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If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony in their hearts. Those who do not believe in God have made him a liar by not believing in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:9-13)
Dear Friend, the worries from yesterday ended at 12 midnight. Today is a new day; you're starting your day in God's word; God is with you - Let's conquer the world for His sake!
If you're like me, you dislike getting those pesky notices in the mail announcing, because they're not inviting or asking, that you've been selected to serve on jury duty. I especially dislike these when I'm brand new to a county/city. "Where do I go? Where do I park? Will I be selected? What would Liz Lemon do?" What's even more uncomfortable is being a witness in a court proceeding. Yes, I've had to do that on more than one occasion. A divorce with child custody in question are the worst. You must share testimony that the party who summoned you would benefit from. In other words, your testimony is important. In our church, we vowed to support the church not only with our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service, but also with our witness. It's important that Christ be seen in us as we live our lives for our testimony to Christ doesn't always involve words.
But did you know God is a witness too? God has given testimony that He shared with His Son, Jesus Christ. And God's testimony "is greater" than human testimony. Here is God's testimony: "God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." Who's going to argue with that? In fact, we are called to give witness to this cause. I chose the title because in the old Perry Mason show and other dramas, many times those words were the clue that the "next witness" would solve the case once and for all, and the innocent would go free. Our witness may free those captive to sin; our witness may shine light in the darkness, and bring hope to the hopeless. It's that important.
Live a life that gives witness for YOU, Dear one, are the next witness. Speak lovingly and clearly; share the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
PRAYER: Loving Father, bless the witness of this dear reader as well as mine. Give us the words of life and light, love and hope that we may share that which bring abundant life to all. This we pray in Christ Jesus' strong name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Raise your right hand: Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? You're the next witness!
Eradio Valverde
PRAYER REQUEST: May we continue our prayers for Rev. Thom Elliott in the hospital in Austin. Nellie and I visited Thom yesterday. Thom is a retired pastor, a fine gentleman and servant of God, and a dear friend to Nellie and I. We have known Thom since 1980, almost as long as she and I have been married! He needs our prayers. Mr. Dane Sullivan is home and his plan is to be in church on Sunday! Dane is a man of great faith! Prayers for his continued recovery! Pray for one another. And pray for yourself. God needs a great witness from you today!
