Category Archives: Testimony

Bible, Citizen, Conduct, Gospel, Heaven, Scripture, Testimony

WHETHER PRESENT OR ABSENT

PHILIPPIANS 1:27

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

I have shared before that years ago I worked for about six months at Walmart on their third shift (10 pm – 6 am). On that shift my job was to unload the trucks that arrived and stock shelves. It was a part-time job, but one I kind of enjoyed. A number of the employees, however, didn’t share the same attitude. They would look busy when the boss came by but would find places to hide and sleep or just goof off.

Paul wasn’t the Philippian believers’ boss, but he expected them to do the right thing whether he was present or absent. This verse is one we should all take to heart because He is coming soon. Amen? We need to be doing these same things today. Paul uses a Greek word here for “conduct yourselves” that is only used one other time in Acts 23:1 (we’ll see that in a minute). The word is politeuomai which means to live as a citizen. Let’s explore that.

APPLICATION

To live as a citizen means to live by the rules and laws of that city or country. One problem with illegal immigration is that they begin their life in the U.S. by breaking our laws. Now, don’t send me letters and postcards. I am just stating a fact. Being a good citizen implies maintaining the standard set by your community. In the Philippians’ case, Paul was exhorting them to live up to the standards set by Jesus.

In Acts 23:1, Paul is talking in his defense before the chief priests and the Jewish council. “Now looking intently at the Council, Paul said, ‘Brothers, I have lived my life with an entirely good conscience before God up to this day.’” The phrase “have lived my life” is politeuomai. Paul had nothing to be ashamed of. He was living to please the Lord, not men. He was being a good citizen of heaven.

Are you living as a good citizen of heaven right now? Today is Easter Sunday. We have much to celebrate. Amen? We have the opportunity today to live in such a way that all those CEO (Christmas Easter Only) church goers that are in church today will marvel at our attitudes and worship. Live in such a way that the light of Jesus draws them like a moth to a streetlight. He is Risen!

O Lord, shine through me in every are of my life so that no matter where I am people will know that I am a citizen of heaven.

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Bible, Encouragement, Prison, Scripture, Suffering, Testimony

ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH SUFFERING

PHILIPPIANS 1:14

“and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”

have mentioned several times about my two stem cell transplants I underwent for my Amyloidosis treatment. Both involved a considerable amount of suffering that I had rather not endure again. But both of these experiences served to encourage others in their own walk of faith. I can’t begin to tell you the number of people who were praying for me worldwide and the cards and letters I received from friends and family. Many even sent money to help with our expenses. These people experienced my suffering by praying and supporting us.

Paul is in prison, but he is still encouraging these believers. How can that be? How can one man’s suffering encourage others? Paul uses a Greek word here to describe what these Philippian Christians were doing. The verb “have…courage” is tolmaó, and it means “to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk (putting it all on the line); courageously venture forward by putting fear behind and embracing the fruit that lies ahead for taking a necessary risk.” (HELPS Word Studies)

APPLICATION

So, how do we do that? By doing exactly what the Philippians believers did. Here is what Albert Barnes said about their courage to speak forth about Jesus without fear. “This might have been either: (1) that from the very fact that so distinguished a champion of the truth had been imprisoned, they were excited to do all they could in the cause of the gospel. Or, (2) they were aroused by the fact that the cause of his imprisonment had become generally understood, and that there was a strong current of popular favor setting toward Christianity in consequence of it. Or, (3) they had had contact with Paul in his own ‘hired house,’ and had been incited and encouraged by him to put forth great efforts in the cause. Or, (4) it would seem that some had been emboldened to promulgate their views, and set themselves up as preachers, who would have been restrained if Paul had been at liberty.”

Any of those speculations could have been the truth. The bottom line – they were encouraged by Paul’s suffering. When you see others suffering, what is your response? I pray it is not just to have pity on them. No! We should immediately begin to pray for them. By doing so, God builds our own faith. We can see Him work through difficult situations. We can experience a deeper faith by trusting in His divine will.

In Mark 15:43 when Jospeh of Arimathea went up to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body, this same word is used. It says, “…he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate…” That took courage. That was daring. Pilate had just crucified Jesus. But Joseph’s faith in Jesus as the Messiah had been strengthened by Jesus’ suffering and death. Thus, we have the empty tomb which was provided by Joseph.

How can you encourage others in your suffering? How can you be encouraged by someone else’s suffering? Think about that.

