Coffee With The Lord

A “repost” devotional reflection based upon my Bible reading today…

I’m impressed with the power of a brand new believer’s testimony!

I’ve seen it over and over again. A person hears the gospel – the story of Jesus – and responds to it with trust and commitment. Their lives are powerfully transformed! And then they begin enthusiastically sharing with anyone who will listen what has happened to them – the wonderful things they’ve discovered in Christ! Their network of friends – those they shop with, work with, or live nearby… their “neighbors” are positively impacted by the change in their lives and their words. Often even family members – those who know them best – cannot escape the power of their testimony and come to Christ! One life-transforming testimony leads to another! Ultimately a whole neighborhood – a whole network of friends and family come to Christ! It’s exciting!

There’s a story like that in the Bible…

A Samaritan woman with a string of messed up marriages and empty life discovers Jesus … the “Living Water”! What an impact His words made on her life – a life-transforming encounter! She leaves her water jar at the well and immediately goes back into town and tells everyone she meets, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did! Can this be the Christ?!” And then the Bible says this…

“Many Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony… And many more believed because of HIS WORD. They said to the woman, ‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for WE HAVE HEARD FOR OURSELVES, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world!” (from John 4:1-42)

So I guess the lesson is this… Never, never, never, “put down” or underestimate the power of the testimony of a brand new follower of Jesus! They may not have all the esoteric theology down, but the personal story of a transformed life is a powerful thing! Their testimony oozes excitement, conviction, and authenticity! And if you’ve known the Lord for awhile… Never lose the wonder, the excitement and deep appreciation about what the Lord has done for you! Keep your personal story alive! Share it every time you get an opportunity! The Lord will use it! People will be attracted to it! Point people to Jesus – He the One who transforms lives!

Hope I have an opportunity to share my story with someone today!

Thought of A PHRASE I WANT TO HEAR FROM THE ONE THAT MATTERS MOST TO ME this morning as I read the following passage during my time of “Coffee with the Lord”…

“WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!”

Matthew 25:21, 23

If you do these things… “YOU WILL BE A GOOD SERVANT OF CHRIST JESUS, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

“Command and teach these things.  Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

“Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers!  (From 1 Timothy 4:6–16 ESV)

God helping me (and the Holy Spirit reminding me), I will!!!  I want to hear it more than anything!!!

LIFE VERSES ARE A BIG DEAL!  This one – from this “godly woman” (my mother, Vera Constance Shirley Bartel) has helped and influenced many!!!  “Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct (or make straight) your paths! (Proverbs 3:5-6)