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.