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Greetings, my friends, this is Dr. Judy with a message from God’s Word in my series – GOING BOLD FOR GOD. Today’s testimony story and lesson focuses on celebrating life.
One day I had to make a brief stop at a hardware store while traveling through Arkansas. As I passed through the automotive department, I noticed that one of the employees was wearing a special button on her lapel that proclaimed “Today’s my birthday.” That was how I met Kisha.
Well, I love celebrating birthdays – anybody’s birthday – so I went up to Kisha, wished her a Happy Birthday, and began to sing to her: “It’s yer birthday, it’s yer birthday, you’re one year older now, it’s yer birthday, it’s yer birthday stand up and take a bow……”
Well, Kisha blushed, but I could tell that she was happy to be recognized on her birthday – even by a stranger. I felt the Lord’s prompting, so I began to chat with her. I asked her about her family and her life — then I asked her a very important question. “Kisha,” I said, “Do you know that God loves you, and that He created you on this very special day because He has a plan and purpose for your life?”
Kisha admitted she hadn’t given God much thought — but she was curious to know if there really was a God. She glanced around – looking a little nervous – checking to see if any customers could overhear the conversation – then she leaned toward me and whispered a sad confession: “I don’t think God could love me,” she said, “considering all the terrible things I’ve done in my life.”
I assured Kisha that we’ve all done things that are wrong — but because God does love us He gave us His son, Jesus. As I held out the little cross I was wearing around my neck, I told Kisha about Jesus – how He died on the cross to pay the price for her sins and mine. I told her a little about my own life, and how God had rescued me, too, in the middle of my sins and gave me new beginning.
Kisha’s eyes were wide as she heard the Truth I shared from God’s Word. I assured her of the forgiveness available to her through Christ, and the new life waiting for her if she would believe by faith and surrender her will to God’s will.
Kisha was overjoyed to hear this GOOD NEWS. She desperately wanted to believe and receive forgiveness of her sins and have a fresh new start. She thanked me for taking time to talk with her and then she turned, as if to leave. Suddenly however, she turned back to me and asked what she had to do to receive this free gift of salvation.
That morning, as we stood in the automotive aisle — with all the oil, the filters, and other car supplies surrounding us — Kisha found Jesus and through faith she believed and received the best birthday gift ever, forgiveness of her sins and a new life in Christ.
The story didn’t end there, though. I wanted to give Kisha a little present for turning 21, and to celebrate her new spiritual birthday as well. Since she was now a born-again Christian, I knew she would need a copy of God’s Word to help her on her new journey in life. I dashed out to my car to get her a cross just like the one I was wearing, and a copy of the New Testament — but when I returned Kisha was surrounded by customers. I believe the Lord held everyone back earlier just so I could have some time to talk with her.
While I was waiting to see Kisha again and give her my presents, the department manager — Betty – approached asking if she could help me. I told her I had just spoken with Kisha and had a birthday present for her. She could see the cross and Bible I was holding in my hands and with tears in her eyes Betty reached out and put her hand on my arm and told me that she was a Christian, too. I’ve been praying for Kisha for a long time, she told me, and for her salvation. I put that birthday pin on her today, even though she didn’t want to wear it. The Lord answered my prayer by bringing you here just for Kisha — and I thank you for being His faithful witness.”
Betty went over and hugged Kisha – Kisha then turned and hugged me – and I presented her gifts to her! As I left, Betty assured me that she would help Kisha begin her new life in Christ and disciple her.
I left the store that day singing a new song …. “To God be the Glory great things He has done,” — and I heard Betty singing as I faded out of sight, rejoicing and knowing what the Lord had just done.
Let me ask you dear friends, what impact does God want YOU to have today? Is he using you to place a button on someone’s lapel? Start a conversation? Or just lend a helping hand?
I encourage you to be OBSERVANT wherever you go…. look for birthday buttons, or team t-shirts, a special hat — anything that you can use to start a conversation with people. And remember to smile and be friendly, that’s what Jesus would do if He was in your shoes.
And by the way, isn’t He in your shoes, walking with you every step of the way?
Let’s remember we are His Ambassadors and we must represent Him well.
2 Corinthians 5:20 says: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
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My friends, if you are not sure where you will spend eternity, please contact me or a Christian friend as soon as possible, we have some GOOD NEWS we want to share with you.
I would also like to help you with witnessing materials. If you need New Testaments, tracts, GOOD NEWS witnessing cards, a wooden cross to wear around your neck, or would like a copy of my book, UNTIL THE ROAD ENDS, please contact me personally at judy@wheelpower.org and visit our web site at www.wheelpower.org.
ALSO FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS OR ANY PRAYER REQUESTS.
AND MY CHRISTIAN FRIENDS, I WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO STAY FAITHFUL TO YOUR MISSION AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND USE YOU AS YOU
GO AND BE BOLD FOR GOD!
