Scripture Reading: Acts 25:1-27, Acts 26:1-32, Job 33:4, Proverbs 2:6-8
Do you ever think about trees and water and wildflowers and how they don’t use words to talk yet say so much? Right now, there’s a Japanese maple in the garden to my right, and its soft, star-shaped leaves are reaching out into the afternoon light. There’s a whole essay buried inside those leafy branches.
I’m thankful for the agricultural age the New Testament was written in because there are so many tangible, everyday images that remind us of God and His kingdom. Mustard seeds and mountains. Grapevines, sheep, and fruit trees. While creation bears silent witness to what it has seen, we’re called to bear witness with our words as well. I say “as well,” because our own silent witness is also powerful.
The apostle Paul’s divine purpose was to become a servant and a witness of God’s work. In Acts 26, Paul recounted God’s call for him: “I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me” (Acts 26:16). This is why Paul took great care to carefully argue and defend the integrity of his words and behavior before Festus and King Agrippa. He assured them he was being rational, “speaking words of truth and good judgment” (v.25).
What Paul had seen was great. Revolutionary. He saw light from heaven (v.13). He spoke with the One who fulfilled the promised hope of the ancestors (v.6). He saw his own personal transformation in becoming the very kind of person he used to imprison (v.10). And his testimony was made even more powerful because it was his eyesight that was taken away during an encounter with God on the road to Damascus (vv.12–18). The humor in that isn’t lost on me. Paul, the one who was blinded by God, was now bearing witness to Him. It’s the kind of story only God could write, isn’t it?
Paul followed through on his calling to the death as he continued to serve Christ and speak of all he had seen. He lived a difficult life—one that not everyone could bear so well. But now you and I have the privilege of reading story after story after story of God’s faithfulness and transformation in the lives of both the Jewish people and Gentiles as the apostle preached the promised message of hope.
We are also called to bear witness to what we’ve seen. What have you seen today that speaks of God? What have you seen that you can share with others? What have others seen and shared with you that points you to the love of Christ?
Written by Bailey Gillespie
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61 thoughts on "Paul’s Defense Before Agrippa"
Amen!
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I can picture your gardens! So lovely!
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What an ordeal Paul had to go through. With all the long details, the one thing that really stuck with me was, “I have faith in God… whom I worship”. Because of Bailey’s question, “What have you seen today that speaks of God?”, I noticed something small that pointed me to Him. Last week I saved some tomato seeds from store-bought cherry tomatoes. I let them dry on a little tray to get the gel off, and I’m planning to plant them in soil cups soon. It brought back memories of gardening last year. I planted my tomatoes really late (sometime in March) and they were slow to grow on my windowsill because there just wasn’t much sunlight in the winter. I finally planted them outside in June, and even then they took a long time to settle in. Our first frost usually comes around September, so the growing season is short. The tomatoes were still tiny and green, and I remember praying over them, wondering how they would ever ripen in time. But the Lord extended the warm season all the way to the end of November, and those two little tomato plants produced 30 pounds of fruit. I honestly couldn’t believe it. So today, seeing the tomato seeds sitting on my kitchen counter, I was reminded again of the goodness of the Lord. My heart was filled with joy how the Lord would come through. I found refuge in my garden when life felt heavy. The Lord met me there. He cared for my plants. He taught me patience, how the seeds will sprout in the right condition. He showed me how even the most tender flowers can be so resilient after a storm. My petunias were so tattered after a hail storm, but two weeks later they came back vibrant as ever. The flowers, truly no one dresses them, yet each one is unique and full of color. The irises, daffodils, and bleeding hearts are the first to bloom in my garden. Then came the white daisies (my favorite), and peonies, followed by the mini roses, chives, hollyhocks, hydrangeas, and finally the coneflowers (my last bloomer). Each one has its own moment to shine. Truly the flowers of the field, they do not labor or spin, are clothed more beautifully than Solomon in all his splendor. I could just sit and stare at them. And did you know the famous Fluer de lis flowers are the irises? I love irises. What’s amazing is mine started to spread out more and more each year. The Lord truly provides. My garden was once so bare with empty spots, but now they are filled in. God provides in ways that we do not expect. Thank you dear shes for your covering prayers. There was a drastic shift in the mood and the atmosphere last night in our home. There was peace and laughers. Thank you so so much from the bottom of my heart. Be blessed dear sisters.
Your garden sounds lovely, thank you for sharing how God filled it in and grew it so beautifully. It gives me hope for my flower garden that has done poorly this past 2 years.
