"The Missionary's Ambition" - Luke 18:31
September 22


Daily Jewel: "My goal is to know God."

My goal is to know God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and if I accomplish anything or not in this life,   I still desire above all things, to be in the center of God's will.  If I'm totally abandoned to Him, His will will be done in and through me; because I am saved and I am HIS will.  My trademark should be, "here I am, use me; send me and make me;"  I am to do God's will to get to maturity.

I must get to where God wants me to be in service, worship, and prayer; that is where my companionship is with Him. My witness comes from what I gather there.  When I get discouraged, I must look at what He has done and where He went for me and let nothing stand in my way of becoming a mature Christian.  I should never shun persecution, or get lazy and lay back when the blessings are flowing and I'm on the mountain-top; but I should be thankful and travel on, (serving others) for Jesus is at the end, and I'll see Him face to face.

I must attain God's purpose for my life and that is, to do His will.  All of the things that happened to Jesus will happen to us on our way to our goal.  We should never think it to be strange to go through trials: God will show Himself to us.  Some people will even be a blessing and a few might be thankful for what God has done, and some will not be grateful at all, but we must conintinue on in His grace.

"Up, Up and Away!"
My goal is upward,
The price has been paid,
I cannot stay.
~Tom Milam~

Dr.  Tom Milam
Missionary Evangelist
B.A.T.A. Missionary Fellowship

These thoughts are from my book, "He Leadeth Me"  - A daily devotional.

Hidden Sin! ~ Paul Chappell and Linda K. Milam

I wanted to share this older devotion of Paul Chappell's,  which touched my heart when I first read it and did again today.  It certainly caused me to examine myself carefully. Won't you read it with an open heart and a desire to follow Him? Please? 

Don't allow the devil to trick you into believing you can continue hiding Sin in your life. What is done in the dark or "in the closet", will eventually be known by many and God will not continue to give grace and mercy, as Jesus said in Scripture below. Find some place today that you can get alone with God and let Him help you get things right in His sight and with those around you who are hurting because of your rebellion against God. He loves you, even now! LKMilam

Hidden Sin!
~Paul Chappell

Sunday, May 15, 2016

“In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” Luke 12:1–3

Charles Lindbergh was one of the most famous and admired men in the world. Following his solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927, he gained world renown. His fame only increased after the tragic kidnapping and death of his oldest child. People looked up to Lindbergh and admired him as a man of virtue and character. What they did not know—what was not revealed until nearly thirty years after his death—was that Lindbergh had seven illegitimate children scattered across Europe. With great shock Lindbergh’s youngest daughter from his marriage wrote, “This story reflects absolutely Byzantine layers of deception on the part of our shared father.”

The temptation to hide and cover our sin rather than dealing with it goes all the way back to the fig leaves Adam and Eve wore as they hid from God in the Garden of Eden. We will try almost anything to avoid having to admit that we have done wrong. And there are times when it seems like we are succeeding at getting away with sin. But that is merely an illusion. God does not always immediately bring to light what we have done and punish us as we deserve. Sometimes He gives us grace and forbearance to see if we will return to Him on our own. However, if we insist on allowing our sin to remain, it will eventually become known. ~PChappell

No matter what you may believe, eventually the "sin" you may be hiding will show its ugly head and nothing you can do will hide it. It is not worth the pain and sadness and all that will come with it.  Repentance is still the answer, and God has a big forgiving heart.  Repent (turn away) from the sin that besets you and when you do you will be turning toward HIM.  I do pray this has been a help and again, please know we are always available to pray with you, and to help you in any way we can, and just be there for you. ~LKMilam

Have a blessed day!

Linda K. Milam
Missionary to America

"It's okay to cry! ~ LKMilam

Hebrews 13:5B  “. . . and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” 

What a comforting verse in a time of trouble or in good times.  We are people and people have trouble – hurts and trials each day.  Some days are better than others and if you are like me no matter what comes you must keep on going.  But do we stand on the “rock” or do we do all this in our “own” power?  I’ll just have to be honest with you, I have no power to overcome many of the trials in my life and I must turn to the One who has the ability to stand firm as a rock and “Never Changes”. My God. 

