Some thoughts on testimony...

A man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another has by his words. Philip Brooks

Faith in small things has repercussions that ripple all the way out. In a huge, dark room a little match can light up the place. Joni Eareckson Tada

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32

Theology is an interesting school of thought. The Bible is beautiful literature. Sitting in a quiet sanctuary, bathed in the amber light from stained glass windows, having our jangled nerves soothed by the chords from the organ-all that is inspiring. But to tell you the truth, when we leave the classroom, close the church door, and walk out into the real world, it is the indisputable proof of changed lives that makes us believers. Gloria Gaither

There is NOTHING more appealing or convincing to a watching world than to hear the testimony of someone who has just been with JESUS. Henry Blackaby

Most of the people that God allows me to be a testimony to, have a scrape to get by kind of life. Once in a while they set foot inside an ornate chapel or cathedral and are somehow convinced that being near those stained glass windows, altars of saints, and gold fixtures is enough. The majority simply return to their "normal" life until the next time they need their "religious fix." Others make elaborate altars in a corner of their home or business and to be honest spend more on that altar than they do on themselves and or their families. YET...everyone who I have witnessed come to Christ says nothing of those things. They talk of the love, peace, forgiveness, and hope they find in Christ. Ninety percent of the time they mention how the testimony of someone "who had been with JESUS" took their eyes off those windows and turned them up even higher to the Lord.

Wow! I fall so short! So many times I push the program or "the right way to worship or live out your faith." Lord, help me to shine with your light!

Are you settling for stained glass windows, beautiful hymns and choruses, organized programs, and neat little "Bible Studies" about books written by others who also are settling for organized religion? Or are you "Letting your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."