in your testimony on His behalf. We are very near the end of our time and the times.

To all who worship Him in truth and spirit, shake all sin from your limbs. The time is here to act with great and sure steps. We are His! There is none like Him and we testify to His Glory.

By His Grace.

Regarding the “Way”


Here’s a healthy conversation about Christianity in action.  

http://askanatheist.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/cogic-mother-wont-acknowledge-atheism/

Elk Mountain


One day in the dead of winter I came west across I-84 through Cheyenne, Wy. I came up to Elk Mountain pass (a very dangerous and fatal crossing for some). The Lord spoke to me in that tiny whisper of a voice. He told me to sit up in my seat, to tighten my seat belt, to hold the wheel with both hands. With the upcoming mountain and unknown before me, I obeyed gladly. He seemed to say He was about to take me through the pass. Happily, I gave Him my obedience. I’ve only been behind the wheel of this giant hunk of metal for a few months.

We encountered Elk Mountain with all it’s blowing gusts of wind against the trailer and tractor. The snow blowing side ways across the road so that you weren’t sure where the road was. The trailer threatening to leap off the side of the road and take you with it. Looking to the road with the shear ice covering it. Seeing a big rig against the cliff on the other side. Watching other rigs dash side to side as they slipped and were pushed by the wind. All the while, the peace of God was over me with complete calm. He and I meandered through the pass as if in the middle of summer. Down on the other side there was another 100 miles of packed snow on the road. All the way from Larime to Rock Springs we traveled.

On the other side of this chaos the tiny voice came to me again. “I brought you through the wind didn’t I”? I answered, “yes Lord”. I brought you through the drifting and blinding snow didn’t I”? I answered, “yes Lord”. “I brought you over the ice didn’t I”? I answered, “yes Lord”. “Behold, so it will be with you and I. I will take you to my paradise if you will but listen to me”.

And so it has been for me in that GREAT GOD JESUS.

By His Grace.