15 People Saved! – How God Can Use Your Daily Devotional Time In His Word
Thursday in Amman had involved some intense and emotionally exhausting ministry for all of us and we were grateful that Friday would be our day of ‘rest.’ Friday was the day that we had the opportunity to go to Petra and see the amazing sites in the desert mountains left behind from the 5th and 6th century BC Nabataeans. Awe inspiring to say the least! Fortunately the 3 hour drive each way afforded us the opportunity to catch up on a little sleep . . .something we all needed by this time.
It was also a great time to do some reading in God’s Word. I found my place in the book of Ezekiel, settled in, and began reading. What a tremendous book! There is so much to think about and apply and study in the words of this prophet, but it was chapter 33:10-16 that specifically grabbed my heart! The people have heard of their impending doom from the watchman and their cry of “how then can we survive?” is answered by God’s reply “I am living . . .why will you die?” These verses provided great opportunity for reflection especially considering the location and environment in which we found ourselves. But little did I know that God was using these verses to prepare my heart for a message that he had for 15 lost souls.
Saturday – Nothing causes your heart to skip a beat like the casual statement from your guide as he tells you “oh, and by the way you will be preaching at the Iraq church tomorrow night.” And thank you for the heads up!!:o) Immediately though I knew the passage to preach.
That next Sunday after our team had demonstrated the gospel beautifully through the skit and through music I had the unique and great privilege of preaching for 30 minutes from Ez. 33. God took his Word and with the power of the gospel gave new life to 15 lost souls that night. What a joy to serve the King of Kings and the Lord of salvation whose arm is in no way shortened or weakened that he cannot save. At the end of the evening I was again reminded of the verses out of Is. 42:7 that we read in Nazareth where Jesus taught himself as the fulfillment. “I have come to give sight to the blind, to set the prisoner free, and to proclaim liberty to the captives!” (condensed and edited)
Please pray for these new believers and for Maged (the pastor) as he disciples and follows up with them. Also please be faithful to read God’s Word . . .you never know how He might use it!
Paul Elliott
