June 12th

Living for the Day

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Have you ever been afraid of what's going to happen to you? Well, I'm here to give you some good news today-God offers salvation so that no matter what happens to you, you live with Him.

It's win-win.

I remember when Bill Bright-the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ-asked me to come and visit him when he was on his deathbed. When I got there, he's hooked up to a bunch of oxygen tanks and he's got a mask on. I walked in the room and Bonnie was really sick at the time. We didn't know what it was-ovarian cancer or MS or something crazy.

He takes the mask off-the guy is dying-but he takes the mask off, looks at me, and says, Bob, how's Bonnie?

I just had to cry. I mean, it just shows the love that this guy had for others. And he knew where he was going. He didn't have any concern whatsoever. He was so at rest and at peace that all he cared about was how Bon was doing.

I remember another time we were at the hospital while Bonnie was running all sorts of tests to find out what was wrong and my cell phone rang. You're not supposed to answer the cell phone in the hospital rooms. I get that. Sorry doc. But it was Bill Bright calling us to check on her. You know why? Because he claimed our verse today and he said to us a number of times, Bob here is the reality of the story at the end of the day.

Listen, whether we wake or whether we sleep, we should live together with Him.

Bill Bright taught me very well at an early age, Bobby, it's a win-win. You either stay here and you live it for Jesus or you go home and live with Him in Heaven forever.

Gang, let's be honest. I don't mean to be overly morbid with you, but we're all terminal. We're all dying. So in this time that remains, whether it's a minute or a month or a decade, who are you going to live it for?

Prayer Lord Jesus,

Thank You for giving Yourself so that I could be saved! Thank You for the hope I have in You that no matter what happens to me, I'm with You. As You gave Yourself for me, I give myself to You today.

Amen