A few days ago, a brother in Christ
by the name Rod shared with me a very powerful testimony that was very special
and powerful and I believe it can encourage various people across the nations
and so I’m posting and sharing the testimony which he allowed me to share.
THE BELOW IS THE TESTIMONY:
‘“MY STORY:
I came from a violent home, (drugs,
alcohol, gun shots, being chased with knives, people thrown through
picture pane windows), in fact I was born three months early because my father
kicked my mother in the stomach, I was born weighing two pounds nine
ounces, and this was DEC OF 1956.
As early as 7years old, I was out on the streets till 3-4 am, I was put in three orphanages... One night I remember, my father snuck into our house, he put a loaded pistol in my hand and told me to shoot my sisters and my mother, it was crazy. Through all of this, (which I wouldn't change), I came out a fairly normal kid, I was involved in sports and didn't do drugs, or drink. I thought I was a survivor, wanting only to make it through another day.
In 1974 I started to sense a need in my life, an emptiness that I couldn't explain. I knew I had to find God/Jesus, but who was HE? I had no idea where to find HIM, so I went to the local library to find books concerning world religions, God, and the occult. At the library I met an ex-hippie (Gary Osborn) he saw my books and decided to share the message with me. Gary invited me to pray in the back of his V.W. so I did, I remember saying "God forgive me for my sins, and whatever you have for me I want it all".
Well at first nothing happened I expected, lightening or something. Gary said, "Just go home and praise God" I said, "What's that, mean" Gary said, "Just thank him" So I did just that.
The remaining is sacred to me, before I asked Jesus into my heart, I never heard voices, I never drank, and I never did drugs, but one week after meeting Jesus while in the middle of my last class (during high school) a voice, just as clear, as someone standing next to you, spoke, and as the voice spoke it said to me, "rod tell them about Jesus" I was surprised, but unafraid, I put my hand over my mouth, since I didn't want anyone to think I was talking to myself, I said (to whoever spoke to me) "I don't know what to say" the voice said "don't be afraid, I'll give you the words to say"
To this day I don't remember my words, but I spoke to those kids about Jesus and salvation, their mouths just dropped open and then, class was over, I walked out of that room, feeling like I had never felt before.
The next day was Saturday; I slept in the living room on an old couch. When I woke it was early and I decided to turn on the TV, to watch my favorite cartoon, the roadrunner.
As early as 7years old, I was out on the streets till 3-4 am, I was put in three orphanages... One night I remember, my father snuck into our house, he put a loaded pistol in my hand and told me to shoot my sisters and my mother, it was crazy. Through all of this, (which I wouldn't change), I came out a fairly normal kid, I was involved in sports and didn't do drugs, or drink. I thought I was a survivor, wanting only to make it through another day.
In 1974 I started to sense a need in my life, an emptiness that I couldn't explain. I knew I had to find God/Jesus, but who was HE? I had no idea where to find HIM, so I went to the local library to find books concerning world religions, God, and the occult. At the library I met an ex-hippie (Gary Osborn) he saw my books and decided to share the message with me. Gary invited me to pray in the back of his V.W. so I did, I remember saying "God forgive me for my sins, and whatever you have for me I want it all".
Well at first nothing happened I expected, lightening or something. Gary said, "Just go home and praise God" I said, "What's that, mean" Gary said, "Just thank him" So I did just that.
The remaining is sacred to me, before I asked Jesus into my heart, I never heard voices, I never drank, and I never did drugs, but one week after meeting Jesus while in the middle of my last class (during high school) a voice, just as clear, as someone standing next to you, spoke, and as the voice spoke it said to me, "rod tell them about Jesus" I was surprised, but unafraid, I put my hand over my mouth, since I didn't want anyone to think I was talking to myself, I said (to whoever spoke to me) "I don't know what to say" the voice said "don't be afraid, I'll give you the words to say"
To this day I don't remember my words, but I spoke to those kids about Jesus and salvation, their mouths just dropped open and then, class was over, I walked out of that room, feeling like I had never felt before.
The next day was Saturday; I slept in the living room on an old couch. When I woke it was early and I decided to turn on the TV, to watch my favorite cartoon, the roadrunner.
As I sat there watching the TV, I got up and looked outside, everything was
so beautiful, (I never appreciated nature, I just wanted to make it through
another day). BUT now it was so pretty, I sat back down on the couch, and
as I did I was somewhere else.
I was sitting at a long roughhewn table, straight in front of me was God, the father, I couldn't see him, to my right was Jesus, to my left was Satan, him I could see (he looked like a man only very big) then, three bowls appear, filled with what looked like porridge. Now the father spoke and said Satan dismiss yourself, Satan stood and screamed, then vanished.
Three bites were taken out of the bowl. Then all at once I was watching myself from a distance, walking with Jesus up a grassy pathway. Jesus was speaking to me but from a distance I couldn't hear him, I could see myself shaking my head (like I understand) then through my eyes I saw the house where I had been sleeping.
