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Korah

We should try to live it out at the heart level and not lawyer God.

This week’s Torah portion is Korah (Numbers 16-18). The story and lessons learned are fascinating. These are lessons I regularly strive to learn from through introspection of my own faith and observation of the wider Body of Messiah. Reflecting on it often reveals where I (and we) fall short in the walk of faith.

In an “overall message” sort of way, I too often see myself standing in a place where I buck authority and try to go my own way. I choose a path that I think is the better path and as the portion would suggest, that doesn’t tend to go so well.

In a view of the wider body of Messiah, I also see the rebellion of Korah alive and well. From the early days of Yeshua’s teachings spreading throughout the world, people have been striving to overturn the authority of Moses. Too many teachers, pastors, priests, and lay leaders speak to the obsolescence of the words of Moses for a Christian believer.

When I think on this Torah portion, I am always reminded of Jude 11 where Jude is warning us of fellow “believers” that follow after the ways of Cain, Balaam and Korah. For anyone that thinks Torah doesn’t apply to Christian Believers, Jude seems to disagree. Jude expected that you would immediately know the downfalls of each of these Biblical characters. Ask an average Christian though and you’ll likely get the deer-in-the-headlights look when they have no idea about Balaam and Korah.

When practicing my introspection and observation of the Body of Messiah, I’m forced to confront the questions of these 3 characters. More so when reading this Torah portion as it is one of the 3 that go hand in hand with Jude 11 which is directly applied by Jude to a Christian believer.

Do Jude’s warnings apply to me? Am I in the midst of Messiah’s community falling prey to these characteristics? Who do I know that I should be guarded with as they are falling prey to these characteristics?

Do I harbor jealousy and anger when I see others succeeding with God more than myself, and thus stepping into the shoes of Cain? Remember, Cain may have had physical blood on His hands, but the words of Yeshua in Matthew 5 easily put spiritual blood on yours and mine.

Do I serve the community in any fashion in an effort to reap profit for myself? Do we give out of love or with an expectation to receive? I’m not just asking giving from our monetary means, but are we serving and sharing of the faith with an eye toward gain? Don’t be so fast to deny this is you. How many times have you said (or thought) the words “what does that have to do with salvation”? Imagine my wife asking me to take out the garbage and I ask her “what does that have to do with our marriage?” Did you accept Jesus just for salvation for eternal death or is it a relationship of love, honor, and obedience? If you answer this critically, you may have to reassess your relationship and expectations.

Those are other portions though. This portion is about Korah. And this story turns out to be quite fascinating when you dissect it into its various parts and when you also overlay it with history.

The Bible has synonymized Moses and the first five books of Scripture. If you rebel against God’s teachings, you rebel against Moses, making this Torah portion particularly apt to the Christian church. A common doctrine in the church, regardless of denominational preference, is that the Torah no longer applies. I witness this regardless of the church or synagogue I attend. We all make excuses in some fashion, but is that the way it should be?

Those five books of Scripture are the only words that God physically spoke as it says, “with Moses I speak mouth to mouth.” The unique thing about those words is that they appear in every book of Scripture. Often overtly, sometimes a passing quote that will not jump out during a cursory reading, and sometimes in the basic meaning of the storyline without a direct quote at all, but blatantly obvious to the student of Torah. It is constant and in every book.

So how do we rebel against Moses? How do we too often step into Korah’s shoes? Yeshua taught continually during His years on earth that we should be living out the heart of Torah. He didn’t want His disciples to abandon Torah, but to take it to the next level! Instead of doing that, we usually read something in Torah and then say, “well that piece doesn’t apply to me.”

Taking someone’s life may not apply to you, but Yeshua told you that anger toward your neighbor is tantamount to murder. It applies. You just need to look for how.

We should try to live it out at the heart level and not lawyer God.

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When God speaks of the priesthood wearing very specific clothing when coming to serve in the Temple, He is speaking to the Levitical priesthood who serve in the Temple of God. How do we live that out at a heart level rather than saying “that doesn’t apply to me”?

