Every Testimony Is Different

Some of you reading this article may remember when it used to be a common event in church services for someone to stand up and give their testimony. They’d share from the heart about how God pursued them even on their darkest day. When they came to the end of their rope, they surrendered their life to Jesus. What a joyous day that was! Everyone’s testimony is different, fascinating, and unique to each person. The Holy Spirit pursued them, touched them, and met them in a glorious connection between Father and child (see The Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32).

One of my favorite testimonies comes from a man who visited our youth group when I was a teenager. He had lived a crazy life and had been into everything immoral that he could sample from this evil world. One day, when he was driving drunk on a rainy night through his hometown, his car started to spin out into an intersection. Even in his drunken state, he had a split second to think that he would die and that his car would wrap itself around a light pole. Everything seemed to slow down and, as he looked around inside his car, he saw an angel in his passenger seat! The angel had its hands over its face. He perceived in his heart that it was praying for him! His car continued spinning and finally ended up on the sidewalk. There was some damage to it and to the corner, but he was alive and unharmed. When the police showed up, he was arrested for drunk driving and thrown in jail. Despite being in jail, he couldn't get the vision of the angel out of his head! For the first time in years, he began reading a Bible as he awaited his court date. He wanted to know more about angels, but that study caused him to be hungry to learn more and more about God. Later, with the help of a prison chaplain, he gave his life to Jesus. He never looked back, except to share his testimony with young people like those of us in that youth group. As we listened to him, there was not a sound in the room. His story, his testimony, was touching others.

Another testimony I remember is one that I read in Guideposts Magazine. A man told the story of his rebellious teen years. He would sneak out of the house, come home late, and get into lots of trouble. At the time, his grandmother was living with the family. Every morning and evening, she would sit in a living room chair near a lamp and read her bible and pray. One time he asked her what she was praying for. “I’m praying for you and your brothers and sisters, your cousins, your mom and dad…” she answered. For some reason, it impressed him that she spent so much time talking to God. Several decades later, his grandmother sat in the front row at church when he was baptized. He was now in his 30s, had been married, had kids, gotten addicted to drugs, divorced…He’d endured lots of pain. God had met him every step of the way. One of the main reasons he finally gave his life to Jesus was because his grandmother was a living, breathing testimony to faith.

My testimony isn’t as colorful, but I have had my fair share of struggles. I had many emotional hurts and fears from my childhood that were unbearable. I was raised in a very strict household and, because I was a sensitive kid, I took the punishments and scoldings very hard. By the time I was in my early 20s, anxiety and fear crippled me. At about that same time, a friend introduced me to Contemporary Christian Music (CCM). I had never heard Amy Grant or Sandi Patty or any of the other CCM artists from the mid-80s. Their music opened up a whole new world of worship to me and, one day, on my way home from work, I got saved listening to an Amy Grant song on my car stereo. In a single moment, I realized God’s love for me and that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for me! (John 3:16) Right there, waiting at a red light at the intersection of 190th and Crenshaw in Torrance, California, I gave my life to Jesus.

As you can see, everyone’s testimony is different. It is unique to that person and their circumstance. God pursued them and patiently waited for them to stop, turn around and see Him for who He is: Deliverer, Comforter, Savior, Healer, Restorer…our God and Father. Amen! (Isaiah 9:6, 1 John 1:5, 2 Peter 3:9, Psalm 116:5, Psalm 68:19-20)

What is your testimony?

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” -Romans 6:23 NIV

Paula Aiton is a member of Koinonia Church and a freelance writer, musician and artist. Her blog, God’s Glory Girl, can be found at godsglorygirl.com

Call ‘em like you see ‘em.

In baseball circles, there is a phrase that has been around since the early 1900s that states, “I call ‘em as I sees ‘em!” There are various accounts of who coined this phrase – whether it was Baseball Hall of Fame umpire Bill Klem, or an umpire in a 1960 Yankees game, or even well before that. Whoever said it first, the meaning indicates: I’m only telling you what I saw in my vision, not changing or imposing his interpretations on it. The umpire is making a decision based on what he saw. This phrase came to mind as I recently re-read the story of Gideon in Judges 6-8.

Gideon was an Israelite prophet, warrior and judge from the Old Testament. Israel had been invaded by Midian from the east. Every time the Israelites planted crops, their enemies would come and invade them and destroy their crops, leaving nothing for them to live on – no livestock or grain. The Israelites were crying out to God. To keep from starving, Gideon hid and threshed wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord, appears before him and says, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” Gideon was certainly surprised by the angel, but probably even more so by the fact that he called him ‘mighty hero’. Hiding and threshing wheat in a winepress rather than on an open threshing floor certainly did not seem ‘mighty’ nor ‘heroic’. But the angel called it like he saw it. The angel knew that Gideon was going to do mighty and heroic things to rescue his people with the help of the Lord.