I didn't know what had happened; I'd never experienced anything like that, but I knew two things, I had to find a pastor to talk to, and I KNEW GOD loved me and wanted something from me...my total surrender, my life totally under his control, every second, moment by moment, and I was consumed with this one desire, to live to PLEASE HIM.
Let me give you an example: When a friend from school would come over and say, "Hey rod." "Let's go to a show" I'd say, "hold on." Then I'd go in the bathroom and pray, "Lord should I go?" Sometimes the Lord would say "go", sometimes "no" At times He was silent, when this happened I would look inside, to my heart, (Spirit), (see Colossians 3:15) if I had peace I would go, If not, I'd stay home.
As I practiced this new desire, (surrender), I noticed the voice of the Lord became more frequent and clearer, (John 10:27). It always had to agree with scripture. The word of the Lord will always agree with the true meaning and / or the true interpretation of scripture).
I knew I needed to get a bible, I went to a bookstore and I got the largest family bible I'd ever seen, with pictures and everything. I was so happy. That night the voice of the lord said, "Read Matthew 5." I had to look in the contents; I didn't know where Matthew was. When I found it and started to read, the words became a ("Word of the Lord to me") they just jumped off the page, they seemed to come alive, and they filled me, with hope, love and peace. Now I knew God loved me, and my sins were gone, I was forgiven...
As time passed I grew, sometimes I'd walk into a busy office or building (like a D.O.L) and the Lord would say go sit by that guy, I would strike up a conversation, then say "you don't know me but I'm a Christian and God is going to share with me about your life" I don't mean simple things like "you have the flu" or "Headaches", but deep, personal things that others couldn't know or even guess. People would usually start to cry and ask "how did you know?" I'd say "I didn't but God knew".
One of the best lessons from the Lord concerning trusting Him happened like this; I was traveling from Philly to Atlantic city, I got on the road, and started to hitch a ride, (it wasn't illegal at that time) within one hour and twenty minutes I was in Atlantic city (which was a one hour drive!) I got 4 different rides, as I stepped into each vehicle I boldly proclaimed "Hi I'm a child of the King, and God's going to bless you for picking me up!" God gave me very personal details about each of those people and all but one came to Christ.
When I got to Atlantic City, God said "Rod, when you get to the prayer meeting tonight I want you to give all your money, to Johnnie Diaz". I said "Lord that's all I've got?" (About 300.00) God replied; "you take care of your brothers and sisters in the Lord and I'll take care of you." So upon arriving in Atlantic City, I secretly gave all my money to Johnnie, (this was to cover something for Johnnie that was very personal, so I know he didn't share this with anyone).
That night I asked myself "how am I going to get back to work, tomorrow?” I didn't have a penny, not even enough for bus fare, and in my spirit I knew I wasn't to hitch hike, but instead the Lord wanted me on the bus. After sleeping that night and leaving the brothers house the next day, (where the meeting had been held), I started walking to the bus station. As I got closer and closer, I was imagining, "is the drivers going to just "know" he's supposed to let me ride for free?" But as I approached the depot, a brother named "Chicky" came out of his house and said "rod I think the Lord wants me to give this to you." It was exactly what I needed for bus fare!
This has been a short summary of my life.
I was sitting at a long roughhewn table, straight in front of me was God, the father, I couldn't see him, to my right was Jesus, to my left was Satan, him I could see (he looked like a man only very big) then, three bowls appear, filled with what looked like porridge. Now the father spoke and said Satan dismiss yourself, Satan stood and screamed, then vanished.
Three bites were taken out of the bowl. Then all at once I was watching myself from a distance, walking with Jesus up a grassy pathway. Jesus was speaking to me but from a distance I couldn't hear him, I could see myself shaking my head (like I understand) then through my eyes I saw the house where I had been sleeping.
I didn't know what had happened; I'd never experienced anything like that, but I knew two things, I had to find a pastor to talk to, and I KNEW GOD loved me and wanted something from me...my total surrender, my life totally under his control, every second, moment by moment, and I was consumed with this one desire, to live to PLEASE HIM.
Let me give you an example: When a friend from school would come over and say, "Hey rod." "Let's go to a show" I'd say, "hold on." Then I'd go in the bathroom and pray, "Lord should I go?" Sometimes the Lord would say "go", sometimes "no" At times He was silent, when this happened I would look inside, to my heart, (Spirit), (see Colossians 3:15) if I had peace I would go, If not, I'd stay home.
As I practiced this new desire, (surrender), I noticed the voice of the Lord became more frequent and clearer, (John 10:27). It always had to agree with scripture. The word of the Lord will always agree with the true meaning and / or the true interpretation of scripture).
I knew I needed to get a bible, I went to a bookstore and I got the largest family bible I'd ever seen, with pictures and everything. I was so happy. That night the voice of the lord said, "Read Matthew 5." I had to look in the contents; I didn't know where Matthew was. When I found it and started to read, the words became a ("Word of the Lord to me") they just jumped off the page, they seemed to come alive, and they filled me, with hope, love and peace. Now I knew God loved me, and my sins were gone, I was forgiven...
