Two thousand and twenty brought a new way of life for us on this planet. We are still trying to figure out our new “normal,” per say, though we can be assured that our Creator has not been caught off guard. Could He be using these circumstances, this “new season” for a purpose?
There is something about the pandemic that gets you thinking!!! About what, you ask? I thought that I could hear you mumbling!! In Ecclesiastes 3:2a, the Bible says that there is a time to be born, and a time to die. In Psalm 90:12 the Bible tells us that our days are numbered.
This month I decided to begin reading a book written by Elisabeth Elliot, “A Chance to Die.” It is about the life of Amy Carmichael, a missionary from Northern Ireland that devoted her life to the people of India. What she was keenly aware of was time slipping away taking with it lost souls that had not heard about the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. A quote that she used often, but I am not quite sure of the source, was this
All that pleases is for a moment.
All that grieves is but for a moment.
NOTHING is important but that which is eternal.
These words struck my heart with a great sadness. How do I use the time that God has given me? Am I investing in myself for the purpose of the here and now, or am I concerned about the eternity of those that dead in their sins? I am determined to have an eternal mindset.
This past month I took the opportunity to speak with three young men at a local park. Ricco didn’t want anything to do with me at first when I began to share the gospel with them, but after I finished and his two friends walked away, he stayed behind. He told me that he had never heard it explained the way I presented it. (Thank you Living Waters) He asked some questions then gave me a hug.
I had another opportunity this month to speak with a Walmart employee about her future –her eternal future. COVID-19 had awakened in her some fears of what is to come. I am glad that I took the time to speak with her to tell her the Good News!!! Another time I was able to speak with a woman and her teenage daughter. Both said that they were Christians but both supported abortion.
Rescue packs for the homeless have been handed out this month. These packs include 3 pair of socks, handwarmers, a package of hot chocolate, rain poncho, a “Good Person” tract from Living Waters, and a booklet called “Rotten Fish” from Wretched TV. J.AY. Ministries partners with me as we reach out to the homeless.
Today is almost gone as I write this newsletter. Tomorrow is not promised to me or anyone else. Time is short what are you going to do with the time that you have been given? We need to warn people that the day is coming that they will stand before God, remind them that we are guilty sinners that deserve the His wrath, but God in His great mercy, and love sent His son Jesus to take that wrath in our place. When Jesus was on the cross, He felt the full wrath of God. He shed His blood to pay our fine. There was an exchange going on when He died there His perfection and goodness for our impure, rotten, stinking self-centered selves. When you repent of you sins, and the lifestyle that offends a holy God, and put your trust in the forgiveness of sins paid for by Christ blood, you will be saved.
So now, do not waste the rest of the time that God has given you. Invest the time that rolls over to eternity. Repent and trust in Jesus. It you have done that do not waste the opportunities that God has given you to tell of His great love and mercy!! Time slips away for all of us: young, old, rich, poor — it makes no difference who you are!! Will you invest your time in the eternal or just throw it away on the frivolous?
I want to thank two friends, Kim and Teracina that go with me from time to time. It means so much to have them there. Their wisdom and company comfort me. I do ask for your prayers for they are greatly needed.
Until next time…. If He seems fit to give it!
Make the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:16
