Tag Archives: testimony

June 11
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“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.”  (1 Chronicles 16:8, NIV)

Today’s scripture is taken from the first words spoken by the priests that served before the ark of the covenant of God.  The ark was the physical representation — a reminder, if you will — of the presence of God.

These words were prescribed by David, and are as good today for us as they were thousands of years ago for the Children of Israel.

First, we are invited to “give praise to the Lord.”  May all that we do speak well of our heavenly Father.

Next, we are to proclaim His name: That is, to “advertise” the reality of God.  There are many forms of advertising.  Some of it is active, and some of it is passive; but all forms carry a message.  Are we proclaiming His name, or are we hiding our relationship to God as if it is of no consequence to us?

Third, our advertising has the purpose of making known to the nations — that is, those who know not God — what God has done for you.  This is your story, and no one should be able to tell your story as well as you.

Today, let your life be an advertisement for the goodness of God.  – Luther

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April 21
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“The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, ‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’  So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.”  (Luke 8:38-39, NIV)

“You can’t go home again,” is the title of a famous book written by Thomas Wolfe (published posthumously in 1940).  Returning home is not always a pleasant option. It certainly was not a cheerful thought for the man in today’s scripture, for whom Jesus had liberated from the tyranny of demon-possession.

Perhaps he feared the taunts of those who remembered him in his former state.  Perhaps he thought that his new life warranted a fresh start in a new place.  Perhaps he thought that he could do more for the reputation of Jesus as a part of the Master’s entourage than he could by returning to the skeptical folks at home.

However, Jesus had other ideas.  “Return home and tell how much God has done for you,” Jesus told the man.  He is telling you and me the same thing today.

Our task is a simple one: Tell what God has done for you.

Be bold.  Give God the glory.  No one can tell your story better than you.  Be faithful in this simple task.  – Luther

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March 12
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“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”  (Deuteronomy 4:9, NIV)

We each have a capital “s” Story and a little “s” story.

The former is the history of God’s dealings with His people, with whom — as disciples of Jesus — we identify; and what we have become through adoption.  The latter is the history of God’s dealings with us personally; what He has done for us personally.  Both stories are ours.  Both stories, if remembered faithfully, will keep our focus clear; our resolve strong; and our confidence in our heavenly Father unshakable.

Furthermore, these stories are not ours to keep to ourselves as a “private collection,” but ours to share with our children and our “children.”

Today, recall your Story and your story.  These are our gifts to those who follow us.  – Luther

(Reminder: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow, as is customary.  Have a great day in worship — and, if you are in a place that observes Daylight Savings Time, remember to advance your clock one hour when you retire tonight!)

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