Holding Forth the Word of Life....

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain  Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.--Philippians 2:16-17

Thinking of the song here by Sidewalk Prophets, I want to "Live Like That." (lyrics after the verses)

Encouragement from the Word for those that hold forth the word of life - "Hold forth" means to hold upon, attend to and apply the word of God...or hold it in the sense of wearing it and allowing it to possess one's mind and heart.   These verses speak to all believers, but are especially precious to those who make a practice of pointing to Him in their lives, both in word and in deed, even and often to their own hurt.  Rejoice!! You are in good company biblically. My favorite is 2 Corinthians 12:15...there is much hurt and grief in that verse but it truly describes our Lord's demeanor as He faced the cross.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?--1 Thessalonians 2:19

I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:--1 Corinthians 9:26

Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the LORD, and my work with my God.--Isaiah 49:4

According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.--Philippians 1:20

But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.--Acts 20:24

And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.--2 Corinthians 12:15

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.--1 Thessalonians 2:8

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.--2 Timothy 4:6

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.--1 John 3:16

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.--Romans 12:1


Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;--1 Thessalonians 3:7-9

Live Like That

Sometimes I think
What will people say of me
When I'm only just a memory
When I'm home where my soul belongs

Was I love
When no one else would show up
Was I Jesus to the least of us
Was my worship more than just a song

I want to live like that
And give it all I have
So that everything I say and do
Points to You