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It is really nice to be unnoticed in the crowd because no one really pays attention to you, notices you or judges you. No one creates any expectation of  you so you live your life without any cares about its interpretation or influence. But the moment you begin to carry a message, people begin to hold you by your own message.

Personally, I realized that the moment I began to share devotionals, people began to expect certain things and behaviors from me. I remember there was a discussion going on, on one of the  platforms I belong to, and  I passed a comment which appeared to be at variance with what Bible says. And someone retorted,

"Is that ‘Rev’ Benny?"  
(People tease me by calling 
me “Rev. Benny”, “Pastor Benny” 
or “Osofo Benny”; because I 
share the word of God)

Somehow, the people I share the word of God with have become checks on my conduct, and witnesses to my behavior. They expect me to live by what I say, and what I stand for. It is a daunting task, but very rewarding; because it has helped my growth as a believer in Christ.

Bible, in Hebrews 12, calls this the “crowd of witnesses.”

READ Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.   

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”

(Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT)

Anonymity in what you believe, and stand for, gives you the liberty to move back and forth between what you make people think you believe and what you don’t. It leads to double standards, but most dangerous aspect is that it stunts your growth! Growth requires focus.

One of the vital components of your growth as a believer is to make sure people know you are a believer; so that they will expect “believer behavior” from you. That way, you have support; as well as feedback from the people, on how well you are doing in your life as a believer.

Are you a believer? Do people around you know you are a believer, and hold you to the high standards that Jesus the Christ set for us?

Jesus told us:

“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.”
(Matthew 5:15 )

One very vital source of protection from the enemy is your “crowd of witnesses.” They protect you, and  ring the alarm bells when you start drifting!

Create a huge crowd of protective witnesses around you, by putting your lamp high up on the stand.  

MEMORY VERSE

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down.”
(Hebrews 12:1 )

QUESTIONS

• Do people know you are a believer in Christ? Do your neighbours, schoolmates, and colleagues at work  know?
• Do you know that they support you to grow when they know you are a believer?

PRAYER TIP

Father, help us to stand up 
and out, for You.

URGENT CALL

By nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God. We ultimately face the wrath of God!

But God in His mercy and love gives us a chance to reverse this trend, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.

The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved. 

Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.

It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.

If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God!

Do you want to make that decision today?

Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for 
guidance if you want 
to make that decision.

We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page.

God richly bless you.

SPECIAL GRATITUDE

Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website. 

We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.

We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.

God richly bless you.

The Testimony Devotional website addresses are:

https://testimonydevotional.org/

https://testimonydevotional.com/

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