Category Archives: Witnessing

Abiding, Appearance, Attitude, Bible, Reflection, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

HIS REFLECTION

MALACHI 3:3

“‘And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.’”

I have never watched a silversmith working, but I hear it is fascinating. The silver is melted to remove the impurities which are called dross. Like I said, I have never seen this process, but I have been told that the silversmith continues heating the silver and scooping off the dross until he can see his reflection in the melted silver.

The Lord intends to purify these priests and the people so they are worthy to present offerings to Him again. Again, think back to the process I described above. God wants to see His reflection in the priests and people. He wants them to reflect their God on others. That had not been the case. They had been reflecting evil desires and worldly living. God is about to change all that.

APPLICATION

Ezekiel 22:17-22 is worth sharing here since it also talks about this process. “17 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 18 ‘Son of man, the house of Israel has become metal to Me; all of them are bronze, tin, iron, and lead in the smelting furnace; they are the waste metal of silver. 19 Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: “Because all of you have become waste metal, therefore, behold, I am going to gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. 20 As they gather silver, bronze, iron, lead, and tin into the smelting furnace to blow fire on it in order to melt it, so I will gather you in My anger and in My wrath, and I will place you there and melt you. 21 And I will gather you and blow on you with the fire of My wrath, and you will be melted in the midst of it. 22 As silver is melted in the furnace, so you will be melted in the midst of it; and you will know that I, the LORD, have poured out My wrath on you.”’”

Proverbs 27:19 gives us a glimpse into what we reflect also. “As in water a face reflects the face, so the heart of a person reflects the person.” What are you reflecting today? Are you showing off the face of Jesus or your own self-determined face? We have a choice each day. The Lord expects us to be a reflector of His love and grace to others. Let’s do that today.

Oh God, help me reflect only You. Let me be hidden behind Your radiant grace.

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Accountability, Accused, Admonished, Bible, Modeling, Obedience, Reputation, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

YOU AIN’T NO GOOD

MALACHI 2:9

“‘So I also have made you despised and of low reputation in the view of all the people, since you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.’”

I can remember growing up in South Georgia and overhearing the “old timers” talking about some men in our small hometown. They would often say, “He is just ain’t no good.” For those of you not accustomed to Southernize, that means they were not good. These individuals had proven to be untrustworthy and prone to bad behavior in the community.

The Lord saw the same in the priests who had violated His covenant with the tribe of Levi. They had consistently ignored or twisted the Law to suit themselves. Therefore, the Lord had allowed the priests to sink to a level of disrespect and of low reputation among the people. Their privileged status was tattered.

APPLICATION

How is your reputation? How do others see you? As believers in Jesus Christ, we have a model to follow. We need to be the best representatives we can possibly be to the world. Think of one area in which you are struggling right now. Ask the Lord to help you with it so that you can improve your witness to others.

I have a friend who came to Christ but still struggled with smoking cigarettes. He always felt convicted and knew this habit was costing him in his testimony. When he finally gave it to the Lord, he was able to quit. He no longer smells like a chimney (lol) and has a stronger testimony of what the Lord can do for you.

Just take a look at what Paul said in Philippians 2:14-15. “14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world…” How can I add to that?

Father, guard my thoughts and actions so that I may be considered “above reproach” by You.

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Abundance, Bible, Calling, Counting, Friends, God's Will, Gospel, Judgment, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

A LITTLE MATH

ZECHARIAH 13:8

“‘And it will come about in all the land,’ declares the LORD, ‘that two parts in it will be cut off and perish; but the third will be left in it.’”

I used to be pretty good at math. I kind of naturally got the concepts. So, when we were taught fractions, I understood it.  Fast forward to adulthood. Who would have ever thought I would use those numbers again? But they come up all the time. Just about every day there is something to measure or weigh or divide. Thanks Mrs. Barry, for all those things you poured into my head.

The Lord did not need to be taught math concepts. He is the Creator of all things. He uses numbers in describing the judgment that would befall Israel. Scholars disagree whether this prophecy shared by Zechariah applied to Israel’s fall under Rome or a judgment yet to come. Either way, it had to be hard to hear that only one third would remain.

APPLICATION

We find similar measurements in other parts of the Bible. Look in 2 Samuel 8:2. “And He defeated Moab, and measured them with the line, making them lie down on the ground; and he measured two lines to put to death, and a full line to keep alive. And the Moabites became servants to David, bringing tribute.”

