This is the beginning of my Testimony from November 8, 2013
I wonder if this Scripture will catch your attention as it caught mine!
“For the wicked will not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall (Proverbs 4:16)!”
On this November day, I read the WORD of God early in the morning; and I heard my message from God through His Scriptures as God’s very message to me!
I knew it was important that I hold on to God’s Word –“and not let any perverse words come out of my mouth!”
However, I had no idea …
I was about to experience this verse in action as I found myself in position at the end of this day …
to be challenged in my faith and in my patience “my patient” trust in God!
NOR, did I understand why I was so frustrated … (=) and tempted to fight evil with evil!
I share this somewhat shortened testimony Today, because …
I was convicted by the Holy Spirit that this is indeed a message that someone has been waiting to hear!
As far as it depends on me, this testimony was necessary for me to learn in the core of my very being–according to the purpose in which I am called!
This may be the most powerful testimony that I have shared!
Preparing to see what God already knew and planned for me to learn!
Step 1: I read the WORD of God and I heard God’s message to me!
Early in the morning, I had already prayed and the Lord delivered two Scriptures to me!
Proverbs 4:16 & 24 –The powerful Word of God, which I needed for the coming end of this day!
1) Have you opened your Bible to Proverbs 4:16 yet? … After you do –Have you memorized it?
“For the wicked will not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall (Proverbs 4:16)!”
2) Now, I also pull in Proverbs 4:24 into this testimony!
“Do not let any perverse words come from your mouth.”
This was the verbiage I saw through Scripture on this day!
These were God’s Words to me that held my feet to the ground to stay in step with the Holy Spirit!
Something to think about … In regards to perverse words:
We put value to our words –as to which words are “the really bad ones,” but to God, our words are either good or bad.
Our words are either used in faith pleasing God; or perverse cursing at our situation!
Our words reflect our heart; and a sin is a sin to God.
Bottom line, “anything done in faith pleases God and without faith it is impossible to please God!
This day I was very tempted to fight evil with evil, …
but I am glad to report that by the power of the Holy Spirit living in me,I OVERCOME evil with GOOD!
So, this Testimony in writing is a praise to God alone; and an encouragement to you to HOLD on Jesus –our Truth, our Way and our Life!
Our gifts from God are both written and living to use!
Why was it so important for me to guard my mouth on this day?
As you read this entire testimony, remember that God gave me His Word to use!
Why do WE pray together each day? –“Father, forgive US of OUR trespasses as WE forgive those who have trespassed against US … Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil …
By reading God’s Word,
I had basically prayed give me this day my daily bread … according to the purpose in which I am called … to be transformed into the image of Christ (See Roman’s 8:28-29) …
…the part in the Lord’s prayer that teaches us to LIVE in God’s good WILL be done…
“on earth” (in the CHURCH / in JESUS) …as it is in Heaven.”
I really believe this is God’s message to HIS Church Today!
Before this testimony was in my sight,
My character was ALREADY being prepared (to change and be transformed) in the power of God’s Love … by HIS plan!
A plan that is only accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us who believe, and by living according to God’s Holy Word!
Basically, We are being MADE HOLY … by learning, growing and maturing in the steps we take following the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit!
Today’s sharing is in the preparations … Preparations that took place before I even had this testimony to tell!
Even in Today’s message, I hope you will see the value in this part of my testimony …
When I say, Always be prepared in the LORD to go right or left; stay put; or simply go home!
And to repeat with added words: Before this testimony was EVEN in my sight, God had a plan for me!
Early clue in this writing is that, I had my mind made up and my plans made –HOWEVER, my POSITION was ALREADY being guided in the Power that is found in simply trusting God and following in step in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Shortly, in the next post, [Please, I ask you for your patience with me NOW< as I am doing the LORD’s best within me to share this testimony effectively],
I will begin with the story that led up to this powerful experience with God,
As I literally looked into the face of Satan without fear!
…BUT 1st, CAN I ask you to consider your heart to answer …
Do you believe in Satan?
Do you believe in Jesus?
Just because you can’t always see Satan, as your enemy or foe, does not mean that he is not real; or lurking around the corners that you cannot see.
And, just because you can’t always see Jesus, who is a friend, doesn’t mean He is not real and an ever-present help to all who call on HIS Name and are submitted and committed to following God’s way!
