Today’s Scripture: Revelation 20-22

““In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

In the final paragraph of Revelation, John records these words of Jesus Christ: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (22:17). Here is a threefold invitation given by the Holy Spirit speaking through the Word of God; by the bride of Christ, His church; and by those who have already responded to Christ. To whom is this invitation given? To all who are thirsty.

When I was a kid growing up in Iowa, my dad would scatter large blocks of salt in the pasture where the milk cows grazed. Apparently, these cows needed salt that was not in their grain and hay. Shortly after the cow went to the salt lick, she would head for the water tank. And that is exactly what Jesus Christ wants for His people. If we are salt in the world, the way we live and the words we say should make the nonChristians around us thirsty for God.

I recall a family who wanted to lead one of their friends to Christ. They did all the usual things, even taking him to hear the gospel preached. One week they invited the guy over for dinner. The family did nothing special, just went about as they normally did. The kids were friendly and talkative at the meal, the father led in a prayer of thanksgiving for the food, the kids helped with the dishes, did their homework, and scurried off to bed.

Later that week, the man called and said he had become a Christian. The way the family lived had convinced him of his need for Christ.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be salt in the world, creating thirst for the Living Water. Amen.

To Ponder

My home, my lifestyle, and my responses to the difficulties of life affect how nonChristians perceive their need for Christ.

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Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 1-6

So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. – Romans 13:12

Whenever I turn to Ephesians 6:13-18 and read Paul’s description of the whole armor of God, I think back to a day when I went into another kind of battle without mine. I was part of a Marine invasion force in the South Pacific, and our landing craft had just reached the island when it was hit by two enemy shells.

I was not a Christian at the time, and the essence of what I yelled to the other men was, “Let us depart here speedily.” So we ran across the beach and began making our way toward the airfield, which was our objective.

Pretty soon, a sergeant came to check up on us. When he saw me, he said, “Eims, where is your helmet?” “I must have lost it,” I said. He looked again and said, “Eims, where is your duty belt?” My duty belt had my ammo pouches, my first aid kit, my bayonet, and all kinds of other things. “It must be in the landing craft.” And then the sergeant got really exasperated and said, “As a matter of fact, Eims, where is your rifle?”

In my rush to get out of the landing craft, I had left everything behind. There I was, hopping around from tree to tree, from bush to bush, with no equipment, no weapon, absolutely worthless to the cause.

Paul said that if we want to avoid that situation in the Christian life, we are to put on the full armor of God. And we are to pray in the Spirit, on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. Although God has freely provided this armor, you and I have the responsibility of putting it on. Don’t go into battle without it.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for providing the armor I need to stand firm against the Evil One. Amen.

To Ponder

If the Lord approached you today, would He have to ask, “Christian, where is your helmet? What about your belt, shield, and sword?”

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Today’s Scripture: Acts 21-23

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? – Romans 10:14

In Acts 21-22, Paul was seized by a bloodthirsty mob who tried to kill him. Now how would you view the situation if you were in Paul’s shoes? Amazingly, Paul saw it as a witnessing opportunity and asked the Roman commander who rescued him to allow him to speak to the crowd. Most of our opportunities are more routine.

Some years ago my wife and I were in Christchurch, New Zealand, on a preaching mission. A young man came by our motel to take us to the university for a meeting, and as we headed for the car, he said, “I’ve heard you talk about witnessing, and on the way to the meeting I want to watch you witness to someone.”

“To whom?” I asked.

“Oh, we’ll just stop in some neighborhood, knock on a door, and I’ll watch you witness to the person who answers the door.” I admired his creativity, but it seemed like a faulty plan.

“Okay,” I said, “but first I need to stop at the desk to see if my laundry is done.”

I mentioned to the desk clerk that I was on my way to the university to conduct a Bible study. She seemed interested, so I proceeded to explain how I’d come to Christ, clearly outlining the gospel. Just as I finished, several people came into the lobby, and I couldn’t pursue the matter any further.

Continue reading The Navigators – Leroy Eims – Daily Discipleship Devotional – Taking Every Opportunity →