How about in Ezekiel 5:12? “A third of you will die by plague or perish by famine among you, a third will fall by the sword around you, and a third I will scatter to every wind, and I will unsheathe a sword behind them.” God has always measured judgment exactly.

Romans 11:5 tells us, “In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice.” God is always looking out for the remnant, those who will choose to follow Him. Unfortunately, the mass of people in this world will not. It is our job as believers to try to share with as many of them as we can.

While we are doing math, count the number of lost friends you have. How many are there? Now, how many of them are you going to share Jesus with this week? This year? Start counting the number of people you see come to Christ this year because of your friendship. God is counting every soul. We should too.

Father, help me be a better enumerator of souls that are won into your kingdom that are part of my circle of friends.

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Abiding, Belief, Bible, Devil, Evil, Following, Identity, Obedience, Relationships, Rescue, Scripture, Witnessing

WHO IS THIS SHEPHERD?

ZECHARIAH 13:7

“‘Awake, sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man, My Associate,’ declares the LORD of armies. ‘Strike the Shepherd and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn My hand against the little ones.’”

When I was a boy, there was a television program called To Tell The Truth. On this program, three contestants were presented to a guest panel of four people. All three contestants said they were the same person. Only one was the real person. Questions were asked and finally one was asked to “tell the truth.”

Why am I describing this program? Because in today’s verse we have a “Shepherd” that is not identified. The Lord, through Zechariah, does not come right out and say the person’s name. However, because we have other evidence, we can point out this person’s identity. This Shepherd is none other than God’s only Son, Jesus. He was the one struck. It was His sheep that were scattered. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy through His death on that cruel cross.

APPLICATION

So, how do we apply this verse to our lives today? Can people identify you as a follower of Christ? How do people know what you believe. The Word, Jesus, tells us in John 13:34-35, “‘34 I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.’” Don’t you want to be identified with the Shepherd?

Too many believers hold their faith so close to their chest that no one would know they are a child of the King. We need to be shouting it from the rooftops. What is stopping you from being more bold in your witness? Just think of what He did for us. He underwent all the suffering of the cross to rescue us. The least we can do is stand up for Him.

Now, I must warn you. When you do that, we run the risk of being persecuted, just as is described in today’s verse. It says His sheep were scattered. The world will not like the fact that we are identifying with Christ. We can identify with anyone else or with any other group and we will be just fine. But the moment we identify with Jesus, watch for the fiery darts of the evil one to come our way. That’s okay, though. Why? Because any suffering we may endure gives glory to Him. Amen? Amen!

I know I am a sheep of the Shepherd who was pierced for my transgressions. Thank You, Lord.

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Accountability, Bible, Calling, Commands, Gospel, Missionaries, Obedience, Scripture, Witnessing

SO MANY PEOPLE

ZECHARIAH 8:22

“‘So many peoples and mighty nations will come to seek the LORD of armies in Jerusalem, and to plead for the favor of the LORD.’”

I have to be honest – I hate crowds. As much as I love football, the thought of having to fight the crowd at a Georgia football game makes me cringe. I have been in big crowds. There has never been one that I truly enjoyed. Oh, the event I may have attended was good and all, but fighting those crowds in and out of the stadium or arena makes me just want to stay home.

So, when Zechariah shares the words of the Lord that “many peoples and mighty nations will come,” I am sure some people were not too happy. But we have to move past our own likes and dislikes, don’t we? So did they. These people were coming “to plead the favor of the Lord.” They were to be welcomed and shown the love of their God. What a change for them. Instead of dreading the impending masses of armies, they were now serving the Lord of armies by welcoming these pilgrims.

APPLICATION

I think you can guess where I am going to go with this. We need to not only welcome people as they come to Jesus, but we also need to seek them. I have friends who live in countries where there are billions of people who need Jesus. They live in cities that are packed with people literally shoulder to shoulder. They go not because they like those living conditions. They go to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

We are clearly commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:18-20 to go to all the nations and make disciples. That starts at home with our neighbors. We are also told in Acts 1:8 by Jesus, “‘but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.’”

Where is the Lord calling you? There are truly so many people who need to hear the Gospel. We are all called to share it to as many as we can. What is the result if we don’t? They will spend eternity in hell, separated from God. None of  us want that. So, tell someone the good news this week.