It is important to be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit –whom this time,
The Holy Spirit led me into a place to be tempted, with a purpose to learn!
…Just as in the similar way that Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted.
…and in such a way that was for a purpose to teach us how to overcome temptation by adhering to the powerful Word of God! …By saying: “It is written.” …
…Remember, –God gave me His written Holy Word to use; and for the purpose of this testimony, mine were, “do not let any perverse words come out of your mouth!
- We have a purpose in the ministry that God has given us.
- Our ministry gifts (sometimes can be held captive), but are meant to be used in powerful and effective ways for the sake of PEACE -not to be forsaken.
- The Church works well united in prayer and service. Is love walking the streets … or just behind the walls of the building on Sunday mornings?
- So I share what the LORD has done for me to strengthen you with encouragement.
Patience is our TEST of FAITH!
Interception … My motto is: “I don’t have it all figured out, BUT God does…FOLLOW JESUS!
So when I speak up in church, Sunday School, or in writings that I share for God’s glory alone; and share what the Lord has taught me by way of testimony, I am more on the line of obedience to God than geared toward pleasing man.
I BELIEVE! And, my faith will not bow down to my thoughts, fears, emotions, or to my lack of confidence in me to speak up … I see it plainly that I will NOT dare to shut God up when I really believe HE has something to say through me … & only by my confidence, which is in JESUS that I do.
I ask for your prayers and patience. I really believe that it is important to share … Will you persevere with me in your reading?
Please continue reading on –It is very important to hear what message God may speak to you in your “day to day” ministry.
Did you know that because of the gift God has implanted in you, that you ARE God’s gift to the Church?!
It is on my heart to do a Bible study on the gifts from God that are to the Church … but for Today, … The focus is the POWER OF PATIENCE!
I hear people say,
“Don’t pray patience for me, because God will bring me trials, and I don’t want any more trials,” …
…BUT, forgotten is the most important part about patience …
Patience is “FOR me to overcome” & “to strengthen me in my trust in God” … “to build ME (my character) UP in my most holy faith.”
Patience is for the benefit of all and pleases God!
The spiritual Value of Divine Patience is the message of this slow starting testimony,
but like a locomotive, as I share words as the Lord gives them to me to share … I hope this is a blessing to you from beginning to end …
Honestly, I don’t pray for patience either.
Patience is the test of faith!
God doesn’t give patience –HE teaches it!
Yet, I do pray for God to test my heart!
I do pray for God’s anointing on me to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
So in effect, I do pray to learn patience, because without patience –my ministry would be without love; and without love –I would only be like a sounding gong!
Patience and Kindness reflect the living Lord Jesus Christ, who IS alive, active and living in a Christian’s heart!
humm…
What is TRUST, but patience?
I realize I am swerving in and through this testimony account, perhaps it is just in my weakness to get this strong enough for God.
Yet, I hope this will bring you a little sense of the emotional feeling into this, which was very much a part of this testimony –and, very much a part of our everyday LIFE in Christ …
I am learning to find my RESTING FAITH in Trusting God and following Jesus … and I share as I learn …
As this testimony continues, I was faced with emotional struggles in the hardest areas for me to overcome …
Perhaps my biggest weakness is my NEED / DESIRE to fix what I feel most helpless in –the areas of being a mother!!!
What would your biggest weakness be to target?
Identifying with your weakness becomes your ability to find your strength in Christ!
For me, I have areas important to me of wanting control, but having no real control outside of (but most important to remember is prayer and trusting in God) in the way of a mom’s heart!
To catch and protect her child…
I could name two specific times that I have overcome something that could relate on some small level of all Abraham must have felt as he had no choice but to trust God with his son’s very life …
… and I can’t even begin to articulate the faith that it took to be at a father’s hand (Abraham) –except, but to say, that God felt that same very real pain / in a very real sacrifice of His Son Jesus.
I thank Abraham on this day … that his character in believing faith earned God’s respect and trust in his faith that I may also benefit in mine!
And I thank God for sending us HIS Son to die for us to live!
So, together as we learn throughout this testimony (as I type and you read, but it will be God who speaks) …In all areas of our life, we can TRUST God and we can trust in HIS LOVE that HE has for us!