A few years ago, I attended a Ladies Conference at Central Baptist Church in West Palm Beach FL – I am very blessed to meet and know many sweet Christian ladies all over America as we travel around this great land. However, this meeting is one of the high lights of my year of travels.  Maybe it is because one of the speakers is my dearest and sweetest friend, Connie Booher.  She has been there for me and with me through over 30 years of my Christian life, listened to me when I was on the mountaintop and when I was in the valley.  She has shared the joys and the sorrows of my walk with the Lord and has been a true friend through it all.  I love hearing her speak and share from her heart what the Lord would have us know.

“What Never Changes” – the theme! Jesus – the Rock!  We know that don’t we.  We really do!  However, when that trouble is right on top of you, the devil is hitting you from every side, you are weakened by the blows, you have cried, and had your heart nearly torn out of your body from the sufferings – you might begin to wonder.  I felt like that this morning.  I told my dear husband, I feel so bad taking the same thing to God OVER AND OVER AND OVER and seemingly no answer is ever given. It is like, I am not praying hard enough, crying long enough, begging hard enough – what more must I do to get God to take action and help in this time of trouble?  I felt guilty, like I wasn’t trusting God that I had to continually petition Him for the same thing over and over.  That is when Tom reminded me of the widow that prayed continually, and the Lord heard her and blessed her because of her perseverance and Daniel who prayed for Israel for twenty-one days and questioned God – but God did not get discouraged or distracted and wasn’t surprised at the situations they faced. 

And he isn’t surprised about what we are going through in our lives or the lives of those we love and the dear ones around us.  His plan is perfect. A dear friend of mine shared with me something she read and I want to share it with you.  It has helped her, and it helped me and I hope it helps you.  She paraphrased and so shall I. 

“It is okay to cry when hurtful things come into our lives.  Whether from hurt, grief, troubles, or loss, weeping is like a pressure valve.  After the tears, God’s Spirit refreshes.  Kind of like a renewal after a rainstorm and the grass gets greener and the flowers bloom brighter… the earth is refreshed.  Sometimes I feel like doubting God’s faithfulness when I give into the tears and hurt.  But, it’s not that at all… it’s just a releasing of the pain to Him."  What an amazing revelation and a help to me this was.

I am, again, so thankful for the Godly people in my life and I am truly blessed with the Word of God!  God proves Himself to me every time I read it! I am especially thankful to know that; “. . . for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” 

Dear Lord,

Please know I love you so.  Thank you for first loving me! Amen

Be Blessed,

Linda Milam

Missionary to America

Consider the Pastor ~ Used with Permission!

Consider the Pastor ~ Used with Permission!

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;                                                      Colossians 1:9  

Someone shared the following with  me and I felt the Holy Spirit tug on my heart for the men of God. My husband was a pastor and assistant pastor for years before God called him into Evangelism.  He has shared some "war torn" stories with me that break my heart, because many of those stories have been repeated over and over again in the lives of our Men of God - Pastor's doing what they KNOW God has called them to do, yet meeting opposition within their own ranks inside the church walls he leads. 

My husband says, "Today is the best day in the world to be a Christian." He is right. And yet we know that all around us are oppositions that attack us on a daily basis.  Maybe I am wrong on this observation, but I believe the Pastor, his wife, his children ~ are far and above the largest targets for attack.  If the devil can break them, he has the church.  My soul, because of opposition! (and it could be me or you doing the opposing) The devil is making headway in many areas of our churches.  It is often that we hear of a Pastor "quitting" ~ throwing his hands up in the air, literally, and telling God, "I just cannot do it anymore.  Your people are the ones fighting against the leadership the most.  They fight and argue amongst themselves, they hold their tithe because something isn't going right with the finances, they are at the point of suggesting to the pastor what he should preach so that so and so will get right."  Really?  I believe we lose our total focus on God's work when the pastor or his family are attacked. 