Lord, put me in the path of those who need to hear about Your Son and let them listen and receive it.

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Abiding, Bible, Blessing, Church, Following, Holy Spirit, Invitation, Prayer, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

INVITE SOMEONE

ZECHARIAH 8:21

“‘“The inhabitants of one city will go to another, saying, ‘Let’s go at once to plead for the favor of the LORD, and to seek the LORD of armies; I also will go.’”’”

I am planning for a conference in Kenya and Uganda right now and am busy inviting people from all over Africa to attend. It’s going to be a wonderful time of training and encouraging the leaders of our Every Man A Warrior ministry on that continent. I want all who can come to be there. I don’t want them to miss out on this training and fellowship.

The people of the cities were looking at Jerusalem in today’s verse and encouraging each other to go there. They wanted to “plead for the favor of the Lord.” They wanted to be where the Lord was. They could see how Israel was being blessed and were drawn there. I love that last phrase – “I also will go.” In other words, lets’ all go!

APPLICATION

Have you invited anyone lately to be a part of your small group or fellowship? I just finished a small group with four men and am praying about men for a new group in the Fall. I long for that time. I need that fellowship and comradery. But I have learned to pray these men in – not just grab some guys and start a group.

The same thing applies to inviting people to church. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right people. Then when He gives you an open door of opportunity, take it. Tell them what these people told each other. Tell them to come and seek God’s favor with you. Paul tells us in Romans 15:7, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us, for the glory of God.”

I had the privilege to preach recently in a church of a different denomination than my home church. I was totally welcomed there and felt right at home. The Spirit of Christ welcomes us, not a specific church. Would you allow the Spirit of Christ in you to welcome someone to visit your church or small group this week? Be the hands and feet of Jesus.

I will be obedient to the Spirit as He leads me this week to talk to others about You, Lord.

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Bible, Child Raising, Children, Love, Playing, Salvation, Scripture, Witnessing

SLOW! CHILDREN AT PLAY!

ZECHARIAH 8:5

“‘“And the public squares of the city will be filled with boys `and girls playing in its squares.”’”

Throughout the streets of neighborhoods in the U.S., you will often see a street sign that reads, “Slow Children at play.” It is intended to make the driver slow down and watch for children playing near or even in the street. The last thing you want to see happen is a child hit by a car as they were playing. I want to encourage you to pray each time you see that sign and thank God for playing children.

God continues His promises to Jerusalem in verse 5. Now, He is telling them that their children will also prosper. They will once again play in the streets. The sound of children playing will fill the public squares of Jerusalem. Can’t you just see all the children running and playing in and out of the markets and playing all sorts of tag games or hide and seek? I am sure they had their own games during their time which occupied their imaginations. What a sight!

APPLICATION

One of my favorite paintings is by Mark Keathley entitled “Dance of Grace.” You can view it here: http://www.infinityfineart.com/danceofgracebymarkkeathley.php

I love this painting because it shows children playing, but more importantly, it shows our Savior playing with them. I can imagine Him doing that. He said in Matthew 19:14, “But Jesus said, ‘Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’” This same story is told in both Mark and Luke. Three different authors recorded this, so children must have been important to Jesus.

How important are they to you? Does the sound of children playing thrill your heart? It does mine. I have a five-year-old granddaughter, and I love to hear her laugh and play when she visits us. She is such a rascal. I pray for her salvation every day. I want her to one day “play” with Jesus in eternity. That’s my ultimate prayer for her.

Do you have children or grandchildren whom have not come to a saving knowledge of Jesus? As much as you may enjoy the sound of them playing, how much better would it be to hear them praying. Notice that – just one letter changed – “l” to “r.” But what a difference that one letter makes. Pray for the children. Maybe we need a sign that says, “Slow, Children Praying.”

O Lord, my God, would You save the children. Use us to share the good news of Jesus to them.

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Authority, Bible, Heaven, Justice, Kingdom, Kings, Scripture, Witnessing

PRIEST AND KING

ZECHARIAH 4:14

“Then he said, ‘These are the two anointed ones, who are standing by the Lord of the whole earth.’”

I have had a lot of titles in my ministry career. I have been a Director, a Social Worker, a Vice President and many more. I have loved most, if not all, my positions of ministry. Each gave me a purpose and drive. My current title of International Coach and Prayer Coordinator for Every Man A Warrior is a joy. This two-fold title suits me perfectly at this time in my ministry career.