When a tree is planted in Israel, it takes 5 years to partake of its fruit within the confines of Torah. Can you apply this way of life to yourself? Or is it more convenient to say “it doesn’t apply to me”?

I don’t want to lawyer God, I want to discover the heart of Torah and live it out.

There’s something at the heart level of each of these that we should search out with a passionate pursuit of God. Rather than telling your neighbor or fellow Believer that “Moses has gone too far” for what is applicable to you, following in the shoes of Korah, perhaps you should talk it through and decide how that teaching can be lived out in your life. As Yeshua says in Matthew 5 “…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Another take away from Korah I had this week was the blossoming staff of Aaron. It was Aaron’s staff that blossomed when the other rebellious leaders were gunning for the priesthood. It was Aaron’s staff and the life from something dead that proved he was chosen by God.

There’s this theological thought that is regularly on my mind called Radial Ecclesiology. This idea that the order of authority of Scripture radiates out from Yeshua, to the Levitical priesthood, to the wider Jewish people (speaking all 12 tribes here folks, so don’t play those games 😉 ), to the Gentile Christian Body of Messiah and to the rest of the world as Yeshua restores all things to Himself. I’m sure I’m explaining it poorly, and I’m not the one to truly explain that particular topic. (It’s worth a google!) All that to say, I have a certain view of Scripture that allows the Jewish people to retain their rightful place of authority that was given to them through Torah, supported by Yeshua and yes even taught by Paul within his letters. I don’t in any way support replacement theology regardless of its label or doctrinal belief.

Now, what does that have to do with the Torah portion of Korah?  

I like to read Torah with an eye on historical events as that shows how Torah truly applies to us in every generation and throughout all generations. In this case, I am thinking of the Land of Israel when comparing it with the staff of Aaron.

Throughout the last 2,000 years, we have seen people of every background and every belief attempt to usurp the authority of Moses. Through Moses’ writings (and therefore through his authority) we know that the Jewish people own the Land of Israel by divine right given by God. And yet, in every generation since the Romans evicted the Jewish people, groups from any number of backgrounds have attempted to lay claim to Israel and Jerusalem.

Whether we look at the Turks, the Crusaders the Egyptians, the British or whoever else has attempted to rule of the Land of Israel – none of them have been able to make the land grow and flourish. Any number of usurpers have attempted to override the authority of Moses and the gift of God by ruling over that Land, but it never thrived. It was only the Jewish people, those chosen by God, that were able to make the proverbial staff of God bloom. When they took over the Land of Israel it came to life.

We have plenty of historical evidence to back that up if you’re willing to look for it. One set of resources I love is our friend Doug Hershey’s books Israel Rising and Jerusalem Rising. No one, but the chosen of God could make that Land grow. Just like in the portion of Korah, many have approached God and expected Him to bless their presence in the Land. Many have done so in the name of God Himself, but it is only the Jewish people that have successfully returned that land to “flowing with milk and honey.” If you doubt it, look at Gaza. The strip died again once the Jewish people pulled out.

The radial ecclesiology here (to explain my rabbit trail earlier) is from Yeshua we have life from the grave, the Levitical priesthood was confirmed through the blossoming of Aaron’s dead wooden staff. The Jewish people have been confirmed as God’s chosen nation by the blossoming of their dead land.

I could go on with Korah as there is so much in this portion. I love this portion and I mourn during this portion because of all that it reveals. There is just so much here. Please feel free to share your insights with me on the portion as I know there are many.

(As a matter of note – the links above are not affiliate links. We just love the books)

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Precipice

The circuitous route which God has led me on offers me a view into social circles I would not otherwise have. These circles consist of both faith and secular groups. Some faith groups are faith-based “in name only” and some groups I count among the most devoted followers of Yeshua on the planet. The secular groups span a similar spectrum going from loosely moral to more rigid in their morality. It’s quite the eclectic bunch! 

Most of these social circles only manage to intersect via social media and the majority of these circles I no longer take an active role in, but I still pay attention. While I have many reasons to deeply despise social media, it has the benefit of offering a view into the various parts of the world I would otherwise not have. Why does that matter though? 

