Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5 (NLT) As a pastor, my dad understood eternity is forever. As a result, he took advantage of every opportunity that passed his way to reach people for God’s Kingdom. For example, I remember him hurrying down a hospital hall when he passed a man in a wheelchair. My dad stopped abruptly, walked over to the man and asked him, “Are you saved?” In about thirty seconds flat, my dad won him to Jesus and prayed the salvation prayer with him. Then he carried on down the hall!   Another time, he walked into a hospital room and asked one fellow in his bed, “Do you know Jesus? Oh, …

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NLT) As believers, our lives here on Earth should serve to help grow God’s Kingdom in some way.   It may sound a little harsh, but we are foolish if we only use our skills and resources for ourselves and not to connect people to the God who loves them.   Now, Satan wants us to think that we will offend people if we share our personal testimony or invite them to church. But I’ve discovered if you do it lovingly and tactfully, without condescension, people appreciate the invitation and love hearing about what has changed your life!   …

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19 (NLT) As believers, Jesus makes each of us into a fisher of people.   It doesn’t matter who you are. Every believer is capable of gathering souls for God’s Kingdom. In fact, Proverbs 11:30 says those who win souls are wise.   Now, I’m not talking about pushing religion on others. That’s a turn-off to most people and is not something I do. Instead, I’ve discovered when you’re out there in the sea of life, there will be people who swim across your path that you can hook up to God.   For example, a paramedic friend told me he was walking down a hospital …

But a life lived loving God bears lasting fruit, for the one who is truly wise wins souls. Proverbs 11:30 (TPT) God’s Word talks about our lives being like fruit-bearing trees.   What’s interesting is trees don’t eat their own fruit. The fruit is for others. It’s the people around us that “pick” and enjoy the fruit growing in our lives: our joy, our love, our patience, the way we treat our spouses and raise our kids, and the internal spark we have when others are empty on the inside.   Let me share a quick story that highlights this point. Years ago, a young family moved into the house beside us. Sally invited the mom over for coffee, and soon she began showing up …

When there is no clear prophetic vision, people quickly wander astray. But when you follow the revelation of the Word, heaven’s bliss fills your soul. Proverbs 29:18 (TPT) What’s your vision for your life?   A lot of people think their vocation or gifts determine their destiny. Certainly, God has placed specific abilities within you to excel and thrive in particular trades or industries. But maybe it’s time we step back and take a broader look at the word “vision.”   Today’s verse says where there’s no clear prophetic vision that people lose their way. They quickly begin to wander from what’s important. Now, everybody has some sort of vision for their life. It could run the gamut from “I want to have fifty-three sports …