As time passed I grew, sometimes I'd walk into a busy office or building (like a D.O.L) and the Lord would say go sit by that guy, I would strike up a conversation, then say "you don't know me but I'm a Christian and God is going to share with me about your life" I don't mean simple things like "you have the flu" or "Headaches", but deep, personal things that others couldn't know or even guess. People would usually start to cry and ask "how did you know?" I'd say "I didn't but God knew".
One of the best lessons from the Lord concerning trusting Him happened like this; I was traveling from Philly to Atlantic city, I got on the road, and started to hitch a ride, (it wasn't illegal at that time) within one hour and twenty minutes I was in Atlantic city (which was a one hour drive!) I got 4 different rides, as I stepped into each vehicle I boldly proclaimed "Hi I'm a child of the King, and God's going to bless you for picking me up!" God gave me very personal details about each of those people and all but one came to Christ.
When I got to Atlantic City, God said "Rod, when you get to the prayer meeting tonight I want you to give all your money, to Johnnie Diaz". I said "Lord that's all I've got?" (About 300.00) God replied; "you take care of your brothers and sisters in the Lord and I'll take care of you." So upon arriving in Atlantic City, I secretly gave all my money to Johnnie, (this was to cover something for Johnnie that was very personal, so I know he didn't share this with anyone).
That night I asked myself "how am I going to get back to work, tomorrow?” I didn't have a penny, not even enough for bus fare, and in my spirit I knew I wasn't to hitch hike, but instead the Lord wanted me on the bus. After sleeping that night and leaving the brothers house the next day, (where the meeting had been held), I started walking to the bus station. As I got closer and closer, I was imagining, "is the drivers going to just "know" he's supposed to let me ride for free?" But as I approached the depot, a brother named "Chicky" came out of his house and said "rod I think the Lord wants me to give this to you." It was exactly what I needed for bus fare!
This has been a short summary of my life.
Brother Rod.”’
THE END.
Jeremiah
1:1-10 ‘“The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah,
one of the priests at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. The word
of the Lord came to
him in the thirteenth year of the reign of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah, and
through the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, down to the
fifth month of the eleventh year of Zedekiah son of Josiah king of Judah,
when the people of Jerusalem went into exile. The word
of the Lord came to me,
saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before
you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to
the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to
speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said
to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and
say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with
you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached
out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in
your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to
uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”’
Colossians
3:15 “Let the
peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you
were called to peace. And be thankful.”
John 10:27 “My sheep listen to my voice; I know
them, and they follow me.”
Mathew 5:1-12 ‘“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a
mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He
said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed
are those who mourn, for
they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for
they will inherit the earth. Blessed
are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for
they will be filled. Blessed
are the merciful, for
they will be shown mercy. Blessed
are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed
are the peacemakers, for
they will be called children of God. Blessed
are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed
are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against
you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same
way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”’
Joshua 3:1-7 ‘“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing
before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side
to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is
not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as
he stood before the angel. The angel said to those
who were standing before him, “Take off
his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away
your sin, and I
will put fine garments on you.” Then I said, “Put a clean
turban on his
head.” So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him, while the angel of the Lord stood by. The angel of the Lord gave this charge to Joshua: “This is
what the Lord Almighty says: ‘If you
will walk in obedience to me and keep my requirements, then you will govern my
house and have
charge of my
courts, and I will give you a place among these standing here.”’
PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IN
ABSOLUTE REPENTANCE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS, TRUTH AND COMPLETE SURRENDER TO
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST (YAHUSHUA HA MASHIACH). TIME IS ABSOLUTELY OVER; THE
MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST IS IMMINENTLY COMING TO PICK HIS BRIDE!!!
REPENTANCE PRAYER:
Precious Jesus,
I acknowledge today that you are LORD and savior of all
mankind,
and today I have recognized my shortfall,
I repent and turn away from all sin.
Please cover me with your precious blood,
and establish your word in my life,
that I may be found in righteousness and holiness
and write my name in your book of life
and baptize me with the power of the Holy Spirit
in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Shalom!!! Shalom!!! Shalom!!!
Kevin Mirasi
Wow, thank you for this story, thank you so much! This was wonderful! This is what I want too, I have asked for the words of knowledge and for healing. Oh, Lord Jesus - will it ever be my turn or am I going to be this coward for the rest of my life, the coward who is afraid to even talk to people about you....?
ReplyDeleteJust how I feel! yes and a wonderful testimony! thanks for sharing Rod.
Deleteworry not,our turn will come in due time.we shall prove that we are no cowards any more like we used to.
DeleteAwesom,awesome,awesome & amen!!!
DeleteThank you so much. I am last getting into the ark but I am making it and also want to exercise the gift of discernment I have been given.
ReplyDeleteSo powerful, brother Rod. I hope your family came to know Jesus as well.
ReplyDeleteBless you
So beautiful, thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see I'm not the only one who thinks those words move and come alive sometimes!
ReplyDelete