FOR WINNING SOULS

01/29/2023

"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).

Do you know that everything you have today was given to you by God as a trust gift? James 1:17 says, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." If this is true, it means that God must have a say in how you administer these things every day. So, let no one deceive you into thinking that God has no business with your stuff or how you spend your time. The reality is that one day, very soon, you will give an account of what you did with all that He gave you. We each must give an account of how we used our resources to propagate the gospel. 

The servant in Matthew 25, who hid his talent, said to the master, "I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent" (Matthew 25:25 MSG). In response, the master said, "...get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness."  In other words, he was no longer of use to the master. If God expects us to give an account of material blessings, you must believe that He has a greater expectation of His anointing upon our lives. Even down to our words will be called to reckoning. Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." It is a serious business with God! 

Like the fellow whom the master entrusted with one talent, you too have been entrusted with the anointing for soul winning and kingdom expansion. The anointing is not for you to get a house, car, or anything material. What God wants from us is that we use the anointing and all that He gave to us to shake the heavens daily. Jesus said in Luke 15:10, "In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." You may not know this, but God has anointed you with the Holy Ghost, not so that you can speak in tongues or run around.  But to destroy yokes and lift burdens. And this is why I believe that God will hold us liable for the things that go wrong under our watch. He has anointed us for soul winning and for restraining the forces of darkness around us. And we do not have a valid excuse for not doing what we were anointed to do. 

So, let us get busy! It's time soul winning. 

Faith-Filled Confession:

My eyes are open to see opportunities to communicate the gospel. I will not hold back words that can bring light and salvation. I will not be found wanting in my ministry of preaching the gospel of Christ to those around me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

ONE YEAR READING PLAN:  Exodus 19-21; Matthew 20:1-16