I pay attention to the world around me, but I try to do so with a very specific order of influence and order of authority. I read the articles that are sent through various blogs, I read from a variety of news sources, and I observe the attitudes of people in my midst. If I get consumed with it all, I end up with a mess of knotted up information and pointless opinions. However, if I step back and try to take it all in at a bird’s eye view the picture becomes instantly clearer.  

From the high level view it would seem the world is on the precipice of its next Great Leap Forward. Evidently those three words mean something to more people than just me, because my spell check capitalized them for me without even asking.  

If you haven’t noticed the division between people, between people groups and even within nations, you aren’t paying attention. History speaks toward what we’re seeing, and I wager we are at a very uncomfortable point in the historical cycle of time. Whenever you see this level of division and baseless hatred (yes, even from you toward those you don’t like) history suggests that short term, we’re in for a real nightmare. Long term though – we are in for a real treat!  

History repeats itself often.  

You can often follow the headlines of the news from week to week by reading the pages of Scripture. No, I’m not exaggerating. Last year, I read a news story about locust swarms in Africa with a really curious quote from a man living in the midst of it. He said “even the cows are confused.” Have you read Joel 1:18 recently? I mean – right off the pages of Scripture!! In December, I read of a politician speak with three ominous words that most every Believer in Yeshua recognizes. Speaking of coercing people to follow the expected behavior he used the words “buy, sell, and trade” in terms of government limiting the abilities of those who do not comply. 

Coincidence? Only if you’re willfully blind.  

Sometimes it’s blatant as though God gives you the words right out of the mouth of those speaking them. Other times, it’s more subtle and you won’t see a direct quote, but the repetition of history is still apparent in daily life. God knows the evil plans of mankind and in the end He wins and the forces of evil lose. Every. Single. Time. This time will be no different. 

For the last several years we have been following the Torah cycle. We read a weekly portion of the first five books of Scripture, study it, talk about it, dwell on it – and we strive to live by it (often failing). When we get to the end of the five books, we start over again. It’s invigorating in a dozen different ways.  

That’s not so crazy I guess. It does get more crazy though. It took a couple of years to see it, but eventually it became apparent. As the Torah cycle begins again, so does the news cycle. Maybe not with the exact names, or the exact location. I would struggle to say the dates don’t align because they usually do. It’s crazy to think it, but pay attention long enough and it’s quite apparent.  

Coincidence? Maybe the first time. Every year? Yeah, there’s something deeper at work. It’s really quite fascinating to watch how it unfolds from year to year. You may not catch the exact event in the news that aligns with your portion one week, but then the next week you pick it up with the next news story. For those of you that join us in the Torah cycle I’d be curious to see how many of you have noticed this phenomenon?  

While observing a variety of news sources and social circles I often see some people frantically preparing for the next great event of history. Others appear to meander through life partaking of every distraction they can experience because life is “too stressful.” Then there are some that dissect the words of each news channel to decide how they should live their lives and get angry when a news anchor doesn’t align with their worldview and political opinion.  

Take a moment to consider. In the face of history unfolding around us, how do you tend to respond? Are your actions “reactionary” or “intentional”? 

Although I sometimes catch myself reacting in a negative way, I strive to take a different view. I look at what is happening from a Scriptural viewpoint through the weekly Torah portion. It makes the hair on my neck stand up at times – but it works. 

Take this week’s Torah portion for example. This week we’re in Tetzaveh which is from Exodus 27:20-30:10. This portion is all about Moses listening as God is describing the intricate details of the priestly garments, the consecration of the priesthood and the incense alter. It’s a lot of fun to study once you really dig into it. Moses is getting ready to set up the Tabernacle of God so He can dwell with His people.  

Now put that into terms of our current existence. Are you sitting on the proverbial Mount of God receiving instructions for building a house of worship? Or is your heart stirring with the masses below preparing for outright rebellion against God? In reality, these are your two options. There is no middle ground. 

If you fall in the place of preparing for what is to come, I would ask if you are a prepper out of fear or if you are preparing for the building of the Kingdom of God? These two things are quite different.  