O God, no one likes to suffer or see suffering but use it to strengthen our faith or the faith of others.

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Bible, Faithfulness, Scripture, Testimony, Unfaithful, Witnessing

FAITHFUL OR UNFAITHFUL

COLOSSIANS 4:14

“Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also.”

One of the things we try to do in the ministry I serve with (Every Man A Warrior) is to take along a traveling partner when we have to travel to lead a training or a conference. Why? For spiritual and prayer support and to hold us accountable. We want to be above reproach and not cause rumors to be spread about our behavior. I recently took a dear brother with me to Jamaica for an EMAW. He helped in the teaching and was there to help guard my heart.

Paul had numerous traveling partners during his missionary journeys. Two are mentioned in today’s verse. One was faithful to the end while the other deserted Paul in the end. So, the thought came to me which I believe was prompted by the Spirit. What kind of brother am I? How will I finish this race? Will I be like Luke or Demas?

APPLICATION

You can read through Luke and Acts and follow “the beloved physician” as he travels with Paul and Peter. Luke took detailed notes as a physician is prone to do. Thank the Lord for those two books of the Bible. Don’t you wish you could have been in a front row seat as all those exploits unfolded? I sure do. I can’t wait to spend eternity with Luke and find out some of the other things he witnessed.

In 2 Timothy 4:9-11 we see these two mentioned again by Paul. This is Paul’s last letter before he is martyred. “9 Make every effort to come to me soon; 10 for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take along Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.”

Read that again and see who you want to emulate, Demas or Luke? I choose Luke. Demas forsook Paul at the end. Paul said he “loved this present world.” We don’t know Demas’ end. Some say he became an idol priest in Thessalonica. Others say he moved there because of the wealth and commerce which he loved. One day we’ll know. But in the meantime, I want to be more like Luke – faithful to the end.

Lord, make me faithful no matter the persecution or struggles.

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Bible, Conduct, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

PERSONAL CONDUCT

COLOSSIANS 4:5

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

Personal conduct is lacking in our world today. Well, I should say “proper” personal conduct is lacking. There is a lot of conduct going on that is not good, not very Christ-like. But I can’t judge others. I can only judge my own conduct to see how it measures up to God’s Word. Every word I speak and every action I take reflects on Jesus. I have to remember that.

Paul was very aware of that and wanted the Colossian believers to be that salt and light to their unbelieving neighbors and friends. Remember, these early believers were living in a pagan society that worshipped all kinds of gods. They had all sorts of personal conduct that we would find reviling to God. Hmmm, kind of sounds like today, doesn’t it.

APPLICATION

What did Paul mean by “conduct”? The Greek word is peripateo means to walk about or manner of living. It’s written in the Present Imperative which means it’s a command that we are to continue to do all the time. Paul is telling the Colossians (and us) to live our lives in such a manner with all wisdom that unbelievers see it and are changed by it.

I am reminded of a verse in Matthew spoken by Jesus. Matthew 5:16 says, “‘Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.’” That’s a pretty good admonition, don’t you think? As we live our lives for Jesus, people are drawn to Him. They see the change in us. They notice how we behave when we face temptations and struggles.

Who is watching you? You see, that’s the problem. We really don’t know who is watching. So, we have to live our lives every day giving glory to Him who died to set us free from this world and all its temptations. Today, make your actions matter. Let your words reflect Jesus. Then look around to see who is watching. Don’t miss out on opportunities to lead someone closer to Him.

I do not know who is watching me today, Lord, so help me reflect Your glory.

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Bible, Enemies, Scripture, Testimony, Victors

ON DISPLAY

COLOSSIANS 2:15

“When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”

When you put something on open display, you want everyone to see it. In my hometown there was this grand, ole building called the Hand Trading Company. It was surrounded on three sides with display windows so the public could see the wares that were for sale. We used to love to see these windows at Christmas as each one was transformed into an exciting display of some wintery Christmas scene. People would walk around the block to see all three sides.

Christ has put the devil and all his forces on public display, showing His defeated foe. This was a common practice back in the days of Christ where a victorious army would chain and lead their defeated foe back to their homeland. There would be cheers and a celebration as the people watch their victorious army parade back into the city with the defeated enemy following.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “made a public display” is deigmatizó. It is only used here and in Matthew 1:19 where it is used to describe how Joseph did not want to expose Mary’s pregnancy and humiliate her. He wanted to protect her, even though he knew the story of her pregnancy would be revealed eventually.