Sure, Gideon couldn’t see it and he protested, arguing that he was the least in his family from the weakest clan. He even asked if God would show him not just one sign, but two, to prove that He was actually speaking to him.  

There are things within each of us that are apparent to God and even to others; things that we don’t see or imagine exists within ourselves. God can reveal to people around us the potential in us for great and mighty things. You, yourself, may see things in others that God has revealed to you. This is when you can plant seeds of encouragement within that person and ‘call ‘em like you see ‘em’. People need to hear from God, or from those that God can use, to build up His people to do amazing things for His Kingdom. 

Do you know someone who is patient and interested in little ones? Maybe they are positioned to become a teacher. Do you see glimpses of creativity in someone? Speak that to them. Do you see a budding talent that God could certainly use for His glory? Point that out. The way we build up one another can be a turning point in a life. Your words can be the catalyst that causes a person to see themselves in a different light; to see themselves as God sees them.

In this current age, we need more and more encouragers. We need people, like you, to care enough about others to speak life into them, to fan the flames of the possible, to inspire a desire to do great things that please God. 

Our friend, Gideon, went on save his people, defeating thousands and thousands of Midianites with the help of 300 men and God. He was, indeed, a mighty hero just as the angel had seen and stated.

Take a look around at your family, friends, acquaintances. What do you see in them? What may be obvious to you, may be surprising to them. Make it a point to encourage someone each day and ‘call ‘em as you see em’! 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…encouraging one another.” -Hebrews 102:4-25

Sylvia Gaston

Family Ministry Pastor

Healthiness, Holiness, Happiness

Have you ever used something other than a hammer to do something where a hammer is normally needed? I may or may not have used my hand, a water bottle, a block of wood, and to my shame, a shoe. We tend to grab what’s quick and easy, just to find out it was neither.

In our lives we often hear things like, “just do what makes you happy” or “happiness is the goal”. This cultural belief can often be the quick and easy thing we grab for but, in the end, we are left wanting. We have to find out that shallow happiness, while a quick and easy fix, doesn’t really get the job done.

When we use a tool for its true purpose, we find contentment in the job it does. Happiness was never meant to be the thing that fills, it was meant to be a product of fulfillment.

When we make healthy choices, our body, mind and spirit work as they were designed. When God created the earth and said “it is good”, He said this because it was as it was designed to be. It was healthy, it was Holy and in response, He was happy because it was good.

We can all think of how to be happy for a while. We can watch something, eat something, drink something, but if those things are not helping our purpose, they will be short lived.

Momentary pleasures have become a staple of our world. This is not news to us; we get things quickly because we don’t want to wait. Interesting fact though, waiting for things is the practice of becoming patient. In a fast-paced world, maybe waiting is a path to happiness, because being patient is sometimes the healthy choice.

In this life we will all find times of sadness and depression, fear and anxiety, shame and isolation. Those are sometimes very complicated issues and grabbing for the closest thing is not going to equal lasting happiness. You are not alone; God has a path for you to walk. You have a great calling.

We were created to love. Have you ever given your gifts, talents, abilities or resources for the good of someone else? When you did, maybe you were exhausted and depleted. At the same time, happy. That happiness is something you remember and fills you. That is purpose fulfilled. It’s not always easy but it was the healthy choice; it was holy purpose.

When you are in a hard spot and you need to fix some things, make sure you grab for the correct tools. When you find the right tools, learn to use them as designed. As I have experienced, try not to spend your time hammering out the issues of your life with a shoe.

Choose what makes you healthy; choose what makes you holy. True happiness will be the
by-product, not the goal.

Rene Solis 
Director of Koinonia School of Ministry

Prune For Growth

There are two trees in my backyard that needed a lot of work, so a couple of days ago I decided to prune them. This type of tree is very green and lively on the outside, where the sun hits, but on the inside, those branches were dead and dry. Not to mention that I’m a very tall man, and I would constantly hit my head on these low hanging branches. Instead of wearing my bike helmet around these trees, I decided enough was enough, it’s time to prune these branches.

As I began to cut off the dead limbs, ensuring that future growth would happen, I began to think of life. God speaks to me in the simplest ways, I’m glad I was wise enough to be listening this time. I think there are several things in life that can call for our attention. Family, friends, church, volunteer activities, sports, music; these are just a few things that can take our time. Keep in mind that these are good things, they are not necessarily bad. I couldn’t help but think that - just as this tree – there are some things that we need to let go of. Even though jobs, activities, or volunteer opportunities are not bad or evil, they are not necessarily good for our growth; for our spiritual, emotional, or physical development. I’m guilty of attempting to juggle too many things, and – at the end of the day – I am mediocre at a lot of things. As much as it pains me, I need to say ‘no’ to something that I might enjoy in order for me to focus on another area that I really want to excel in, or that I really want to learn.