Everything comes from God and we give God only what comes from Gods’ hand (1 Chronicles 29:14)!
So, we plant seeds and water, but it is God who makes things grow (1 Co 3:6)!
Nothing can compare to the goodness and righteousness of God!
17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent (1 Chronicles 29:17).
I had a need –a Mother’s need …
I needed a VERY prayerful prescription filled to have by Saturday!
Perhaps you are like me –when something is pressing on my mind, I want relief!
I want to be prepared –to be “ahead of the game” so to speak –to avoid “the fear of failure,”
YET< this Testimony is to share that we CAN LEARN the value of trusting God & the value of Resting in our obedient faith!
God’s Righteousness, credited to us by God in faith in Jesus Christ is before us already!
Our job is to REST in our FAITH to follow Jesus and trust in God!
I am just now seeing THIS! Thank you for being with me as I continue to learn!
I am just NOW learning that Patience was from the very beginning! This is why, I need to share these early preparation details!
I encourage you to write and learn as you listen to that quiet voice of the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts!
WOW WEE !!! -as Dewey Moede with For God’s Glory Alone Ministries would say :)
God gives us free will and a sound mind for a reason.
I strive to always lean on Jesus …Yet; sometimes it feels like there are times that we just simply do the best we can do.
Do you ever feel this way?
I make important decisions every day; just like you!
However, this week, things kept getting “divinely in the way.”
All this being said, when we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, God will steer us when there is somewhere He needs us to be –according to the purpose which we are called, which is to be conformed into the image of Christ –as we learn each and every day by HIS teaching hand!
I know my best place to be is with God, so I do encourage you in this very deep and detailed testimony & I won’t RUSH through this –
According to God’s good Word,
Do not fear; worry, or try to take control from God; Do not LET your heart be troubled –Trust God. Trust also in JESUS!
Strive to stay in step with The Holy Spirit of God –not to get behind, side-step or in front of …
Trust God & always strive to stay in step with the Holy Spirit, which is with God and founded / assured with the Peace that is found in the following of the WAY,
Whom IS Jesus Christ!
Probably Repeating again, but so important to understand deep down and believe that
God’s Righteousness has already gone before us; and His mercy and goodness follow us all the days of our lives
…Just look forward and stay in step!
Perhaps this is a good break point for you?
If you made this far, I thank you!
I encourage you to reflect back on the message part Today … of being prepared in your Today:
- Pray
- Read the Word of God. Hear the message that is from God to you.
- Be prepared to trust the Lord and stay in step with the Holy Spirit.
- As far as it depends on you, Do NOT walk in fear, but remain in the LOVE of God. As far as it depends on you, Do NOT LET your heart be troubled, but RATHER, Trust God and follow Jesus …each step of the Way.
WWJD?
A Peek at Next time:
- I hope you will join me next time … as this Testimony is just taking form for you to hear!
My story happened like this:
Day 1:
1st I forgot to drop off this Rx at the pharmacy while I was on that end of town. I thought I would go back … but the Spirit whispered, “You don’t need it until Saturday, just go home.” Peace led me home!
Day 2:
The next day happened in the same way! – The Holy Spirit whispered, “You don’t need it until Saturday, just go home.” Peace led me home!
Day 3 & ALL DAYS: REMEMBERING TO TRUST GOD AS HE LEADS US THROUGH THE STORM:
Day 3:
Yet, amazing to me on the third day, I had other plans … HOWEVER, The Lord’s voice in me whispered, “No, you need to drop off that prescription today.”
So, I drove straight there!
Find out what happened next in the next session!
I really believe this is a powerful message from God; or I wouldn’t bother putting myself out there to share my testimony.
- Perhaps you can relate to something pressing in your life?
- I share for you, that you will be able to apply God’s Word to find God’s precious blessings in your own life!
Homework for you:
-
WWJD? Explore in the Bible; and see the relevance to God’s timing to apply to something powerful in your own life!
I hope this will be a blessing to many for God’s glory alone!
Every day Apply ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
“And now abide in faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.”
God bless you!
Love in Christ,
Karen Rowe
Hope in Today Ministries, Inc. www.hopeintoday.com
The Train Whistle, Sounding the call of God’s Love, by Karen Rowe
Scriptures to read for Today:
