I’ve really been enjoying reading my peer’s postings on Facebook : “Remember in Las Cruces when...” It’s caused me to reflect back on my younger years and on what this community used to be like.
This week began “two - a - days” football practice for our grandson, Isaac, who will be starting school as a freshman at Las Cruces High School. (Go Bulldogs!) As I drop him off at practice, it brings back all those memories and feelings that I experienced when I was doing the same.
As I was sitting in my truck waiting for him after one of his practices, I began to reflect. A thought came to my mind, “What was the most memorable moments of my teen years?” Well, there were two life changing events that have impacted my entire life that come to mind. The first one was when I was introduced to my wife, (of 37 years) Gayla, by my best friend at the time, Albert Camacho. And the second, was being introduced to Jesus Christ.
During my Sophomore year, a pastor from the church my dad attended, came to our home and asked if he could talk to me. I invited him into my bedroom to show him all the awards and trophies I had won in football, wrestling and field events. He graciously complimented me and showed a true interest in me. He knew that I was an athlete and did not do the things others did, but still brought to my attention that I had sin in my life. He proceeded to let me know that because I had sin in my life, I needed someone to forgive my sin and that’s when Jesus was brought into the conversation. He told me that if I would confess my sins before Christ, repent of my ways and invite Him into my life, that Jesus would give me a new life now and a home in heaven for eternity. Who in their right mind would turn down a deal like that?
So, I bowed my head and prayed along with him in faith, a simple prayer similar to this: “Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today as a sinner in need of a Savior. I confess that I have sinned and made many mistakes in my life. I am unable to live a holy life on my own. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son, who was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, and gave Himself as a sacrifice to pay the penalty for my sins. I believe that He rose from the dead on the third day and now lives forever with You. I ask you to forgive me and save me. I come to You in faith, believing, and thank You for giving me the gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
That prayer changed my life! I now have an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. Maybe you have never personally invited Jesus into your life. Why don’t you go back and pray that same prayer giving your life to Him? I also think back with gratitude for a coach who saw potential in me. Coach Allen, my football and track coach, would often call on me to pray for team meals and on other occasions. If it weren’t for him nurturing that spiritual side of me, I might not be in ministry today!
I’m, grateful to have had the privilege of officiating Coach Allen’s funeral a few years ago. Thanks for believing in me, Coach!
OBSERVATION: What do I see?
“Stand firm the ... with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (Ephesians 6:14 & 15)
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 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 10:14-15)
Q- What is God’s preferred way to get His message out to the world? What’s plan “B”?
INTERPRETATION: What does it mean?
If God’s salvation is for anyone who calls, how can people call on God to save them if they have not been moved to believe in him? How can they believe if they have never heard about him? There can be no call, no belief, if these people have not heard about God (“heard” means a hearing that understands the significance of the words and realizes that a response is required), and been given the offer of salvation.
And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? There can be no call, no belief, no hearing, unless there are those sent to share the Good News.
All believers are sent to announce this Good News. The process of salvation begins with the one who tells another the Good News. Like Paul and the early Christians, who spread the message of Christ despite persecution and even death, we should be eager to share this Good News of salvation to all who will listen. In the verse quoted from Isaiah 52:7, the herald is bearing good news to Judah about the end of their exile in Babylon and their return to their own land. His feet were beautiful to them, for his good news was so welcome. The message was what he brought, but it was those worn and dusty feet that brought him. Those feet were beautiful because they represented the messenger’s willingness to be sent with “good news”. Only now the message was not just for Israel, but for the whole world. We must take God’s great message of salvation to others so that they can respond to the “Good News.”
Q- How will your loved ones and neighbors hear the “good news” unless someone tells them?
APPLICATION: How does it apply to my life?
Q- Is God calling you to take a part in making his message known in your community? Think of at least one person who needs to hear the “Good News” and think of something you can do to help him or her hear it. Take that step as soon as possible!
SUPPLICATION: Where do I need God’s help?
Q- Who can you pray for this week that might find God’s perfect way of salvation?
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