Let me ask you a question. Is your life on display? Do you openly share what Christ has done for you? You see, Christ also leads us along in triumph. Paul says that over in 2 Corinthians 2:14. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.” Are you following close to Him? Are you gladly exposing what He has done in your life?

We are on public display. People are watching us. Christ can take your life and show others just what is possible in Him. Let your life be a canvas He can use to paint a scene of forgiveness and triumph for all to see. May millions stand and gasp at the wonder of grace in your life and be drawn to Him.

O Lord, I praise You for what You are doing in my life for all to see.

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Bible, Scripture, Talking, Testimony, Walking

WALK THE TALK

COLOSSIANS 2:6

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,”

Trash talking in sports is just part of the game. Players try to get in the head of their opponent before and during the game. But one thing that will come back to bite you is to say what you are going to do and then not produce. If you are going to talk the talk, you had better be ready to walk the walk. In other words, don’t be a showoff.

In today’s verse, Paul is basically saying that if you say you’re a believer, then act like one. The verb “walk” used in this verse is peripateó which “primarily means ‘to walk’ in a physical sense, but it is frequently used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe one’s conduct or manner of life. It implies a continuous action or habitual lifestyle, often in the context of moral and spiritual behavior. The term is used to encourage believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling and to follow the teachings of Christ.” (Strong’s Lexicon)

APPLICATION

The verb “walk” is also a command. It’s in the Present tense, which means continuous action. Paul is telling us to walk and keep on walking. Saying you have received Jesus is not enough. You have to show you have received Him by the way you live your daily life. Notice I said, “daily life.” Your walk isn’t just about attending church a few times a month. It isn’t just about picking up your Bible (and blowing the dust off) once a month for an inspirational thought.

In Galatians 5:16, Paul tells us, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.” You see, when you are consistently walking in the Spirit, you are less likely to yield to the fleshly desires that are constantly bombarding you. Walking daily with Jesus isn’t just something we sing about. It’s a choice we make every single day.

In 1 Thessalonians 4:12 peripateó is used in an interesting way, but it shows us what Paul is talking about when he uses this word. “so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” Your walk should be a visible expression of your inner decision. Let the world see your walk today.

Lord, I want to show the world I am different by the way I treat others.

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Bible, Manifested, Revelation, Scripture, Testimony

REVEALED TO US

COLOSSIANS 1:26

“that is, the mystery which had been hidden from the past ages and generations, but now has been revealed to His saints,” 

Seeing something for the first time that you previously could not see is a pretty awesome thing. Take for example the upcoming alignment of the planets in a couple of weeks. We will be able to see several of the planets lined up with the moon. This occurs every so often as these planets circle the sun along with us on the earth. What was not visible becomes visible. Pretty cool.

God has revealed something to us that is far more amazing. He has revealed the mystery of salvation to us through His Son, Jesus. The Greek word for “revealed” is the verb phaneroó which is used in the New Testament to describe the act of making something visible or known that was previously hidden or not apparent. Before Christ we had no clue. Christ essentially takes off our blinders to reveal the glory of the gospel.

APPLICATION

I love how John the Baptist uses the word in John 1:29-31. “29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is He in behalf of whom I said, “After me is coming a Man who has proved to be my superior, because He existed before me.” 31 And I did not recognize Him, but so that He would be revealed to Israel, I came baptizing in water.’” 

Not only does God reveal the gospel to us, He also reveals Himself to us through His Son. We know God because Jesus is God. When we accept the Son, we accept the Father and the Spirit. They are One. We can’t have one of the One without having all of the One. Did I lose you? Just know that God reveals Himself to us fully through Jesus.

Now, you are expected to reveal Him to others. How? By revealing what He has done in and through you. If you are a believer, you have a story to tell. You don’t need some drastic conversion story. Just tell your story. Reveal Jesus to others through your testimony and through your life. Let Jesus do all the talking.

Lord, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Jesus. Help me continue that revelation to others.

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Bible, Darkness, Light, Scripture, Testimony

WALK IN THE LIGHT

EPHESIANS 5:8

“for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light”

When I take my morning walk each day, I begin when it is still dark outside. To be safe, I wear a light on my cap that illuminates where I am walking. I do this for two reasons. One reason is to light the sidewalk and streets where I walk. I don’t want to trip on something in my path. The other reason is so any cars that approach me can see me. I don’t want to get run over, lol.