If you are the news junky – are you watching in order to build your own worldview and complain about your political adversaries?  Or are you observing the patterns of history and striving to hear from HaShem about your current assignment? I struggle to see a middle ground on this point as well.  

The signs of the times point to a precipice. When the entire world is divided, we can see ourselves approaching a time where the Messiah will speak the words of Moses and ask “who is on the Lord’s side.”  That is next week’s portion.  How will that play out on the pages of history I wonder? 

As you pore over the news stories, stay curious not presumptive. There’s a comical story in 2nd Kings 6 where the King of Aram thinks he has a traitor in his midst because his plans are always foiled. Will you be reading headlines in the news that come straight from the pages of Scripture? I would argue yes. Just pay attention.  

What hour are we in? Are we standing on the precipice of the next leap forward in history? Is it simply our generation’s era of war or are we at the end of the sixth day? The sunset of this day will ring in the Sabbath day – the return of the Messiah and the establishment of His Kingdom in Jerusalem. It’s always hard to go into a season of darkness. Most of those living have not experienced that darkness yet, but I have little doubt that it is coming. We are at a season when the love of many has grown cold. Warm your heart and stand with the Creator. He will win in the end – whether this is just another battle or the conclusion of the war.  

Bo Yeshua 

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Count the Blessings

Over the past several weeks Earlene and I have continued to re-establish our new life in Missouri. It’s a strange experience to press pause on significant parts of life and then return three months later to reestablish things in a new state with new jobs and a new home. There’s no amount of legwork that would have prepared us for this new challenge and cleared the path of all obstacles. 

In many instances, I find myself in an odd state emotionally and spiritually. I miss Israel. My soul longs to return there and to dwell there until the Kingdom comes or until I take a dirt nap. However, this is not what HaShem seems to have planned. 

Since I could not stay in Israel, my second choice was to serve the Kingdom by working with a ministry in Marshfield. Based on conversations we had and intense times of prayer, I found myself in a place of expectation. I had this vision of how life would come together when we got back and the approximate area we would end up living in once we settled in Missouri. My expectation was to return from Israel and to have an immediate position working for the Kingdom in a tangible way. 

This is not how it turned out. Not at all. Perhaps I will say “not yet” – but really, only God knows.

The way HaShem has lined up our lives, it’s obvious that He had a hand in it so I’m confident we aren’t wandering our own path apart from Him. I still can’t help entering into a bit of a funk on some days where I speak with God and say “this isn’t what we discussed” – as though, I really had a say in how things were going to happen. When you strive to live a life of “hineni” or “here I am,” you don’t direct the path, God does.

The moments I find myself in that place of frustration and doubt, I have to begin recounting the blessings. “Count your blessings” is a common idiom, but do you ever really stop to consider the blessings of your life? Without reviewing our blessings, we may find ourselves adrift in our own misunderstandings. When we review the path He’s given us, and we count the blessings He has bestowed, the picture becomes clearer and some of the misunderstandings are reconciled in truth. 

Since returning to the United States we have both been blessed with jobs. We have been blessed with a beautiful home that we own without a bank’s involvement. We get to see Earlene’s parents weekly. Our Torah Club is having some of the most incredible discussions and we have seen (and continue to see) evidence of God moving in the midst of that small group. I won’t bore you with the whole list, but the blessings are abundant. Who am I to say to God “this isn’t what we discussed”? He seems to have it all well in hand. 

Our prayer list is extensive as we seek His continued guidance. 

He moved us from Colorado and planted us here in Missouri after a spectacular time of refreshing in Israel, but we don’t really have much more to go on in terms of planning. 

We are yearning for a faith community in Joplin. We miss our “mishpacha” (family) in Golden, Colorado immensely. However, Messianic communities here are few and far between. Are we supposed to seek out a congregational community here even if it’s not a similar congregation to what we had previously? Can our Torah Club small group hold us steady for the interim? How do we ensure that we are growing deeper roots instead of becoming withered and shallow in this time of transition? 

