Monthly Archives: March 2010

Remember

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“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”1

I have read how, when Henry Ford purchased a large insurance policy, a longtime friend who had been an insurance agent for many years, was upset with Ford for not purchasing the policy from him and wanted to know why. To which Ford replied, “You never asked me.”

I wonder how many loved ones, friends, and contacts you and I have to whom we have never shared or sent the message of God’s love and eternal salvation. I had one friend a few years ago with whom I planned to send a copy of a gospel message. Sadly, before I got around to it, I received a notice to let me know that he had passed away.

I am reminded of the anonymous poem, “Remember.”

Remember the day I borrowed your brand
new car and I dented it?
I thought you’d kill me, but you didn’t.
And remember the time I dragged you to the
beach and you said it would rain, and it did?
I thought you’d say, “I told you so.” But you didn’t.
Do you remember the time I flirted with all the
guys to make you jealous, and you were?
I thought you’d leave me, but you didn’t.
Do you remember the time I spilled strawberry
pie all over your car rug?
I thought you’d hit me, but you didn’t.
And remember the time I forgot to tell you the
dance was formal and you showed up in Jeans?
I thought you’d drop me, but you didn’t.
Yes, there were lots of things you didn’t do.
But you put up with me, and you loved me,
and you protected me.
There were lots of things I wanted to make up to
you when you returned from Vietnam.
But you didn’t.

Dear reader, is there someone with whom you need to share the gospel message and have been putting it off? Remember, today is the only day we ever have. For an extremely simple and non-offensive way to reach family, friends and contacts with the gospel go to: https://learning.actsweb.org/people_power02.php.

Furthermore, if you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior, be sure to do this today as this is also a day of opportunity for you. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”1 For help, be sure to read the article, “How to Be Sure You’re a Real Christian,” go to: http://tinyurl.com/real-christian.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, please help me to see that life is full of opportunities—opportunities to reach out to share your love and the gospel with others. Help me always to be ready and use these opportunities to glorify you. And above all, help me to be sure of my salvation and not end my life eternally lost without hope. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

1. 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NKJV).

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I Did It! I Did It!

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“Casting all your care upon Him [God], for He cares for you.”1

One Sunday our pastor told us about an experience author Max Lucado had on a family outing. Their goal was to visit and reach the top of a snow-capped mountain. They were able to drive most of the way in their SUVs, but for the last mile they had to hike on foot. As soon as they were out of their vehicles and standing in snow, Lucado’s youngest daughter, about three or four, said to her father, “Pick me up. Pick me up.” As the going was tough, other family members took turns carrying the child.

As soon as they reached the top and put the child down, excitedly she exclaimed, “I did it! I did it!”

For those of us who are followers of Jesus, do we regularly consider all that God has done for us—how he has saved some of us from a life of debauchery, defeat, and despair … how he has carried us through the storms of life, protected us from evil, and delivered us from many temptations? Or do we, like the little child, pat ourselves on the back for our goodness, take pride in our self-righteousness, and say at least within our heart, “I did it! I did it!”

Or, like the hymn writer do we constantly say from our heart, “To God be the glory, great things he has done?”

This one thing I know, but for the grace of God I wouldn’t be where I am today. I tremble to think where and how I would have ended up. It certainly wouldn’t be where I am today.

Suggested prayer: “Dear God, how do I appreciate ‘thee’? Let me count the ways. Endless they would be. How I thank you for saving me, for delivering me, for keeping me, for forgiving me, for inviting me to be a part of your family, for making me the person I am today and, above all, for dying for me and giving me the gift of eternal life. Help me to live a life that is a thanksgiving offering to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

1. 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV).

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