“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.”
October 3, 2024
I went to visit a man on his deathbed, and I will never forget what he said to me. He said, “Pastor, I am saved, and I’m going to Heaven. I am not afraid to die. But I am ashamed to die because I’ve not been a soul winner.”
Can you imagine never really trying to bring a soul to Christ and going to Heaven to face the Lord Jesus Christ empty handed? You say, “Well, if I just get to Heaven, it’ll be fine with me. Just build me a cabin in the corner of glory land.” I cannot explain it, but the Bible says clearly, plainly, and unmistakably, “If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss.” One of these days in the clear light of eternity you will say, “Oh God, why was I not a soul winner?”
How can you say you love Jesus and not be concerned for souls that He died for? Or, you say, “Well, I just don’t have a love for souls.” It’s not a love for souls that motivates you. Jesus Christ said to Peter, “Do you love Me? Then feed My sheep.” We share because we love Jesus. Yes, I love people, but the chief motivation of my life is His love for me and, therefore, His love through me.
Pray and ask God to reveal some people He desires for you to love by sharing the hope of Christ.
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”