Yes, YOU have a testimony. Well, you may have a testimony that is a work in progress if you do not yet have a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Or, you may have lived thru numerous testimonies in your lifetime and even shared them with others without even realizing it. But, once you “know” Jesus, you see the works He does in your life as blessings, as grace – a wonderful gift from Him personally tailored for you. It is the truth, it is evidence that there is a God. It is the easiest way for others who may not know Him to see Him and begin their journey on the path to salvation.

My Bible Study friends and I call them “God stories”. We are always excited to share them when they occur. Often the phone calls end in tears the situations are so moving. But, they are confirmations of our faith. They are real life experiences that show us beyond a shadow of a doubt that He exists and He is in control of our life and of everything that happens.

There is no coincidence. Everything has a purpose and was planned for you way before you were knit in your Mothers womb.

When I accepted Jesus and asked Him to control my life I shared my first testimony with the others who had led me to Him. I told them about how I had made many decisions in my life without praying about them or asking God for direction. And, consequently, many of those decisions were made to make me feel good in the moment. They were not wise decisions and I paid terribly for them. My life until that point was filled with sadness and very little true love. Funny thing was, I thought I had a relationship with God. I attended church and was baptized. But, one day after hearing another woman’s testimony I decided to draw a line in the sand, to put God first in my life – that simple.

Looking for the good in those early years was disappointing, but I did realize one gift God had given me. My first son. He came to me and was a source of love I had never felt. I thank God for him every day and so much more. This story became my first testimony. How God led me to find love I had never felt before. Security I surely had never known. My life had been completely transformed.

As the years passed, there were other life lessons that became clear to me. Lessons only God could reveal. He blessed me with a husband who really cared about me as well as loving me. He gave me earthly security. He showed me what a man of God was. And our family grew. My husband and I shared our faith with our growing children. I was thankful they would know God and not have to face the many serious consequences I had faced. I pray to this day they will have a strong faith and surround themselves with godly people who will encourage them rather than pull them down.
More testimonies.

Recently I have been given another testimony. My battle with Pancreatic Cancer has strengthened my faith more than any other experience in my life. My family has seen first hand how a relationship with God produces the strength needed to face the most difficult challenge. This is truly an unspoken testimony. They see the smile on my face every day, they see the confidence I have in the face of death. They know where that confidence comes from. They have seen the power of the prayers that have been lifted up for me by so many of my friends and relatives. They know I am ready no matter what God has in store for me.

We all are a living breathing testimony.

Get right with the Lord TODAY and see for yourself how your testimony can change lives. It is the ultimate gift pleasing to God and enriches His kingdom for all of eternity.

God bless you…each and every one!

Titus 3:3-7 ESV

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The post Living your testimony first appeared on Zjudes blog.

Planting a seed is a miraculous thing. You dig a hole and place this tiny ovule that has been in dormancy deep down covering it with a protection of soil. Then you sprinkle it with water to jumpstart the germination process. All that is needed is some sunshine from above and before you know it, fine little pale green sprouts begin to wriggle their way to the surface. With continued watering and light from above, the weak little sprout strengthens and reaches for more water and more light from above. The stem becomes strong and leaves begin to form, still reaching upward toward the light. After a time a tiny bud slowly unfurls from its protected place at the base of the leaf joined to the stem. At first it is tight but it’s layers soon relax as it feels the warmth of the sun. Within days the miracle manifests itself in colorful soft petals of the flower…then the fruit.

Our Bible study group is currently working on a Beth Moore Study entitled “Stepping Up”. It is a journey through the Psalms of Ascent, a compilation of 15 psalms, 120 thru 134, and we are almost half-way through.

Last week I was sharing with the girls how clearly I recognize my need to stay in God’s Word. When our group of around 25 ladies is between studies we take a few weeks off. During that time I occasionally pick up my Bible, but certainly not daily, as I do in the midst of a nurturing study.

The studies, even when repeated, teach me so much about my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, about myself and the person I strive to be. I am human, and often in my humanness I fall short of what pleases God. But, I have learned I can seek forgiveness and try again to be that person. There is a lesson in each failure. God will help me through it and even in the darkness He will wrap His arms around me tightly. But, there will be light again. He will be pleased, and I will be beautiful in His sight.

Everyone needs to plant a garden…..

The post Seeds first appeared on Zjudes blog.