In this season, many are drawn to "authenticity." The counterfeit camouflage that helped many of us bury our most precious possessions, our stories, and had us bound, are becoming extinct. The very fact that God gave us our own individual stories, our testimonies is for us to tell those stories and use them for his glory. The story based on the text John 4:1-42, with an emphasis on 39-42 is about a Samaritan woman and her story. Verse 39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me everything I ever did." 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. 41And because of his words many more became believers.
42They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world."
I Love this Samaritan story, because it brings God glory!!! Our testimonies help minister to others and allows others to acknowledge that they are not their situation alone. The biblical text It is loaded from history all the way to testimony. As women, we approach Women's History month in March, and all of us should have a story, a testimony about the goodness and grace of God. Even though our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ "knows all about us," we do not have to be ashamed of our stories, but share our testimonies to bless others, and for edification for those who don't know Jesus, and saving power through his blood. A testimony is a divine decree attested in the Scriptures. It is firsthand authentication of a fact, evidence , an outward sign, an open acknowledgment, a public profession of a religious experience. There are over 20 mentions of “testimony” in the bible. In this text message, the Samaritan woman has a story of her own, which is her testimony. But she also has another story she must tell, and that is the GOSPEL story.
In this life, we are inundated with stories. Karl Marx, the German philosopher and political economist, stated that religion is the opium of the masses, well in this society; stories are the opium of the masses. To learn more about Jesus and the Samaritan's woman story in John 4:28-30, 39-42 sit by Jacob's well, and don't be afraid to tell "your story" as long as you can use it to God's glory. In this season, people are draw to "authenticity."
Hymn 156 - "I Love to Tell the Story"
I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story,
'twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love.
I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true;
it satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
Refrain:
I love to tell the story,
'twill be my theme in glory, to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.
________________________
Blessings and high FAVOR to you...
Lady Esther
Good Day Lady Esther,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your awesome insight sprinkled with facts of scripture, research and song!! I too have a testimony and lately, although as secretive as I used to be, I now find myself freely sharing my testimony with others in passing. These souls that I have told my story to have stated that my testimony is indeed full strength and that my openness has inspired them in some way, shape or form to move forward in their lives. After reading your passage titled, “Tell the Story and Use It for God,” I am further inspired to be fearless and vocalize my experiences so that others might be exalted. No longer shall I be scared of any negative opinion thrown my way as I know the plans that my God has for me as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. I stand here now in the present as a symbol of peace, a perfect example of His power and grace. Each and every one of our life experiences are trials of blessings, journeys of promise towards a brighter future and with each step on the road of our destiny we can succeed if we change our way of thinking, be prayerful, listen, encourage ourselves and be obedient. I can finally help others because I am free and by being open, sharing, willing to inspire, teach and not partake in fear but encompass joy and shout all about what HE has done for YOU and ME! OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD… HE REIGNS!!!
–Regards, Ms.Z (zadaja@yahoo.com)
Encourage Yourself – Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers
As I minister to you, I minister to myself,
life can hurt you so,
'til you feel there's nothing left.
(No matter how you feel),
(speak the word and you will be healed).
Speak over yourself.
I'm encouraged.
Ms. Z: I thank God for your transparency and authenticity as you tell your story and use it for Gods glory and healing to so many souls. Your gift is being ignited!!! You are a firestarter!!! T god be the glory!!!! Thanks and high favor to u!!!!
ReplyDeleteLady Esther
That is God with an uppercase G.
ReplyDeleteTime to restart this blog.
ReplyDelete