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Testimonies
"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. . . Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah has given to me are for signs and wonders in Israel from Jehovah of Hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion" (Isa. 8:16).
"And Samuel was serving before Jehovah, a boy girded with an ephod of linen. . . . And the boy Samuel grew up with Jehovah" (1 Sam. 2:18, 21B, LITV).
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A testimony is the result of a revelation of God! You see, the revelation, once received, is borne out of us as a witness of the God with whom we have had an experience. Unfortunately, what often occurs is a far cry from what God desires: By the time the revelation moves from where it was received - in the spirit - to the place where it can flow out of us to others - the body - it becomes of a mixed sort, to one degree or another. In other words, what began in the purity of our innermost being was not able to make the transition to the outer clay vessel without being tainted by the impurities contained within the vessel. This is why it is easier to see the testimony of God through some, than others.
Many of the stories you'll find listed are from among a hidden multitude, whose testimony bore out, "the world was not worthy of them". They are examples where the power and purity of a holy God came through the earthen vessel crisp and extremely clear. These are instances where little, if any, imperfections were added to the testimony as it made its way from deep within, to the outer shell, where others could see it.
It is my hope and prayer these testimonies will uplift, and be an encouragement to us all, so that we might conitnue on, striving to maintain that "high way" - "the Kings way" - of our holy calling. Let us seek the added grace required to bear testimonies similar to these.
Yes, it is possible to overcome, and live out a life pleasing to God! But the proof is in the testimony.
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"My children, for whom I again travail until Christ should be formed to you," (Gal 4:19).
"You are our letter, having been inscribed in our hearts, being known and being read by all men, it having been made plain that you are Christ's letter, served by us, not having been inscribed by ink, but by the Spirit of the living God, not in tablets of stone, but in fleshly tablets of the heart." (2 Cor. 3:2, 3, LITV).
"For with thee is the fountain of life; and when in thy light we see more and more light" (Psa. 36:9, paraphrased).
" And they overcame . . . because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the Word of their testimony. And they did not love their soul even until death. Because of this, be glad, the heavens and those tabernacling in them . . . " (Rev. 12:11, 12).
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