Advent Day 15: Witness

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Luke 1:76-80;
John 1:6-9; 
Matthew 3:1-4;



“God loves the world. God came into the world in the form of the people he created, the human race (including you and me), who bear his image. God's creation of humanity in his image gives hints of who he is, since we all are marked by his fingerprints. But as flawed humans, we give only a vague hint of God. Our broken reflection of God's image is easily drowned out by our broken humanity. Then, two thousand years ago, God came in his fullness. He came to all of us in Jesus—and now can know God.” ― Michael Spencer, Mere Churchianity






My Testimony to the Church
by Terry Stafford

As I begin to understand that I was created by an awesome Creator, I realize that I have no choice but to serve Him. The fact is that God created me, formed me and then re-formed my mind, soul, spirit and body. From a life of slavery and incarceration, the Spirit swept me up and brought new life into me (and brought me into a new life). My brothers and sisters, please forgive me if I sounds aggressive, but I know that I must tell how God kept me alive and called me to tell about His True Love.

On December 21, 2012 I was released from 30 years of prison, day-for-day. I will turn 62 in January (if the Lord is willing) so most of my life has been incarcerated… but that also means that December is a season of release for me. Man can release us from the prison walls, but only God gives us the freedom of never going back to prison. And I know that, even within those walls, my God was there with me.

 Jesus certainly used those years in prison—keeping me alive and teaching me to know that He is Life. In prison, I attended all kinds of classes. People came from the outside, teaching about Jesus (witnessing to the light) and it was there that God awakened me to a new way of Love. I discovered a new purpose and now, two years out of prison, I myself am going back into that compound with a new heart and a new spirit and a powerful witness. Yes, through prison ministry, God is allowing me to share the love He gave me with others who are in the same places where I used to eat and sleep.

God is miraculous indeed! To whoever may be reading this, please understand that the love of God blesses us with strength and eyesight to see through the darkness and the lies of this world. In understanding how my Jesus works in my own life, I have no choice but to bow down to Him. ‘Cause he is bigger and badder than I will ever be! Praise His Holy Name!

...and thank you for allowing me to give to you the one thing God has given only me to give: my testimony!



"Herald in the Wilderness" by The Calendar Years
Track #2

Herald, in the wilderness,
Breaking up the road,
Sinking mountains, raising plains,
For the path of God...



Tomorrow’s word: Preparation →

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