For example, years ago I used to love playing on the worship team at my church. Even though singing and playing with a band brought me a lot of joy, it began to be very tiring. Years went on and I began to speak at youth group. There are only so many hours in the day and I had to choose: do I want to focus on my teaching abilities at youth group or do I want to spend time playing with the worship team? Both were good things, but I decided that it was time for me to hone my teaching abilities rather than to play with the band.

I believe God has a plan and tasks for us to do. He has crafted us to be able to do such works, giving us the skills and abilities that we need. So, I ask you, is there anything that you need to stop doing? Is there an area that you feel you need to let go, in order to grow somewhere else?

Just like those trees in my backyard, they are now able to grow better and healthier. If we do the same, I believe pruning some activities in our lives will only be better for us as individuals, be better for our families, and be better for our spiritual walk with Christ.

Mauricio Paredes
Youth Pastor

Not Of This World

Occasionally, I mentally fast-forward to a day when I’m really old. I’m talking really, really old. I imagine myself, speaking in an ‘old lady voice’ and saying things like, “I remember the pandemic of 2020, when there was no toilet paper in stores.” or something equally profound. This is similar to how our grandparents, or great-grandparents, once spoke of World War II or the Great Depression. 

 

I have reflected a lot on 2020, and even some of 2021, as a year rife with division. I saw major areas of contention and strife in our country, in our communities and in our relationships. People chose sides over a presidential election, pandemic guidelines, and racial injustice, to name only a few.

It begs the questions…how are we to interact with government? When and where do God’s laws take precedent over man’s laws? What would Jesus have done in 2020?

 

In Jesus’ day, tensions were high between the Roman government and the Jewish people. Jewish religion was about more than just worshiping God. The Jewish religion, culture, and laws were inextricably connected. Yet Rome was in charge. Roman law ruled and Rome did not always rule well. The Jews found themselves waiting for yet another delivery from yet another persecution. 

 

When Jesus arrives, many Jews expect Him to be The One to overthrow Roman rule. Yet, He refused to be involved in the political issues of the day. In fact, He took steps to avoid such. He angered many people because He was identified as the Messiah and yet, did not free the Jews from Roman persecution. He also drew resentment, and fear, from the Jewish religious leaders because they felt threatened by His authority. They hated that Jesus treated everyone alike – Jews, Romans, slaves, outcasts, diseased, cheaters, sinners. He loved them all. That simply was not the status quo for the Jewish religious leaders!

 

When the disgruntled Jews falsely accused Jesus of inciting people against the government, He was brought before the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, tetrarch Herod Antipas, and before Pilate a second time. Jesus did not demand His rights. He did not involve himself in the politics and tension between Rome and the Jews. His approach was surprising and simple. 

 

He remained silent. Later, when he appeared before Pilate, He simply said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” (John 18:36 NIV) 

 

Jesus did not have a worldly perspective; He had a heavenly kingdom perspective. He knew that was His homeland. He was giving His life – literally - for the only important thing, which was to do the will of His Father in Heaven and to bring as many people home with Him.

 

If we are to follow His example and have a kingdom perspective, how do we walk that out? What does God ask of us? According to Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (NIV)

·      Be fair.

·      Love mercy

·      Walk humbly with God

 

To me, the key here, and the internal struggle, is the humility part. My rights, my opinions, my wishes need to be sacrificed daily. Jesus was also pretty clear about this. He said we are to love God and love others like we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39)

 

When I am frustrated with one of my children or any other person, I often need to stop, take a breath and ask myself, “Will this matter in six months?” or “Is this the hill I want to die on?” In 99 times out of 100, the answer to both is ‘no’. 

 

Should we not discern and behave the way Jesus did? If we could maintain a Kingdom of God perspective, as He did, would the issues of today and the slights we may feel at any level, really warrant such animosity and dispute? What is there to lose, this side of Heaven, that would prevent us from having the same perspective as Jesus, our King, that our kingdom is in another place? 

 

Christian brothers and sisters, we are not of this world. Heaven is our home. Let’s bring the Kingdom of God to earth while we’re here. Let’s concentrate on modeling Jesus, who was humble, merciful and sacrificed His will. Let’s get the focus off of ourselves and bring as many people as possible Home with us.

 

Sylvia Gaston

Family Ministry Pastor

Leaders Who Pray

A few weeks ago, I was inspired by a story in the Book of Numbers, which is found in the Bible. It’s a story that is familiar to most Christians, but it doesn’t have the reputation of being an inspiring one because of the drama and dysfunction that it contains.

