Stan and I were again at the Twelve Baskets Cafe for breakfast and conversation about our faith. Between bites of the delicious blueberry pancakes Stan was enjoying, he said, “Earlier this morning in my journaling time I focused on a verse that reminded me of a conversation I had once with a neighbor.”
“A conversation about what?”
“Not taking a chance.”
“A chance with what?”
“Another person’s salvation and eternal destination.”
“How could a person take a chance with that?”
“By not telling them about what Jesus accomplished on the cross.”
“Why would anyone do that?”
“Because they think only certain people have been pre-selected for salvation and, if they’ve been pre-selected, there’s really no need to tell them.”
“What’d your neighbor say about that?”
“He said he doesn’t know for certain about any sort of pre-selection, but he’s not willing to take a chance with another person’s eternal salvation so he tells everyone he can!”
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Bible verses to consider:
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. Acts of the Apostles 13:48.
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16.
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross a the way to life with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity I don’t go anywhere to tell anyone anything about what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Please forgive that foolish approach to dealing with another person’s eternal destination. Help me follow every step of your lead in going wherever you have for me to go and telling whomever you have for me to tell about what you’ve provided through Jesus and His cross. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in His precious name. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted life with God through the cross of Christ? If no, why? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with telling others about God’s provision of life with Him through Jesus’ cross? Do you tend to think God will take care of then without your help? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need to not only have life with Him, but to go and tell others about His provision for them? Spend time studying God’s word, praying, reflecting, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?