June 9, 2019 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

Pastor Immanuel Garcera

HIS TESTIMONY, NOT MINE

One of the joys I find in ministry over the years is hearing different people's testimonies. It's amazing how people from different backgrounds, different places of birth, ethnicities, etc. can have such similar encounter of Jesus. It's interesting to note, even the way in which the Holy Spirit starts speaking to people at specific ages, how their family and church was used by God, down to how they prayed to accept Christ into their lives as Lord and Savior. Even now, as I hear people who are mature in their faith, testify to how good God has been through the years, it brings the same sense of joy and gratitude for God's work in peoples’ lives.

One thing I know for sure when people share their testimonies, whether it's about their spiritual birth into the family of God or the testimony of God's goodness through their life as a Christ follower -- all these things glorify God. Jesus said:

"...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

Not only is God glorified in the sharing of our testimony, it’s also biblical. We are to be God's witness: to tell everyone, everywhere, who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He will do in the future.

The only problem is people in this day and age of individualism, privacy, and disconnectivity -- God’s people seldom share testimonies anymore. Even when asked, sometimes people are hesitant to share! Yes, it can be tedious, it can be quite daunting sharing something personal about yourself, but please, the next time you get the chance, speak loudly about God's goodness and grace in your life, and so much good can result from it. Not only will God be glorified, but it is our ministry as His followers to be His witnesses to all the earth.

To God be the glory!