Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Still the Same Jesus

taken from photo bucket
Visualize with me a room full of strangers.  Each shifting in their chair as the air of intimacy starts to turn toward their own testimonies.  The common bond in the room is Jesus.  Their ages range from teens to early 60's...all economic bases and different nationalities occupy the room.  Twelve were gathered together.  The casual conversation takes a turn.  Her toes are missing from her feet, the story begins to unravel to the amazement of all gathered.

"I had to call her parents.  They had given her 1% chance of surviving.  No one survives this level of toxic shock she had in her body.  Her family start arriving. Christian's gather in prayer."  The husband recalls thirteen years ago.  The wife sets quietly as their testimony continues.

Jesus Arrives!

"My wife wasn't feeling well.  I asked her could she wait until I could prepare to pay for a doctor to see her.  My business was just starting.  She couldn't wait and the doctor came back with the diagnoises of cancer."

Jesus Arrives!

" I had a stroke caused from a hole in my heart."

Jesus Arrives!

'For years they have tried to get a baby....then the phone rings and in four days they picked up their child."

Jesus Arrives!

They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.  Rev., 12:11

The words of these testimonies could have taken place at anytime in history. I can envision this group testifing to the miracles of Christ 2000 years ago, and yet these testimonies were last Friday night.

As we gathered in our new home group the words of their testimonies started to ring out.  Yes today we have "modern medicine", but who gives the doctors the knowledge?  Who is the ultimate healer?  What difference is there in any of these miracles from the ones Christ performed on the roads He traveled 2000's years ago?

The first testimony - Jesus showed up with healing in His wings.  The 1% chance of life became 100%.  She lost her toes due to the toxic shock.  During the time her toes succumb to the toxic shock she was carrying their first child.  The child was born healthy.  She learned to walk again and recovered.  Today she is the mother of two children.  

The second testimony - Jesus showed up with healing and provision.  His wife was diagnosed with colon cancer at the same time as he had a balloon payment for their home due and starting a new business.  Eighty thousand dollars later his wife is healed and the hospital settled for $100 dollars a month payment.


Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25


The third testimony - All his test, one year later, are coming back clear.  Surgery to close the hole in his heart, as well as, his memory from the stroke are healed.  He has just flown home from rejoicing over his son's graduation from the Naval Academy.

Jesus - the same yesterday and today. Nothing is too difficult for Him! 


 We step into the sanctuary on Saturday night for worship.  Our church now expands to three campuses with over ten thousand members.  Our young pastor comes to preach on death. He has been touched by Jesus also as he went through brain surgery and treatments for a year.  This last week he walked through the events again, this time on the other side of the surgery table, praying for one of our elders.  Another brain tumor, diagnoses worse than our pastor's, again the body of Christ cries out to God for healing.  There will be healing one way or another.  Our pastor guides us through a Christian's response to death,  home coming and heaven.


But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Is. 53:5


Jesus Arrives!

As my family walks through a"hiccup" in life I see how strongly the words of our testimony build each other's faith.  God increases our faith through how He has worked in other's lives.  May we not forsake the gathering together to share life and hear testimonies.  Even in blog land the Lord is allowing His testimonies to go forth - For His Glory!  May we not shrink back in telling the Greatness of Our God! Thanks to so many of you for sharing your testimonies which are strengthening my faith.

31 Joining in with more words:

Vee said...

I felt my spirit arise every time you said, "Jesus Arrives." What marvelous testimonies of His work among your friends in this new home group. As you transition through this move, know that Jesus is always with you...

Unknown said...

What a wonderful post. Jesus does always arrive! Thank you for that reminder dear friend. How is your new home? Where are you all now? Hope and pray that you are doing well.
Love you-hope you have a great day.
Jill

Mary said...

Amen!!
Thank you for your encouragement and for always pointing us to Jesus!

Cindy said...

Beautiful! This is what people need to hear...not about the mystical experiences that so many seek today, but of the Jesus who meets us right where we are in the trenches of life. Amen!

Sandy said...

What would we do if our dear Jesus
didn't arrive again and again and
again in the circumstances of our
lives? I'm so thankful He never
leaves us, never fails us, never
stops loving and caring for us.
Wonderful testimonies for His glory!
Hugs,
Sandy

Leslie @ Farm Fresh Fun said...

Great post. Your testimonies always lift me (and my family). Last night I got a call from a friend I hadn't heard from in 23 yrs. She was one of my first friends to share her great faith and give testimony to God's power in her life. Last night I was overcome with gratitude as I told her about all God had provided to me since we'd last caught up. Lotsa mountains n valleys but I was constantly carried safely by him. I thanked her for showing me where my strength came from. I hope I can share my story with my friends and students and somehow help them. You inspire me to try harder.
xo
Leslie

Lisa said...

Janette,
You must go to the Village! My kids went there while in school and loved it! It is such a small world.:)
PS Loved this post. I'm so glad He is still in the miracle business!

Lorie said...

Awesome. Thank you for this.