Why do you think Paul told the Ephesians to “walk as children of light”? I believe it was for the same reasons. They needed to be able to see the things in their path that might trip them up. Light exposes those things. Darkness flees in the presence of light. Also, by being the light, others could see them coming. Their light would shine as an example of Jesus and perhaps draw them to Him.

APPLICATION

Are you walking in the light? Do others see your light shining? No, then turn up the light by living according to His Word. What does He tell us about that light? In John 8:12 Jesus says, “‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’” If you have Jesus, you have the light. Let it shine!

John said in John 1:4, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind.” His light is the light for all mankind. We weren’t meant to get it and hide it. Remember the children’s song about hiding your light under a bushel? That still applies to us as adults. Don’t be afraid to shine the light of Jesus wherever you are and with whomever you are with.

Jesus even told us in Matthew 5:14, “‘You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;’” If He is the light and He has told us we are the light, why don’t we let it shine? Because when we do, it exposes the darkness, even our own. Ouch! Examine yourself first before you start pointing your 2 million lumen light at others. Amen?

Thank You for giving us Your light for all mankind.

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Aroma, Bible, Fragrant, Sacrifice, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

A GOOD COLOGNE

EPHESIANS 5:2

“and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”

Men don’t seem to wear cologne as much as they used to. My favorite growing up was Brut. My dad wore that, so I used to slip into his bathroom and splash some on. Man, I smelled good. I graduated to other fragrances over the years, some more expensive than others. But no amount of cologne could effectively cover up stink. It would always leak through and spoil the real fragrance of that cologne.

I love the imagery here that Paul uses. He tells us to “walk in love” but not in just any way. We are to walk “just as Christ also loved” us. He was a “fragrant aroma” in the nostrils of His Father. We will also give off that same aroma if we walk in love as He did. Our sacrificial living wafts up to heaven where the Lord looks down and smiles. Remember, a sacrifice was burned on the altar. Those blood sacrifices required a death. We also must die to ourselves to become that “fragrant aroma.”

APPLICATION

Since that Greek word for “fragrant” is only use two other times in the New Testament, let’s take a look at them. In 2 Corinthians 2:15 we find, “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:” You see, our “fragrance” is noticed by others. Just as when I go outside for a second, my wife can smell it on me, I want others to smell it when I have been with Jesus. Amen?

The other time the word is used is in Philippians 4:18 where it says, “But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Even our gift giving, if given with the right motive, can be a fragrant aroma.

So, how are you smelling today? Are you giving off the fragrance of Christ around you? Do others smell Jesus on you? When we walk in a room His fragrance should be coming out of our pores in order to draw people to Him. Try freshening up today. Spend a little more time with Him to get fully immersed in His fragrance.

Lord, I want to smell like You. I want everything I do to give off a fragrant aroma of Christ.

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Bible, Grace, Greetings, Peace, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

A PROPER GREETING

EPHESIANS 1:2

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

My mom used to tell me when I was five or six years old, I would walk down main street with her in our small, South Georgia town of Pelham and walk right up to people, stick out my hand and say, “Hey, how you doing?” She said she knew then I was going to be a preacher or a politician. I wouldn’t call my mom a prophet, but here I am six decades later in full time ministry.

Paul uses this expression in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Philippians 1:2;  1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; and Philemon 1:3. Why does he start his epistles that way? I believe it is because the recipients of these letters needed to hear it. They needed to hear more about the grace of God in their lives. They needed to hear more about peace, something which often escaped them. This greeting wooed them to read more.

APPLICATION

Unfortunately, many of us greet each other without grace and peace. We greet gruffly or inconsiderately. We harbor grudges and spurn the other person. We are not following Paul’s example of grace and peace when we do that. I know it’s now seen as a cliché but “What Would Jesus Do”? You know what He would do. He would greet each person with love and respect, in grace and peace.

Do you know what you are doing when you extend grace and peace to someone? To say “grace to you” means you wish them favor with God. Who in your life could use that? Everyone? Probably! But God’s favor isn’t just about giving them something. It’s about eternal favor through His Son, Jesus. Don’t you want that for everyone?

And to say “peace from God our Father” is to wish peace of mind. It was a common Jewish farewell. It was wishing for the best health (welfare) of an individual. Shouldn’t we be wishing that for everyone as well? We may not like someone too much but wishing them well is the right thing to do – always.

How will you greet the next person you meet? Hopefully with grace and peace.

Lord, let me greet as Jesus would have.

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