We are yearning to serve the Kingdom in a more tangible way, but what does that mean from His view? He is presenting opportunities daily in smaller ways. Perhaps we are serving the Kingdom as necessary at the moment. But, what is the long-term goal? What is the purpose of the jobs we’ve been given? 

What are we to do with this blog? Are we to continue posting random life experiences such as this as part of our ongoing testimony? Are we being led to share a weekly post on our Torah portion thoughts to fill a gap left behind by not having our congregational community? 

Who can we share the joy of Shabbat with in Joplin, Missouri? We don’t know anyone nearby. We are still establishing our Shabbat routine and incorporating some of the lovely elements and impactful songs we were introduced to while we were in Israel. But right now, it’s just a Shabbat for two. 

When these questions and prayers come to mind and the doubts start to creep in, I have to remind myself to count the blessings. To review the path He has laid out is to recognize the epitome of what this website was named for. Our journey is His path as long as we trust in Him to lead in spite of our uncertainty and frustrations. We may not be satiated with the full list of our fleshly demands, but HaShem is going out of His way to provide for us exactly what we need and in His timing. All we have to do is continue to say “hineni” or “here I am.”

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Job Hunting

What did your last job search look like? Was it an active search or was it quick and simple to find that next job?

We’ve been preoccupied these last few weeks with a transition back to the U.S. after three months in Israel. Part of that transition has been looking for jobs. Reality was setting in that we were returning home and that we would need to begin looking for employment according to our plan. In an effort to get a jump on it, we used the various digital tools available to us to submit applications to employers while we were still in Israel.

We are each at different points in our career. I graduated in May with a new IT degree so I’m basically starting over. Earlene was well along in her career in accounting and wanting to find work in that field. There are a lot of jobs available, but we both were wanting something that served Messiah’s Kingdom more than a regular 8-to-5 gig. That was our plan. Now what is His?

For me, I didn’t really know what I was looking for so I cast a wide net. I looked high and low for a Kingdom-oriented job including “the one” I’m continuing to pray toward, but nothing is currently open in the area of serving the Kingdom directly. At least not that I was able to find. “The one” may come open at another time, so I have expressed my interest should something open and I’ve moved on to looking in the secular world until such a time as they call me.

There are many technology jobs available, but it would surprise me if I submitted more than twenty applications. The patterns of life repeat though and our life this year has been a *wild* ride with God paving the path of exactly what He wants us to do. As much as I’m looking for a job, I’m depending on Him to point me toward what I’m supposed to be doing – of course as I constantly express my opinion about the job I really want that will take us toward Springfield Missouri. There’s an open dialogue there, but of course, HaShem wins out over any opinion I have.

Out of all the jobs I applied to, I had a only one job call and set up an appointment. Just one. Without exaggeration, every other job replied with a “thanks but no thanks” response. That’s odd. In all of my previous job hunts I found half a dozen jobs that I interviewed with. I’ve turned down several jobs and others just didn’t work out for various reasons. Not this time though. Not in the year when God is so tangibly present that doors open and we just step through.

My first interview was very short, but before it ended, I had a second interview set up. That was just the gatekeeper in my mind and the next interview would be the real test. It was Thanksgiving week so my interview was the following Monday and my second call lasted longer than the first. When I finished the call I honestly wasn’t sure if I “passed” or not, but it wasn’t too long after that where I got an email setting up the third and final interview. I knew ahead of time it was a three-interview process, so I got excited. The final interview came, one of the two people on the phone had many questions and the other had a single question to which he said “that’s all I have I’m good.” I hung up the phone with an official offer for employment while still in Israel.

Now, it may seem like a compact interview process that I just shared with you. How much could I actually explain in a paragraph anyway? But, seriously my interview process *felt* like a quick paragraph with only six different faces and a job offer. What?! That doesn’t happen. So much so that Earlene and I were starting to wonder if I got scammed. That’s right! I starting digging into this company to ensure it’s real!! I laugh now, but the thought did put a pit in my stomach at first. Now I’ve started my new employment that God seemed to appoint.

