JoAnn's Spiritual Lessons

Acts 22:17/18, John 16:33b, Share the Love of Christ and what God has done for you.


Acts 22:17-18

Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance and saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.'

In Acts chapter 22, Paul is sharing his testimony with an enraged group of Jews who were seeking to kill him.

Notice, however, what Paul does NOT share in his testimony to these men. Paul isn't saying anything about how difficult his life has been since he became a Christian. Certainly, he could have. Paul endured incredible hardships during his ministry. He was beaten many times; he was stoned with rocks, shipwrecked and imprisoned. Paul could easily have said, "Well, life's been pretty hard since Jesus saved me. I've been beaten, shipwrecked and imprisoned and now, once again, people are trying to kill me." Instead, Paul puts the focus on Jesus...and so should we. Brothers and sisters, when sharing your testimony, don't talk about the difficulties in your life. Jesus told us that in this world we would have tribulation, but He didn't stop there.

Jesus said, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33b NKJV

To talk about trials will only push people away. Talk about Jesus and salvation through Him.

Life Lesson: When sharing, always keep Jesus the focus. Keep the main thing, the main thing.

Dear Father,
Thank You for the life You have given me. Lord, when You bring me the opportunity to speak to someone about my testimony, help me to always keep Jesus the main thing. Please do not let my words get in the way, but let the Holy Spirit speak through me so that Jesus will be seen. Thank You for giving us Your Word to learn and obey. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen

Living to tell what He died to say, Pastor David McGee My Comments: A few weeks ago I was asked to give my testimony to the body of believers I worship in fellowship with. It was the first time I had ever given my testimony to a group and it had to be done in 3 minutes. It took me a little over 4. Like Paul my life has had many happenings and though I talked of them my goal was to show how we can have joy in the midst of suffering and that our Savior has everything in control and will bring us through and will always be with us. On the other hand I have people who I only share through Love. The Love Christ has placed in my heart for all people. Some I do not share my testimony with and they would treat it the wrong way. I keep the focus of my life on Jesus and my speach on Him who saved me from my sin. Lord help us to always keep our focus on You and to proclaim You and Your Gospel when we speak and how we live and how we treat others. Amen