Hello ,
I've had the privilege (and honor) of sitting at the bed-sides of
so many people who are in their last moments of living. It's a very sobering thing to witness someone passing away. It brings a clarity regarding life (and all that is important) in a way that nothing else can for me.
I have learned (at least) three things while spending time with people whose time on earth is very
short.
1. People spend a great deal of time (and energy) on the temporary things of this life. "I've wasted so much time" has been the heart-cry of so many that I have spent time with. It's only human to get involved in things that waste our time, and there are moments when resting from our cares is a blessing to our souls. God even planned a weekly Sabbath so that we can come away from the cares and anxieties of this world. It's important to
rest.
However, many people spend a great deal of time, energy, and money on time-wasters that bring very little personal value. Dying people often think about this...a lot. They often lament not spending more time with family, and making such a big deal about stuff that doesn't really matter.
2. Time flies more quickly than they had anticipated. "I can't believe my life is already over!" I've heard that sentiment from so many who are in their last moments on planet earth. It's a sobering thought, that life moves on without us..but it's absolutely true.
3. Where they're headed for eternity is on minds of those who don't have long to live. I've never personally
met anyone who doesn't think about what happens after they are gone. Perhaps those kinds of people exist, but an impending death usually brings clarity about the hereafter to the minds of those who are about to experience the end of life.
There is one thing that I have learned though, that trumps all other lessons
to be learned at the bed-side of a dying individual:
People need Jesus!
The above statement has been impressed upon my mind so many times as I'm sitting with an individual who is dying. People truly do need
Jesus, and everything that He has to offer. The longer that I journey here on planet earth, the more convinced I become of this idea that Jesus can change lives (both here, and for eternity).
Everyday, we meet so many people who are struggling through challenging lives without a knowledge of Who Jesus is, and what He has claimed to bring to those who accept His free gift.
"I have to tell more people about Jesus!"
This thought has pervaded my mind more times than I can count. I am convinced that Jesus is the answer in this life (and for an
eternity to come). I feel constrained to share His love with others; not for some glory, or for some gain that I might receive, but because I honestly believe that Jesus brings peace, comfort, and joy into a person's life who will choose to accept Him.
If you feel the way that I do, and you also sense that Jesus is the answer for others, would you join me in doing whatever we can to move the spiritual "needle"
towards someone making a decision for Him?
This can happen in a thousand different ways. We can positively impact the lives of those around us for the kingdom of God. We can partner with all of heaven, and bring the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ to the world around us...right where we are.
Here are a few suggestions for nudging people towards Jesus:
1. Pray. Pray for those that you love, for your children, for your relatives, for your neighbors, for those that you meet in your everyday journey on planet earth. I have been so incredibly blessed by our subscribers contacting me and saying, "Pastor Mike, I am praying for you!" It makes a huge difference in the
lives of people. Our Heavenly Father cares about people, and He wants us to pray for them.
2. Take tangible action. Nothing speaks "love" to people like treating them with respect, dignity, and care. Make a loaf of bread and give it to a neighbor, watch a single mother's child when she can't find a baby-sitter, or ask a cashier how their day is going, and truly take the time to have a meaningful conversation with them (if the Holy Spirit takes the conversation in a good
direction). Smile, really SMILE ate those with whom you come in contact with. Christians should appear happy and joyful.
3. Send people to ministries that uplift Jesus Christ. I've worked very diligently at making the new Open Word Journey website into something that you can send your friends to. If you need kindness cards with a message to hand out, or Open Word Journey book-marks, I would be happy to send some your way. Just provide me with a postal address to send them to. I am unable to mail out things internationally (because of cost constraints), but I DO want to get items into people's hands that could help people move towards The Open Word Journey website. Let me know if I can help. Please send your friends and acquaintances to our site. I'm doing everything I can afford to do, to make this site a solid resource for God's kingdom. If you'd like to help me accomplish that, you can
learn more about it here.
People need Jesus!
, the fact that you are a subscriber to The Open Word Daily e-Devotionals speaks volumes about your desire to know Jesus better. I want to be neighbors with you in heaven. Let's work together to invite more people into the heavenly "neighborhood." It's only possible through Jesus Christ, and I believe He is the answer!
"And I, if I be lifted up from the
earth, will draw all men unto me." John 12:32
Please keep this tiny ministry in your prayers. We're rounding the corner, and coming into our 10th year of bringing daily e-Devotionals
to hundreds of subscribers all over the United States, Canada, and the world. God has been faithful to us, and I know that He will continue.
Here are links to the Open Word Journey website:
Blog - From time to time, I share a spiritual thought that is in addition to our daily e-Devotionals. You can find them in the "blog" area of
our site.
Resources - We have a number of resources that we believe will be of benefit to our subscribers, and to those who visit the website. Some of these resources are FREE, and
others have a very nominal cost. You can find these in the resource area.
Audio Devotionals - I was privileged to host a morning devotionals show for 7 years. I have
posted audio devotionals that visitors can listen to on this page. The player is embedded right into the page, and can be accessed from there.
Sermons - I'm a pastor, and I have a good
number of sermons that I will be posting audios of in this area. I haven't yet put them on this page, but I'm working on it.
Articles - I've written hundreds of articles over the
years, for so many publications. I've posted some of those articles in this area of the website. I willbe adding more and more over the coming months.
Video - I frequently change out videos
on this page, and I often embed videos with a musical message, or something uplifting that I discover in my travels. Please feel free to check back often.
Prayer Requests -
This area allows visitors to send a prayer request directly to me. If you (or someone you know) has a prayer request, please stop by and send it to me. I will pray!
About Us
- If you've ever wanted to see pictures of my family members, you can do so here.
Donate - I've been asked if it costs money to keep the Open Word Daily e-Devotionals
and The Open Word Journey viable. Absolutely! It costs more than I had ever anticipated when I started it 9 years ago. If you feel that you would like to partner with me in bringing the good news of Jesus into the e-mail inboxes of our large number of subscribers, I welcome that consideration! I spend a great deal of my own money to keep this ministry afloat, and I count it a privilege to extend that invitation for you to join me.
Thank-you once again for being an active subscriber to The Open Word. I am blessed to know you through our communication and correspondence, and I ask you to keep me in your daily prayers as we do everything we can to move people towards a relationship
with Jesus Christ!
Warmest Regards,
P.S. Please feel free to share this letter
with anyone that you think would benefit from it. Also, I have embedded new videos in the video area just recently. Please stop by, enjoy the free videos, and send your friends. :)
P.S. P.S. Your friends and family members can still
subscribe to receive The Open Word e-Devotional for FREE every morning, in their inbox. There is a subscription form at the bottom of every page on our website. Thank-you for spreading the word!
