Do not forget God

 Though we may be in a dark or humbling place in life, instead of complaining and crying out to God, we should trust in Him to lead us through the ordeal.

This is a great example of the children of Israel. Towards the end of their 40-year journey, God reminded them not to forget Him (Deut. 8). He reminded them that those years in the wilderness were to humble and test them to know what was in their hearts. From His guidance and protection throughout all those years, neither their clothes nor their shoes wore, and their feet did not swell. The years were humbling over time but the children were reminded that during their dark journey, God supplied them with all they needed: food, protection, clothing, and guidance.

When we forget, God is disappointed with us. The job you prayed for, the escape from an abusive relationship, or the sustenance you had when money was low - these are the things for which you are grateful. Through what has God brought you? With what are you struggling, and why are you going through it alone? 

It is after these miraculous things we tend to forget God. When we don't remember God and begin to worship and idolize material things (false gods), He has promised to testify against us and we shall perish. Forget not the Lord. Remember how He led you through your wilderness. Trust in Him and He will lead you through.

Be a testimony for God

God has a way of getting our attention. And when he does the experience can be life changing. A young man I see often in passing told he had been shot five times - three times in the arm and twice in the back. For the young man The ordeal, only a week old and still impressionable, kept thanking God for saving him. For this young man, it took a near fatal encounter to recognize God’s grace and mercy. The young man’s blessing was he lived another day to tell me of how God blessed and saved his life. It should not take a tragic moment before you testify of God’s goodness. Every testimony given becomes a blessing for someone. Go and tell the good news. Allow God to use 

you as a testimony for others. 

Speaking on behalf of God

Today's affirmation

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.  2 Tim 1:8

http://ow.ly/9DqF100L6Xy

A Stranger’s testimony:Life experiences are testaments of God’s Favor

Read Mark 5:1-20

 Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you…  Mark 5:19

 

A stranger at the grocery store told me he was held up at gunpoint.  He proceeded by saying "My experiences are such that they would make this day a joyful one!"

A few days ago he almost lost his life. His wallet, containing a few hundred dollars, his driver's license, and his debit card were stolen. Strangely, his pricey gold watch, valued jewelry, and recently purchased truck were left untouched.

With tears in his eyes and visible anguish, he uttered, "I came so close to losing my life."

 There's a way in which God captures our focus. When we finally undergo "the experience", it has the potential to bring about a profound, transformative effect on our life. This Stranger's awakening occurred after a brush with near death.

During our scripture lesson, a man possessed by many demons expressed his desire for freedom. The most convincing aspect of Jesus' restoration was when he refused to let the man with many legions participate in the crusade. Instead, Jesus instructed him to share his testimony and spread the word about all the wonderful things that the Lord had done for him.

 When we face difficult situations and adversities in life, it may not occur to us that these moments of despair could serve as opportunities to share and inspire others. The stranger's blessing was that he could survive another day and share with me, a person he had never met before, the story of how God blessed and rescued him.

 Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and share a testimony with either a friend or a stranger. Inform them of the blessings that God has bestowed upon you.

 

Your setbacks experienced in the past serve as inspirational messages to both acquaintances and strangers. The takeaway is to give honor to his name during difficult and favorable periods. Even though you may have faced some obstacles, remember that God is on your side!  Allow God to use your experiences as a testament to inspire others.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you for your testimonies. Thank you for your life lessons.  Help me to praise your name during the pain, and suffering, and when it appears you are not there. For I know Lord in the storm you are still nearby.  Help me to be a witness to others. My life experiences can be a stepping stone to helping others out of their pit of misery. Thank you for your Grace, Mercy, and continuous blessings.  Amen.