Friday, February 19, 2016

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GOD STORY



Focus

In a God story the focus is on God.  Sure.  Simple.  It is so obvious why bring it up?  You know the human tendency to up talk ourselves and insert unnecessary elements while sometimes downplaying the place or role of the Almighty God.  Focusing on God in a God story may take some effort in order to rightly honor Him.  Interested?

Observe John’s telling of his journey to heaven.  Look for how he tells this story.  Read through it and we will review it afterwards.  

Then as I looked, I saw a door standing open in heaven, and the same voice I had heard before spoke to me like a trumpet blast. The voice said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.” And instantly I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne in heaven and someone sitting on it. The one sitting on the throne was as brilliant as gemstones—like jasper and carnelian. And the glow of an emerald circled his throne like a rainbow. 

Twenty-four thrones surrounded him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder. And in front of the throne were seven torches with burning flames. This is the sevenfold Spirit of God. In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal. In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty— the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.” 

Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Revelation 4:1-11 (NLT)

John’s God Story

A Goal of Honoring God is Present

The conclusion “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power” is woven in the whole of the story.  God is worthy and John wants Him to be central and not focus on his own feelings or questions or experiences or observations.  He has a goal and it is to honor God. 

A Personal Testimony to God is Involved

John tells his experience with God as it was.  What John witnessed he tells.  This isn’t a second-hand retelling (though there is a place for such stories, this is a personal God story).  He uses “I” to let us know what he experienced, but not to point to himself.  

A personal testimony to God is a powerful thing.  In Revelation 12:11 it is included as part of a trio that overcomes Satan.  In Acts 1:8 the disciples are told they will be witnesses to Jesus among all sorts of people in the world when the power of the Holy Spirit comes on them.  John is sharing what God invited Him to experience and to make known.  You have an opportunity to share what God has invited you to experience.  In the power of the Holy Spirit as you tell your God story you honor Him and overcome the enemy. 

A Story Free of Bunny Trails is Told

Have you heard a story told which could have gotten to the point with beauty and simplicity, but was complicated with layers of excursions which I am referring to as “bunny trails?”  Bunny trails are tangents the story teller finds interesting but don’t enhance the story or move it forward. 

John was in heaven in the presence of the Almighty and surrounded by amazing sights, sounds, feelings, aromas.  If anyone ever was in a position to start telling stories about all he experienced this would be a great time, but John stayed on track.  He tells this story in 341 words. 

Write Your God Story Down

That sounds like a waste of time since you already know your own story, right?  It will help to write it down so that you can see how it flows and where it goes. 

Look for words that don’t communicate well and find others.  See if you have enough detail in the telling so that others can understand what is going on.  See if you really make the point that is on your heart.  If you are comfortable with it have someone else look it over and give you some feedback.  Work with your written copy until you are satisfied it says what needs to be said and it honors the Lord. 

Practice Telling Your Story

You may have told your God story over and over, but with the process of shining it up it may be a little different.  Practice by reading through it as you wrote it.  Do that until you are comfortable with the way the story flows and where it goes.  

Practice telling your story without notes.  It doesn’t have to be exactly like your written copy, but it should keep the essential elements and reach the right objective.  Time yourself and see if you can tell your God story in 5 minutes going at an easy natural pace. 

Pray Over Your God Story

You have a powerful tool in your toolbox as a result of getting your story ready.  Pray and ask God to point out anything you may need to add or remove.  Ask Him to give you boldness as you tell your story.  Ask Him to use your story for His honor and glory. 

You Are Ready to Share Your God Story

At a moment’s notice you can now pull out a polished story to point to God.  If you have a chance to share with a stranger in a quick meeting, you have something wonderful to say.  If an opportunity comes up to tell about your great God at a public meeting you can join in the concert of praise. 

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.   Malachi 3:16 (NLT)

I am excited to hear your God stories. 
-Randy

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