Farm Girl said...

Wonderful post. I am a follower of Jesus Christ for just all of those reasons, because the blind see, the dead are given life and we can begin a new life in Him.
Very powerful reminder, Thank you,

Christine said...

Oh yes... we do need each other!
To see the many miracles and to know that there are others to pray for our needs.

His Song to Sing said...

Yes, I'm with Vee in that your repetition of the declaration "Jesus Arrives" served to lift my heart with each story of healing and redemption. You too are an encourager and lifter of my soul. Keep posting through "hiccups" and all. Praising Him through Whom all blessings flow!

Theresa said...

Praise God!

Mary said...

Wow! Awesome testimonies. What would we do without Jesus? He has helped us so many times -- too numerous to mention. Thanks for the reminder.

Debbie said...

Awesome!! This is a stand up and cheer moment. I agree with you so much that we must be His witnesses. He always arrives.

And sing it and tell it I must.

Sue said...

Isn't God's timing Perfect, Janette,!!! Oh! to have been in this service with you. He is indeed the same yesterday, today and forever. As always I leave so blessed and encouraged. Thank you for being so obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Love,
Sue

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

YES!! This is so strong Janette, you are boldly standing and declaring God's faithfulness... so in turn, YOU receive the blessing, just as we do reading this!

Perspective... He does have a way of changing and rearranging it, doesn't He! :)

Praying daily for the exact right 'next' home for your family.

xo

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Janette, your words answered a personal question I have been asking God. I now know what He wants me to do. I knew before, but was afraid it was just my own desire not His. Now, I know it is His as well. Thank you for the beautiful post and the testimonies. I really needed your words today.

Canadagirl said...

Thank you for sharing this! I have to admit that one thing I LOVE love love about blogging is we gals can share our testimonies and not be held back when others think it is a good time or worthy enough to share. This also reminds me I have to sit down and share about the House That God Built. [o= Ohhh how I wished I had more time in my days to do all I need and want to do. One step at a time and one sentence at a time and soon you will get to read it, right? [o=

You are such a blessing! ((HUGS))
In Him<><
-Mary

no spring chicken said...

Our testimony is the very word and breath of God to this dying world and to the body...

I want to be strength to my brothers and sisters. I want to receive words from them! Thank you for this word...

Blessings, Debbie

Debbie said...

Oh Janette this post brought tears to my eyes for some reason...Our God is just soo good. I would have loved to have been sitting in that room with you. Your right, there is just nothing like hearing those personal testimonies from those who have been touched by Him. He arrives for sure! Have a wonderful day my friend. Still praying. Hugs, Debbie

Sarah Jane said...

Amen! and Amen! and AMEN!!! I LOVE that Hebrews verse. =)

Trisha said...

What a gift it is to encourage one another in the body of Christ, Janette! And yes, we do that by praising Him and declaring His mighty acts to one another. Much love to you!

Marsha Young said...

Great testimonies. We can all be thankful that Jesus still arrives, the same for all time and eternity.

Blessings to you - Marsha

Patty Marker said...

What a powerful post. He is indeed the same today as he was then. Praise God...Jesus arrives!

Sharon said...

How inspiring! What amazes me the most, Janette, is that even in a rather small gathering, there are tremendous stories of God's faithfulness. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, really - He is a great God!

Been thinking about you and the family *hiccup* - praying for you all.

And yes, the same Jesus stands alongside us with comforting peace. I don't always get why certain things happen in life - but I'm doing my best to grow in the area of trust - trying to rely on the fact that I know He cares and He knows best.

GOD BLESS!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

What a super inspiring post! And, reading such testimonies reminds me "once again" that I am to never think that there is anything to great for our God to do. He is able in all situations. Joy filled blessings to you! Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing, Janette. This is so Spirit-filled and rich. "Jesus arrives."

I'm not sure when I first visited your page. I think it was through a blog-hop, but I can tell you I see a change. Loved your blog from the get-go, but it seems to be soaring even higher these days. Jesus arrives...and He smiles.

Enjoy your weekend, my friend.

myletterstoemily said...

and He will arrive for you, too! i love
testimonies so much. we used to
begin each homechurch with them, and
they caused our faith to rise.

He is still in the arrival business.
hallelujah!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Janette for sharing this post and these marvelous testimonies. May you feel the love and prayers of your many blog friends. May God bless.

Joan Hall said...

Janette:

Powerful stories! Yes, Jesus showed up, just as he did for my husband 18 years ago. In our small group of about 20 people, six have been affected by cancer. All are now cancer free, by the grace of God. The most recent, our church secretary, recently finished six months of chemo and radiation. She went for a check up last week in which doctors pronounced her cancer free.

Glad to know your pastor is doing well.

Blessings,
Joan

Shanda said...

Thank yo for sharing this Janette, So powerful. I do believe in testimonies. In fact, when I entertain large groups for various events, I try to have someone give a short testimony because it is such an encouragement to others.
I appreciate you and your words.

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