Earlene’s story is equally crazy… no, probably crazier than mine. She had no one respond to her dozen or more applications for days. It was enough to make her start questioning herself in various ways. It all started to fall in place though just as HaShem seems to have desired. Earlene is in a place of incredible humility before God. She’s well into her career and therefore the number of positions equal to where she left are far and few between. Out of humility and awareness that the Father will place her where He chooses, she has been applying to jobs that would be basically a complete reset to her career starting at the bottom of the totem pole. She’s also been applying to jobs that are equal to her position and even a step up if she found them.

Earlene had three interviews set up for the Tuesday and Wednesday after we got back. It all happened kind of suddenly, but it’s like all of a sudden people looked at her resume and thought to give her interviews. It was super cool to see it come together though.

She had her first interview and unlike my 1- or 2-person interview calls, she had a panel of 6 people on her first call. We joked beforehand that they were just trying to get all the interviews over with in a single call. She also had a couple of normal interviews set up where it was just a couple of people on the calls. It’s the first one that was interesting though.

Earlene hung up from her interview and came to tell me how it went. She was talking to me for maybe 15 minutes and then she checked her phone. She had missed a call. Her voicemail said she had a message and upon checking the call she discovered she had a job offer. Wow!

It’s the conversation that clinched it though. She called the person back to discuss and not only was she getting the job, but the woman offered a candid personal remark as well. It’s not something you will normally hear a secular job utter because of the risk it entails. She told Earlene that she felt that God was calling her to this position. There’s more, but we have to provide minimal details to protect against any troublemakers, but the way that news was delivered was astonishing. It wasn’t just a person sharing their faith. For us, it was like God reaching in and saying this is the job. It was earth shifting, yet again.

God is continuing to pave the path. We just have to follow. Now we’re in a mad rush to find a place to live. Her new job requires that we move to the Joplin area and mine is remote. So, Joplin it is! Please pray that the Father appoints for us a home as well. He’s been so tangible and present through everything we’re praying that He’ll make this option clear as well.

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Testimonies

Scripture has Biblical subdivisions within the text that you likely don’t know are there. It is not a subdivision that is marked by chapters and verses, nor is it a division that is highlighted by the big bold letters that you probably see at the top of a major story in your Bible. There actually is a Biblical division of the Bible. It’s not as apparent to you and I, but God sees it.

God often speaks of it when He specifies something like Genesis 26:5 where HaShem says of Abraham that he “obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Each of these words are a God ordained subdivision of Scripture. Each word carries tremendous meaning and purpose and shouldn’t be neglected in deep study. Those aren’t all of them either, there’s several more. The one that the Father has been speaking to me about recently is “testimonies.”

Over the past 5 years, He has often pulled me into the Hebrew word and taught me the deeper context through that. Recently, He’s been taking a different tactic with me and He’s been speaking to me through this English translation of testimony. I’ve never sat and dwelt on it before, but it actually carries some deep context. Usually I’m irritated and frustrated by English in that it’s just too shallow to convey the full meaning of what Hebrew is saying to us. It lacks the depth and purpose required to convey God’s full message. The example I often use is the word “shalom” which English usually translates as “peace.” Peace conveys such a small message compared to the word shalom. A person would likely need to write a book to convey the full message that inhabits this single word because it speaks of a fullness of life that is given by the Father in a way that “peace” simply doesn’t accomplish.

Testimony, however, seems to be different; at least for me over this short time that the Father has been bringing my attention to it. This word carries with it some deeply profound legal context, but a lot of faith context as well. As I think through how to explain this, I realize this post could easily expand into a series by itself, if not an entire book. In short form, I understand in the grand scheme of things that God Himself is on trial in the Heavenly Court. Long ago the accuser (satan) accused God of being an overbearing dictator and now we’re in an elongated court case where the testimonies are being given by the various witnesses.

Now I realize that these are deep concepts that could no doubt lead to many hours of discussion as we all try to piece together the mysteries of God, so I’ll leave that for another time. What He’s really been showing me recently is how our testimony (yours, ours and every other person on the planet) tie into this concept. It’s really super fascinating, beautiful and all-too-often tear jerking.