 

For context, this book records a lot of camp life for the people of God, Israel.  In short, God saves his people from slavery in Egypt and begins to have a relationship with them. He leads them to the desert where He begins to show them how to live in holiness. The problem is Israel can’t seem to get it right because of the rebellion found in man’s heart.  

 

Jumping to Numbers, chapter 16, we see the “inspirational” story about Korah and his rebellion. 

 

Three guys by the name of Korah, Dathan and Abiram start a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, the presiding priests/leaders of Israel. The rebellion starts because Korah and his band didn’t like the way these men were leading, even though it was how God had directed them to lead.

 

Korah and his crew gather 250 additional men and come up against Moses and attempt to overthrow his office. This upsets Moses, but even more so, it upsets God. Here is God’s response to the whole situation: “The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Separate yourselves from this assembly so I can put an end to them at once.” (vs. 21)

 

God’s response to this rebellion was to move them out of the way. I’m going to destroy these fools. If you have ever dealt with difficult people while in leadership, I’m sure you just did a fist pump in private. 

 

Even though I’d love to say that Moses replied, “Go for it, God”, I’d miss the inspiration of the story. 

 

Moses’ reply in verse 21 is this: “But Moses and Aaron fell face down and cried out, ‘O God, the God who gives breath to all living things, will you be angry with the entire assembly when only one man sins?’”

 

Moses and Aaron pray for the lives of those participating in the rebellion - asking God to not be harsh towards these people and to spare their lives!

 

How beautiful. Moses had every right to feel justified in the judgment of God, yet he puts his face in the dirt and prays for those who are harassing him. I wish we had more leaders respond like Moses. Leaders that don’t lash out toward those who are being led astray, but respond with compassion and pray for those who persecute them. 

 

It makes me think of all the businesses, families, and relationships that would still be alive today if, as leaders, we were faster to prayer than judgment. 

 

The story continues with Korah, Dathan and Abiram, along with their mob, paying the price for their rebellion. Then, the rest of the camp grumbles and a plague is sent out by God to the rest of the camp. 

 

Moses and Aaron once again fall on their face to pray. This time, they end up saving the majority of the camp from the judgment of God. 

 

Leaders who pray release the compassion of God. Are you dealing with followers or employees who are difficult? Maybe, instead of being quick to discipline, you should be quick to prayer.  

 

Believe it or not, prayer can change your business, your family, and any relationship. Give it a try.  

Blessings,

Pastor Chad 

 

 

Chad Fagundes

Mens and Outreach Pastor at Koinonia Church

God Is A Good Father

I am a father. Around the time this article posts, my son will have turned one year old. My wife and I are very excited that we were able to keep this amazing human alive for one year, and we pray that he has many, many more years to come. When thinking about fatherhood, I never really thought about this phase. From constantly changing diapers and waking up in the middle of the night to a crying infant, to watching him grow and learn about the world around him, it has been a fascinating, humbling, and very tiring experience. But, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

I remember when growing up, I used to watch TV shows such as The Simpsons, Family Matters, and the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. I used to pay attention to those dads and father figures. In watching Homer Simpson, Carl Winslow, and Phillip Banks, I used to think this is what a father was like: comedic, foolish, silly, but – at the end of the day - they sincerely loved their family. At other times, I would observe other TV dads being unfaithful, dishonest, and selfish. As I read the Bible, I try very hard not to impose my current world views into what the text says. It would be very easy to hear the term “God the Father” and impose our earthly views onto Him, writing him off as a cosmic Uncle Phil; silly, a bit foolish at times, but a good dad overall.

 When I read the bible, I see a father in heaven that we all have, a father who loves us, a father who disciplines those whom He loves, and a father who is consistently there for us. I’m reminded of a passage in the book of Matthew where Jesus is talking to a crowd. Jesus says to them, “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). I see a father is who approachable, who is willing to listen, and a father who loves His creation. 

I don’t know what relationship you have with your father or if there is a relationship at all, but I encourage you not to impose your experiences or expectations of what fatherhood should be like onto our heavenly father. In fact, He should be the standard that every father should be measured by. Our Father in heaven is loving and caring, He has plans for us that are good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11), and – as you follow Him - He will always be there for you (Deuteronomy 31:6). If we have issues with our earthly fathers, we should know that we can always approach our heavenly father without shame, fear, or embarrassment. He accepts us just as we are and in whatever state our lives are currently in. 

 My dad is an amazing man, but he is not perfect. Believe me, no father on earth is perfect. But once we begin to have a relationship with our heavenly father – knowing that He is crazy about us - we can begin to show our earthly father’s grace and love, because - believe me - we need it.

Mauricio Paredes
Youth Pastor