I awoke Saturday morning with chest pains, got up, went to breakfast with my wife and decided to tough it out so went and swam a mile. When the pain increased I decided to use my head, not my pride and “heart”, so headed to the ER and received immediate attention. Tests were begun and as the pain escalated dramatically, the doctor ordered a trip to the heart cath room as it appeared a heart attack might be in progress.
Lying on the operating table and before the gas was turned on I asked the five staff to gather as I thanked them for coming on a Saturday afternoon and how grateful I am to live in a country where one can walk into an ER and get treated. I then told them how 38 years ago I asked forgiveness of my sins, committed my life to walking with Jesus and received the promise of salvation. I told them that if I died on this table they can know I was headed to heaven for all eternity and that I have great peace but if I live I would have a few more years to bring glory to God. I told them how they also could have the same peace I was enjoying.
The results showed that I have no build-up of plaque or blockages and the subsequent GI scoping shows a minor issue with the stomach for which “Larry the Cable Man” has the solution, Prilosec or Tums. Great news, thank you, Lord.
My shoulders were still aching from lying in bed for two days so I went for a massage by John who told me his story of leaving his old friends, party life and surfing buddies to escape what he knew was leading to disaster and moved to Scottsdale. I asked him about is spiritual considerations and got the usual reply of trying different religions. I shared my story with him and asked him the question; if he died today and if there is a god, heaven and hell, how would answer God if God asked him why he should let him into heaven.
John’s answer was the typical good works, not too bad, hope God would let him in, etc. I asked him if he would like to know that he could have eternal life; he answered yes, so I walked him through the prayer to receive Christ. John accepted Christ and tomorrow morning we are going to start working through the First Steps introduction to the bible. I am thrilled that he is willing to begin a new life in Christ and grateful to be used by God in another man’s life.
Guys, this is not hard to do but takes a willingness to refer another man to the means of gaining eternal life. Heck, we make referrals every day in the business world or offer our services not knowing if others really need our product. (we are certain that if another does not know Jesus that he needs Him). God promises that we will get paid for making the sales call, not the results; what a deal! Yes, there is ALWAYS a bit of anxiety in asking these questions.
Being a coward, I ask Jesus to put a man in front of me and make it obvious that he is seeking a better life and then respond by sharing my story and showing him the solution. Don’t pray this prayer if you are unwilling to obey when you know God is answering your prayer.
Pray for John as he begins an exciting journey with our Savior.
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