Paul, the apostle was locked in a deep, dank dungeon for his testimony and preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was separated from his 
friends, did not get the proper food and care, isolated, and forgotten; yet he knew that God knew about his predicament and allowed him to be there for a reason.
Ephesians 6:20 explains the reason: “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” An ambassador is an important, special representative appointed to represent another power. Paul’s mission in prison was to be a representative for God. As odd as many think his mission was, all Christians are all called to be emissaries of heaven. God may have them in a particular neighborhood, situation, hospital bed, job, or school for a particular mission. He wants them to deliver his message to people in that position. Often, no one else can reach them outside the position in which we find ourselves.
We can be ambassadors for heaven with our lives. All are watching us in many situations; such as: how we speak, act, react when angry or sad, or even dress. If we do not tell others about the goodness, mercy, and grace of God, and be a testimony for Him, who will?
The Bible tells us how we can tell others. We can be an emissary by:
Singing: Instead of the world hearing us sing their songs emphasizing adultery, drugs, sexuality, disobedience, and other ungodly actions, they should hear us singing songs praising His goodness and mercy.
“Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.” Psalm 9:11
Talking:
“Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.” I Chronicles 16:9
“Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.” Luke 8:38-39
“Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.” Luke 12:8-9
“The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and saith to the men, Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?” John 4:28
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverb 11:30 Use your voice to win others to the cause of Christ.
Being a good example:
“I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” Psalms 26:5-7
“And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?” Mark 4:21 The light of a good testimony for the cause of Christ can be brightness in this dark, sinful world. Do not “hide” your Christianity.
Quoting scripture and biblical principles:
“Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.” Psalm 119:27
“My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.” Psalms 119:171-172 How is the unsaved world going to hear of the Word of God unless the people of God tell them!
Praising Him:
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalm 107:8
So good to relive this devotion and old comments. What a blessing!
Really enjoyed “The Bible View” on prayer – especially about the butterfly!
I was reminded this spring how very important the perception the community has of us as Christians. This devotion brought it back to my mind.
Our church held a brush arbor meeting in some pretty cool weather, but it was well attended by church folks and a few others, but the interesting thing was the passers by that would slow down, roll their window down, or even pull into the adjacent parking lot to listen.
On the Thursday evening of this meeting, service was over, a few were still in the altar, and I looked to my left to see a man that I had frequent business dealings with in the past standing right next to me. He reeked of cigarettes and beer. When I asked how he was doing, he wept openly and told me he could not stop drinking. He had been drawn to stop in that parking lot and roll his window down. He didn’t know anyone, so he stayed in his car, but as the service wound down, he saw me stand away from the altar and he decided that he would come say hello at least. Truth is that he wanted to come in, but lacked confidence. Seeing someone he knew and trusted got him under the roof.
I am not telling this to build my flesh, but to illustrate how important your unspoken witness is to the community. I thank God that someone saw enough of some sliver of righteousness in me that it would cause them to trust me enough to get them where they could really get help…at an old fashioned altar under a brush arbor.
I had never seen the Lord gloriously deliver a drunk alcoholic before, but he did that night. He forevermore prayed through and was touched by the hand of God. It was a miracle. That man is still free of alcohol and his wife has a new husband.
Christians, live your life in front of people. You don’t have to be like them. Your actions and words when you are unguarded say the most about what you think about your Christian life.
Good testimony! God is good — all the time! Praise the Lord. I love to hear it!