John 12:35-36 NLT
[35] Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. [36] Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.” After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
John 8:12 NLT
[12] Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
Good Morning:
In this passage, Jesus gives us a stern warning to trust in Him while there is still time.
Those who have been putting off or ignoring God’s directive spoken by Jesus may think, “oh, I’ve got time.” But Jesus illustrates in the parable in Luke 12 that this is foolishness. There is no guarantee that tomorrow will come. Therefore, there is no better time than the present to ensure where we will spend our eternity.
Luke 12:16-21 NLT
[16] Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. [17] He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ [18] Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. [19] And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”‘ [20] “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ [21] “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
The heart of Jesus in this message is not of “fire and brimstone.” This message is of love, compassion, and living the abundant life meant for us. But, yes, there are the consequences of departing this world without Jesus as Lord and Savior over our lives. We do not want to stand before God one day and have Him say, “depart from me, for I never knew you.” It is God’s will that none should perish. But He gives us free will to decide for ourselves. He stands at the door to our hearts and knocks, waiting for us to open our hearts and lives to Him.
Matthew 7:23 NKJV
[23] And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Revelation 3:20 NKJV
[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
To live for Christ is not a heavy burden that Jesus commands of us. He came that we may have life and life more abundantly. Freedom from the burdens of life, sin, and death and guaranteeing our eternity is with Him in heaven is the entire reason Jesus came and sacrificed Himself. He wants to have a rich relationship with us! His love is immense, and His grace is bountiful for all, no matter what we have done in this life. His forgiveness covers all of our sins and makes them as white as snow, separating them as far as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103:12 NKJV
[12] As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Isaiah 1:18 NKJV
[18] “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
He performed the ultimate act of grace on our behalf — standing in and taking our sins upon Himself. With Jesus’ great sacrifice, we are freed from the thief of this world and enemy of our souls (Satan), giving us ALL authority over him. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our names are written in heaven.
Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV
[28] Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
John 10:10 NKJV
[10] The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Luke 10:19-20 NKJV
[19] Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. [20] Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
There is no better time than the present to take that step of faith. While you have breath, there is still is time. Unfortunately, many put off living a life of hope and never heed this warning, slipping into eternity without their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Don’t be one of those people. Instead, take the time now to say a simple sinner’s prayer and take the step of faith in believing in the Savior of the world!
Revelation 21:27 NKJV
[27] But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
I love you and am praying for you today!
Dad
The Sinner’s Prayer
(by Dr. Ray Pritchard)
Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life. I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself. No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking. By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation. I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth. I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day. Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life. I believe your words are true. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior. Amen.
Next Steps:
- If you do not already own one, purchase a Bible (or use a free online Bible) and start reading the New Testament. I suggest starting in the Book of John.
- Pray – The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing. These are not formal scripted prayers, but just speaking to our Heavenly Father about what is on our hearts.
- Find a Bible teaching church
For further reading on the next steps, click here.