During our time here in Israel, we have had the opportunity to meet no less than 50 people. (I think HaShem is stirring a blog post in Earlene’s heart on this…but maybe I’m wrong.)  For many of them we’ve had the opportunity to sit over meals or coffee and really get to know them. There’s a common theme that seems to drop constantly. It’s a common phrase that I personally have never noticed, but I now realize we need a lot more of.

“I want to hear your testimony”

It is constant. I didn’t hear it in this way initially, but over our weeks of being here, I realize just how important this is. Put this in synonymous form. “Tell me your attestation” – “tell me your evidence” – “tell me your proof.” Google “synonyms for testimony” and there’s likely a dozen more legal terms wrapped up in this. It’s replete with legality. Heavenly legality.

Perhaps you are beginning to see where I’m going? I’m still not confident I can put into words what’s in my heart on this topic.

Biblically speaking “every matter is proven by the testimony of one or two witnesses.” The more we listen to others stories the more we hear testimony to God’s existence and His faithfulness to those that follow Him.

In Scripture we get a view of hundreds of men and women who are each deeply flawed humans. Each of them falls prey to their own snares in life whether murder, theft, idolatry, false doctrine and more. Yet each of their lives are spread across the pages of Scripture for you to see all their proverbial dirty laundry. They don’t get to hide the embarrassing parts. They don’t get to share only the success stories. You see it all.

During our time here and the various testimonies we’ve heard, we see the very same phenomenon lived out in modern day. Each of the people have told us of their emotional roller coasters, their falling into evil ways, their repentance and discovery of The Way, The Truth and The Life. Each story seems more random and difficult to believe because the stories are just so astonishing. If you walk away and don’t see the hand of God reaching into these individual lives, you are willfully being blind.

In the American church that I’ve experienced, there’s not enough of this. Each of these testimonies are not just a fantastic life story, they’re evidence. They aren’t just going to be evidence used in the High Court of Heaven either! Each of these testimonies should be regularly shared over a meal, coffee or email. These testimonies build each other’s faith.

If I were to meet a random person on the street and hear any one of the testimonies that I’ve heard in the last few weeks, I would walk away and say “that person is a bit off their rocker, stay clear.” But if you put them all together you walk away with two choices. Either all of these random people, who don’t know each other are a bunch of liars and crack pots about their life story or they are testifying to a living God. A God who is not just active and pushing this world toward the Kingdom of Heaven, but a Master that is intimately involved in your personal story.

I remember about six years ago when we were trying to start a church with a group of folks. Each of us were given the opportunity to share our story. I recall myself saying something about how vanilla my life had been and my story wasn’t actually that fascinating to share though I don’t remember my exact phrasing. I wasn’t very polished at sharing my story (and I’m still not) because I am not accustomed to talking about myself that much. I want to hear other people’s stories, not tell my own. Nevertheless, I finally shared mine after avoiding it as long as possible. I don’t really remember what I said, but a response that one of others said afterword sticks out pretty clearly even now – she said “that’s a really great testimony.” At the time I thought it was strange and *only* since being here has that come back to mind. It’s strange how HaShem uses random memories as a teaching moment.

Since that time Earlene and I have been on such a wild ride in our walk of faith and I think we’re both gaining confidence in telling that testimony when we’re asked. Our day-to-day lives are rather boring, but over the period of time it’s a fantastic story of how God has taken us to another level in this journey. Why shouldn’t we share that when people ask?

For myself, I’m realizing how much it’s actually a boost to my own faith hearing others share theirs. It’s a continuing lesson for me and it’s something I know HaShem still has some more details to share on, but testimonies are important. Not only are you testifying in the Heavenly Court when you share your life story and walk of faith, but you’re also boosting the next person to help them maintain their faith as well and even helping to bring those who doubt into the Kingdom.

The big lesson for me here is don’t hold back asking people for their testimony and sharing your own. By sharing with each other, you are building each other up through your own experiences. It is a bit addicting though. Who can I have coffee with next to hear their story? Or who can I share a meal with again to hear the next “episode” in their unfolding journey? More and more I realize this simple truth – I want to hear your personal testimony. Anything and everything that you’re willing to share.