Testimony

Testimony “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord,” (2 Timothy 7 & 8) Paul traveled the world in a constant testimony for God through Christ. He did an easy time in prison once he followed what could only be stated as a hard time. The message above was written while on a kind of death row. Paul knew the end was near; even then, he was testifying and true to his faith. We had a pastor who used to say that the average Methodist invited a guest to church every 12 years. He was being critical of our ability to testify and invite. He wanted to start including an occasional personal testimony in the Sunday service, so he extended an open invitation to the congregation. No one responded. OOPS! That was a hint as to why we were a declining church. We are very nice but private people. One of my character defects is that I love to talk (often way too much!). However, that’s in my world of family, business, and especially sales. I was way too quiet regarding my faith journey and had a spirit of timidity in that area. Pastor Rick changed that. Thus, now there is this book and weekly messages. In our world today, we are often in places where testimony regarding our faith is a challenge. We are hushed by rules; at school, scouts, sports, and just about everywhere we go; talking trash is in; talking faith is out. There is hope; we need love and self-discipline to testify and invite people to join us. WE CAN DO IT. Thought for Today: Let us look for an opportunity to discuss our faith. If we are uncomfortable with that, let’s find an opening to invite someone to join us this week. Prayer for Today: Heavenly Father, we pray for the strength to represent you, your ideals, and your will here on earth. We thank you for the opportunity to be at peace and do your work. Amen