No Matter What!

Special Devotional: Read 2 Timothy 2: 1-5

I remember when my father was admitted to the hospital during the Christmas period to undergo an amputation on his right foot- just below his knee. He had already gone for one the year before on his other leg, which saw the surgeons amputate his left foot. Ordinarily, one little surgery to remove a limb would upset anyone, but my Dad's focus was different.

To understand his life, one would have to dig into his history, to what God had done in his life. Yes, my Dad's life was nothing sort of a miracle. In his heyday, he was a drunk, chain-smoker, who could chug down huge cans of beer and other alcoholic drinks in just a few hours and smoke 60 or more cigarettes a day.

His life completely changed when, during a church camp, our Pastor called for an Altar Call, and my Dad specifically asked to give up all those vices... completely. He never touched a single cigarette again, and though he did drink socially, his behavior was a 180 degree turnaround.

Now, lying in this hospital, waiting to be wheeled into the operation room, he chatted with a Nurse, whom he spotted wearing a cross on her neck. So he asked her what would she and her church be doing for Christmas? Her blunt reply shocked my Dad when she said that her church, including herself did not celebrate Christmas, they felt it was wrong! His response is still etched in my heart till today: "At Christmas time, it's the ONLY time when we can DIRECTLY, convey the message of the gospel, tell everyone on the streets, of the love of Jesus, without being apprehended or checked on. Why are we wasting such an opportunity?"

Though he has passed on, those words continue to echo in my spirit and heart every day. Even now, even in the non-Christmas seasons, when there is an opportunity, I make sure that I use them, even if I get the tiniest moment to glorify or share the only thing that can save their lives- JESUS!

Food For Thought

Have we been faithful in reaching out to others with the gospel? We remember Good Friday and Easter every year, we go to church, celebrate the days with services, songs, celebrations and fun events, but have we forgotten the real reason they exist? If we have, it's time to return to 'being His fragrance once more!'

 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

2 Timothy 2: 2