I can picture your garden. So lovely!
Here is Paul telling the story again! How frustrating it would be! But yet, he remains strong in his YES to Jesus- following and obeying. Telling his belief in Jesus, his true and honest story when it certainly would have been easy to conform back to the Jewish leaders at least to get out of the situation. Even now he could recant to be let free. He could take the easy road. He could be so frustrated of why God even had not rescued him yet. He Reads Truth says this well–
Through this text we remember that Jesus does not always lead us down the road that we expect or even want to travel. The average bystander who sees Paul, accused and imprisoned, would be inclined to think that Paul’s life had been derailed. He was off the tracks. But we know that he is exactly where Jesus appointed him to be. He’s been given an incredibly influential platform to proclaim the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles.
Jesus often defies our expectations, but he never disappoints. The key is to ensure that our desires align with Christ’s. Paul and Jesus want the same thing: that people everywhere “turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins” (Acts 26:18) Though Paul must now carry out his ministry in chains, his confidence in the fruitfulness of this work in Christ is not diminished. As the proverb says, “He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity” (Proverbs 2:7O).
Do we have that same degree of confidence when our work in Christ takes an unexpected turn? No matter the circumstance, no matter how out of control we feel, may we be bold in our ministry, for the victory of God’s mission is already assured in Jesus Christ.
I would bet most of us don’t like unexpected turns in our lives and in our ministry. We want things to go well, of course, we want to see results! We want God to do amazing things. But when friction comes, roadblocks, or slammed doors in our faces…well, we get steamed and complain. May I keep Paul’s journey in the forefront, more so the “But God” always in my mind in my own life. We can not predict whats ahead, but being comfortable in our walk is not good. It’s actually a bad place. When the pounding comes, let me remember that it produces the gold! When the pruning comes let me remember that it ultimately brings flourishing. When the direction of the path changes let remember that God directs my ways, not my own and that is good. He goes before me and behind me! But it all is centered around OBEDIENCE. His Way, not our way. We must live in His righteousness. It is the hard way- are we willing? I have not done this well. I pray God keeps convicting me when I stray, and when he has to knock me down and blind me- I shine brighter after I get up! May he send an Ananias to help me! And help me to be an Ananias to others. The opportunities are great, help us keep our eyes on you Lord, not the chaos around us, the big waves and storm, the lions den,
the fire, the pit, prison, the roadblock (the red Sea!). All God’s children faced these things. And they made it out of their life detours WITH God!
So many good songs! Today at jail we will continue our study of our Identity in Christ- with the subject of Freedom! In Christ we have freedom! Paul was in jail but yet he was right in God’s will to do great and mighty things! I hope to convey that to our butterflies today! They might have gotten there by their own choices, the devil, or by God’s diving intervention- and now they have a choice of what they will do while they are there. That’s why we call them our butterflies, because they can call out to God in their dark hour (the cocoon)! Then transformation can happen! They can use their time to become a beautiful new creation! A new identity! New LIFE! To fly! Forever free. But it’s not quick, not our own trials. You have to nudge and push to strengthen your new Holy Spirit wings to get strong. We can’t just sit and it happen without work! Get strong in scripture and prayer. Yes, Amen! Thank you Jesus for the dark place to grow!
Good dear Paul, got stronger and stronger by all his challenges and hardships- Lord help me to share mine for your glory!
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Happy Wednesday sweet She’s!
Have a great day with your littles Mari V! Friday is only 2 days away!
Paul’s calm and boldness really stood out to me! We we are totally surrender to God, we have nothing to lose! Just share our story and let God take care of the outcome.
Also, I think when ready this, could I do this? But then I’m reminded of this verse…
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/2co.12.9.ESV
God equips us for whatever task He has for us.
Praying for all!
Be bold in our faith and plant the seeds that bring others to Jesus!!
Thank you for bringing up ‘silent witness’, BAILEY- something to ponder! BAILEY asked, “We are also called to bear witness to what we’ve seen. What have you seen today that speaks of God? What have you seen that you can share with others? What have others seen and shared with you that points you to the love of Christ.”
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What I have seen today…- I didn’t see the sunrise due to cloudiness this morning, but I did see an amazing sunset last night! Here in this community I SEE sisters who share a faith and hope along with the sharing of prayer requests – all for the glory of God.
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What I could share with others…- that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and the only way to salvation.
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What others have shared…- testimonies of big ways and small ways that God has worked in their lives as well as the way God has used them to be a blessing.
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Proverbs 2:6-8 (NLT)
6 For the Lord grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
8 He guards the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
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That is a great verse to share with others!
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SONG SHARE:
Amazing Grace
“I once was BLIND, but now I SEE”!!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Now off to read your comments! ☺
We had a beautiful sunset last night too. (I never get up early enough to see a sunrise… hahahahaha!)
I rarely do!☺☺☺
Me either! Lol
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“What have you seen today that speaks of God? What have you seen that you can share with others? What have others seen and shared with you that points you to the love of Christ?”…Some very good questions to ponder. Thank you Bailey.
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“The audience room”, this is where Paul stood before King Agrippa, Bernice, high-ranking military officers and prominent men of the city. And what did he do? He used it as a platform to proclaim the name of Jesus and explain salvation by faith through Christ. He was bold, he was courageous, he was unashamed and unafraid. Which brings me right back to Bailey’s questions – What have I seen today that speaks of God, what have I see that I can share with others…where will my “audience room”be?
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As we seek God and pray, He will open the doors. We too must be bold and courageous, but remembering that our courage and power come from the Holy Spirit within us. We can not depend on our own strength, or we will fail.
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Someone once said to me, “no one can argue with your testimony of what God has done in your life” and that is so true. A changed life speaks for itself, but we can share how God made it possible.
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The world is lost, people need the Lord – now more than ever.
I have used Acts 26:18 many times as a pattern to pray for this lost world and for those I know and love that are lost or far from their fatih…
Father God, open their (insert name here) eyes, turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to You, so that they (their name) may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith. In Jesus Name, Amen.
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Have a blessed day my dear She’s. I’ll be back later to read your comments and prayer requests. ❤️
Great prayer, Sharon, thank you! ❤
Today is another day where we read and see Paul’s response as articulate, composed and succinct. He sticks with the facts about his life and exoerince, giving testimony of how God worked in remarkable ways to transform his life. It reminds me of the fact that our testimony is so important and powerful and why we need to share it with others. We had another Ladies Testimony night at church on Monday and it was such a fantastic evening. It is truly amazing, a great encouragement and blessing to learn how God has moved, worked, intervened and faithfully carried these ladies. The story of their lives and their words points others to Christ and bears witness and our words can do the same. May we be ready to speak, share and serve in such a way to be a faithful witness of all that the Lord has done and He be honored and glorified in it all.
I didn’t get a chance to go back over yesterday’s comments until later on but once again just so appreciate all the wisdom, insight and sharing that teaches us and spurs us on. Thank you SRT sisters. Praying for all of the requests shared. ❤️
I love that ya’ll get together once a month to do this! It is so important to share, with believers and non! The more we practice the better we get too! I don’t know that I could get up and speak in a microphone to a room full of people, even only women. But I encourage my group to write it out in a simple easy- before-when/how I called out to him-after
Then you can bullet point how your life looked before him and after him. The change you know!
The more we look at it ourselves and have it organized the easier it will be able to share. Even in simple, quick ways
Example-
“Oh, yeah, I have chronic pain.
It is hard, but with God, I am getting through it day by day! I know he is my healer.”
“Yes, I went through a hard time too. When my husband asked for a divorce I was devastated. It was hard. But God- Oh how he came in my brokenness and put me back together! It was not easy, but he is close to the brokenhearted.”
“Being a single mom is very challenging, I too went through that struggle. But trusting in God, and casting my worries and cares on him, He strengthened me and carried me!” Oh how I couldn’t have done it without Him! Trust and seek him!
That is so nice that you get together for testimonies. Just curious as to the size of your church and how many ladies come out to it?
It is always such a great evening. Our congregation is about 180 every week and we usually have an average of 30 ladies come out to these evenings but we have had up to 40. :)
This reminds me of the song “I’ve Witnessed it” by Passion.
When I was lost and all alone
Your presence was where I found home
You were there, and You’re here right now
In every high and every low
You never left me without hope
You were good, and You’re good right now
I’ve witnessed Your faithfulness
I’ve seen You breathe life within
So I’ll pour out my praise again
You’re worthy, God, You’re worthy of all of it
Your promises never fail
I’ve got stories I’ll live to tell
So I’ll pour out my praise again
You’re worthy, God, You’re worthy of all of it
You left the throne and chose the cross
Laid down Your life to rescue us
The Savior then, the Savior now (He is)
But even death was not the end
You conquered hell, so I could live
Resurrecting then, resurrecting now
Resurrecting then, resurrecting now
I’ve witnessed Your faithfulness
I’ve seen You breathe life within
So I’ll pour out my praise again
You’re worthy, God, You’re worthy of all of it
Your promises never fail
I’ve got stories I’ll live to tell
So I’ll pour out my praise again
You’re worthy, God, You’re worthy of all of it
You’re good and I’ve witnessed it
You’re strong and I’ve witnessed it
You’re constant, I’ve witnessed it
And I’m confident (I am), I’ll see it again and again
You love and I’ve witnessed it
You heal and I’ve witnessed it
You save and I’ve witnessed it
And I’m confident, I’ll see it again and again
I’ve witnessed Your faithfulness
I’ve seen You breathe life within
So I’ll pour out my praise again
You’re worthy, God, You’re worthy of all of it
Your promises never fail
I’ve got stories I’ll live to tell
So I’ll pour out my praise again
You’re worthy, God, You’re worthy of all of it
To the broken, I’ll witness it
To the hurting, I’ll witness it
To the lost, I will witness it
Yeah, I’ll tell them this
I’ll tell them what I’ve witnessed
To my family, I’ll witness it
To my city, I’ll witness it (I’ll go)
To the nations, I’ll witness it
And I’ll tell them this
I’ll tell them what I’ve witnessed
Yes, I love that song. Also make me think of “Too Good not to Believe” Brandon Lake and Brooke Ligertwood
My prayer for each of us is that we would be bold on our faith in every area of our lives whether it’s at work, home, small group, etc. May we be your hands and feet Lord Jesus! | Prayers for Seth: He was taken to the hospital yesterday as they found a fluid filled lump next to his baclofen pump. An MRI was done, so hopefully we can get some answers today!
Praying for Seth
In agreeance with your prayer for us Susan. ❤️
Continued prayers for Seth. This is quite the journey he has been on.
Posted on yesterday in error …
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I love that Paul is so thorough when he gives his testimony. And pleading his case, aka giving his testimony, before rulers- they come to the same conclusion Pilate did with Jesus, nothing deserving of death.
That Paul would have gone free had he not appealed to Caesar? Going was part of God’s plan, purpose (thanks, SHARON) and protection from Jewish judgement and punishment.
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ADRIENNE- yes, if only!
MERCY ❤️ praying for your husband, for strength, focus and clarity as you requested – adding to those needs, praying he will take a deep breath and/or a quick walk to refocus, call on the Lord each day to calm him through the stress and frustration, be aware of the straying of his thoughts and to take them captive to the obedience of Christ. Praying for you, sister, as you walk with him during this time. His mercies are new every morning, which reminds me of this Jason Crabb song, Good Morning, Mercy.
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While I was sleeping Lord
You were working
On a mess I made like only I can do
When I start thinking
I’m so far from You
I wake up and hear
You whisper That’s not true
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Chorus –
Good morning mercy
You call me worthy
Feels like the sun shining on my face
Living’s good this side of grace
I feel it working
Goodbye to the hurting
You woke me up put me on my way
Hallelujah it’s a brand new day
Good morning mercy
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Yeah I’m still learning
To trust and follow
I won’t worry what tomorrow’s gonna bring
Cause you hold it all there in your hands
I’m lifting mine up now
Cause it makes me sing
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Chorus
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Bridge –
Glory Hallelujah
It’s a brand new day
Starts all over when daylight breaks
You’ve given me a joy it makes me sing
Good morning
Good morning
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KIRA H praying for this sweet child, praying for an accurate diagnosis, wisdom for the neurologist. Praying for her parents and family for strength and peace.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – our duty, thank you ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️ thank you for background info on Felix, helpful in getting a clearer understanding. Sadly, the lure of bribery is still here in today’s world.
MERCY, again ❤️ gospel pills ❤️❤️
MORGAN BONN praying your life will speak to her ❤️
KIM DAVIS ❤️ “I can control my integrity. My goal isn’t to win every situation, but to keep my conscience clear before God and trust Him with the outcome.” Amen.
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Thanks, sisters…one day at a time ❤️
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Thank you SEARCHING, what a beautiful song, one day at a time ❤️
When I read this chapter and other verses for the reading today this verse came into my mind. I am so encouraged and thankful for the word of God in my life.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”
Revelation 12:11 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/rev.12.11.NKJV
Amen! ❤️
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Lord God may your light radiate through us all and may you gives us the boldness and words to share of what we have seen of you. May God be with you all dear sisters!
Thank you for sharing your recent testimony boldly on your FB page! I LOVE that and plan to do the same soon! (and sharing on our FB group page!! so powerful!)
Well God used various promptings to get me there, including Paul’s boldness.
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Amen❤️
From the beginning of Paul’s life in Christ, he was appointed to be a suffering witness. Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said to [Ananias], “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
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Now before King Agrippa, he once again tells the story of Jesus’ encounter with him in route to Damascus fulfilling God’s words to Ananias.
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The Jews went back to the ambush plot to kill Paul. If the original 40 men kept their oath, after 2+ years, they would be dead from “not eating” (Acts 23:14), but others took up the “cause” (25:3).
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Great question to chew on that Bailey closed with today. Lord, may my eyes be open to see You moving today.
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Praying for your request.
Thank you for sharing that verse again! God’s plan- we must followed it. Saying whole-heartly Yes to him, not our own way, purpose, and plan. “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” How many of us want to suffer for his name, no we want to prosper and see all the good from the Lord. I do wish we would realize we must suffer for him. Bear our cross as Jesus did. Face criticism and false accusations. Hard times, loss, suffering. BUT WITH GOD, they will glorify him. Makes me think of the study we just did, which is really a 30 day devotional. My Story His Glory by Matthew West. EVERY part of our life, can be turned to help us and Glorify God!! Highly recommend! It reshapes our tests and to be able to share with others to help them in the same struggles!
I had the same thought that the original 40 men would be dead since 2+ years had passed.
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I found it interesting that the first thing they did when Festus became the new ruler was to try again with the (failed) plan from 2 years before, to set up an ambush to kill Paul. It reinforces that Paul and his message remained a threat to them even while under house arrest.
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Good reminder in today’s reading.
I am off on a jolly with my prayer partner in an hour.. I do so love her and her strength. Her journey much like mine is ‘holding on to God in your darkest moments..’ God brought us together to pray, for our small group, family and friends, way before her son died suddenly.
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See how He/God worked there?
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But today I want to tell you about her husband, who at the time of this story was not a believer.
Shells got poorly and was rushed to hospital, all sorts of tests were run, but they were stumped. We, her small group visited, daily, literally, praying and lifting her up to the Lord.
She always had a peace about her.
When she came home, her husband asked us why we had such calm of heart because he was beginning to believe he needed some of what we had.
I was in a Bookstore soon after and was drawn to the Book of Psalms, I bought a copy and gave it to her husband the next time I visited.
The first Psalms he read, 23, fed his soul to the point that he signed up for the Alpha course, began to help at the church, gave his life to Jesus, some months later.
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God is good.
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When something about you radiates Jesus, when all about you says I have a peace, even in this uncertainty, when you praise, even in the storm.. and others can see it, and ask the question of you, “where can I get me some of what you’ve got” there is a Hope, that only God can bring, and He does.
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He does.
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Amen.
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Happy Wednesday, my dears.. so tightly wrapped in love, hugs and prayers abundant.❤️❤️
What a wonderful testimony to God’s goodness leading to repentance and salvation!
What a beautiful testimony!! Enjoy your time with your friend Tina!
Great testimony! And wonderful that you followed the nudge to buy him that book! It’s amazing now that I LISTEN to HIM the things He does through me!! It is so good to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others!! I also try to write them down when they happen! That way now I open my little book of God winks and the list keeps growing!! What a testimony in my own little world!
Beautiful story of your friend’s husband’s testimony. Thank you for sharing dear Tina and enjoy the time with your friend.
Love this!
Bless you, Tina, for sharing this perfect example of ‘silent witness’ and the result! We have such anxiety over ‘having the right words’ and you just gave proof to the power of the ‘silent witness’. I am reminded of the soldier at the foot of the cross- “Truely this man was the Son of God.” Matthew 27:54.
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I pray your friend is in good health now! ❤
Ay she is… and her husband has gone from strength to strength.. even holding fast oftentimes by the skin of his teeth, to God, when their son passed away suddenly..
God is good..♥️
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Yes, another one of your lovely testimonies Tina! Thank you for sharing with us, and inspiring us. Love & hugs from across the pond. ❤️
Write the book! ❤️
Thank You, Dear Tina
Reminded once more of my favorite quote by Madeleine L’Engle who wrote “A Wrinkle in Time”.
What the Paul the apostle knew, what Madeleine the author knew, we must know as well.
“We draw people to Christ not by loudly discrediting what they believe, by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it”.
Amazing testimony ❤️