So, who are these “two anointed ones” mentioned in today’s verse? Some scholars believe that are supposed to represent Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and Joshua, the High Priest. Others believe they are symbolic of Jesus as Priest and King, two titles that He fulfilled in His coming. Some even think these are the same two people who are called the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3. We don’t really know, but we can be assured that they represent our Father in heaven.

APPLICATION

How does this verse apply to us? It is because Jesus is our High Priest and King that we can even look at these truths in God’s Word. He opens our eyes and ears to see these words of life. Jesus is seated at the right hand of God right now, interceding on our behalf. Whoever these “two anointed ones” are, they are a part of God’s messengers to us.

Right now in the heavenlies there is a war going on for the souls of men. Because we have a High Priest and King in Jesus, we can rest assured that the battle is won by Him. He is the ultimate authority. He is the overarching ruler.

I can’t say it any better than the author of Hebrews. In 4:14-16, he writes, “14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.”

Thank You, Lord, for fulfilling all prophecy. Thank You for being our King and High Priest.

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Bible, End Times, Evangelism, God's Will, Gospel, Harvest, Missionaries, Scripture, Witnessing

GATHERING OF NATIONS

ZECHARIAH 2:11

“And many nations will join themselves to the LORD on that day and will become My people. Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the LORD of armies has sent Me to you.

I have had the privilege the last several years to travel around the globe to various nations. Some of them are more welcoming of the message of Christ than others. I visited one country last year that particularly struck me. Even though the people were struggling with the economy, their hearts were full of Jesus and weren’t afraid to share that. One day we will worship as one around His throne.

Many scholars and theologians say today’s verse is a prophecy that was fulfilled through the birth of Christ and the drawing of millions of people all over the world. Zechariah could not foresee the movement of God around the world during the time he lived. He was simply a mouthpiece of the Lord proclaiming His message to the people. We have literally seen this fulfilled.

APPLICATION

My thoughts go to Romans 10:14-15, which say, “14 How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 15 But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’” (Isaiah 52:7)

We have a responsibility to spread the gospel to the world. We have a part in this ingathering of the nations into the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ. There is no other way! I recently received a newsletter from a fellow missionary who lives in an unnamed country. It showed a huge crowd of Muslim men praying on their prayer rugs. The line of men continued out of view of the picture. Hundreds, if not thousands, of men praying desperately to be heard.

We know that the only name that brings salvation and peace is the name of Jesus. Philippians 2:10 tells us so. “…so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,…” Will you be a part of this ingathering? Will you spread the news today?

Give me the boldness and the opportunities to share the good news

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Accountability, Advocate, Appointed, Bible, Bosses, Commands, Scripture, Testimony, Witnessing

GOD KEEPS SPEAKING

HAGGAI 2:10

“On the twenty-fourth of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to Haggai the prophet, saying,”

I have a lot of bosses or supervisors during my ministry years. There were many times when they sent me to represent them in a meeting somewhere. I was usually given a message to deliver for them. When I delivered that message, I was careful to make sure the people in the meeting knew the words I shared were from my boss and not mine personally.

Haggai is a short book. Take a few minutes and read the whole book. As you are reading it, take note (if you want, use a highlighter) of every time the word of the Lord comes to Haggai or when it says “the Lord says” or something similar. You will see very quickly that Haggai is only speaking what the Lord told Him to say. He is only doing what the Lord has told him to do.

APPLICATION

We read something similar in John 15:49-50. “49 ‘For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.’”

Even Jesus spoke only what the Father told Him to say. If that is true of the Son of God, shouldn’t we practice the same? We are too quick to give “godly” advice to people that we have no business giving. We tell people what God says they should do without first asking the Lord about it. Yes, we should share the Word with others. Yes, we should talk about Jesus to others. But let’s be careful to speak only the words the Lord has given us.

I pray just about every morning for the Lord to give me the opportunity to share Jesus with someone. I want to witness. I want to testify to our risen Savior, but I only want to do that when it is clear the Lord has opened that door. I don’t want to kick the door open before it is time. The Spirit in me (which is the Spirit of God, will direct when, to whom and how to do that. So, listen intently to Him. He will tell you what to say.

I love to tell the story, ‘Twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

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