Let's join together as Christians, and determine in our hearts that we will support, pray for, love, and be kind to the one that God has put in the place of "Pastor" at our churches worldwide. Just think on the Pastor!! Consider his position.  We will never know the entire burden of our pastor.  Confidences and prayer with different folks, make it his responsibility to keep you spiritually safe, uplifted, and filled.  When he mounts the pulpit next, and if you have an attitude you don't want to give up, do it for the Lord, anyway. Close your eyes as the Word is preached, allow God the Holy Spirit to enter in and soothe that angry soul.  It will do you more good than you will ever know.  I know that personally.  I have such a heart for the Preacher of the Gospel.  They are men of God who have taken the challenge as God impressed on them to preach.  If nothing else, let us honor God for making that choice for us. 

I don't want to offend anyone, especially you the reader.  I write this to myself just as well.  How do we honor our pastors? With love and respect? Or disdain and dishonor. 

"Consider the Pastor"

1. Think about what it is like to be in the pastor’s shoes.
2. Think about his waking moment in the dark morning hours, when in the silent air he calls out a name in prayer. Who will pray for him?
3. Consider the pastor and the many hours he spends in the Word, reading, searching, asking, and receiving. Think about how he searches to understand what God has called him to do. Who will try to  understand him?
4. Consider the pastor who places his issues  after those of others. Think about this man who listens time and time again to every little detail of the problems of other people.  Who will listen to him?
5. Consider the pastor who is there for the  most  beautiful moments of life and the most heartbreaking. Weddings, births, celebrations, sickness and death enter into his life every day. Who will be there for his moments?
6. Think about the Man of God that stands up every week and proclaims what God has put in him. Consider the tears on his face and joy in his heart each time he stands. Who will be there when he stands?
7. In all that he does, in all that he says, in all that he thinks, he has the people God put before him in his heart. He has respect for what he has been called to do and would not change any part of it. He would not change a thing.
8. Consider the pastor. Pray for him. Try and understand  what he is going through. Listen to him.  Be there for him.  Consider his heart. Stand up with him.

Stand up with your pastor, lift his arms as faithful servants to the Lord.  Pray for him and his family by name, one by one.  Believe me, when you do, God will bless and the Pastor you have in that pulpit and that meets with you during the loss of a loved one, or for any other need, will be a Spirit filled Pastor!  God knows our every need, just turn it over to him.

I pray this helps someone today.  I know it has helped me.  Thank you for listening in on my heart today and the heart of the one that wrote "Consider the Pastor".  This person is a Pastor's wife. Who else better to see the great load your pastor carries, willingly, lovingly, and honored by God for doing it. Yes, there is hurt, pain, heartbreak, but for God the Pastor is obedient.  And I would also add, great JOY in knowing when you are in the center of God's will.

Pray for the author of "Consider the Pastor" and her Preacher Husband!  Then pray for your Pastor as you will for hers.

By the way, please feel free to share this blog, I know it will be a blessing or an eye opener for others.

Be blessed today!

Tom & Linda Milam
Missionaries to America
Phil. 2:16

Prepare for the Battle ~ Linda K. Milam

Prepare for the Battle ~ Linda K. Milam
Original Blog posted on March 27, 2011 and updated on 4/30/18

Prepare For A Battle

Used with Permission
https://unsplash.com/photos/j_Ch0mwBNds

The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.   

1 Samuel 17:37

 

And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.  1 Samuel 17:47

 

My husband is always saying, and I have heard many others say, "Christians are either going into battle, in the midst of a battle, or coming out of a battle!"  This last week we attended one of the most Holy Spirit Lead Revivals we have been to in a long time.  Pastor Greg Booher of Faith Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, preached every service reminding us of the magnitude of lies that Christians have been inundated with by the devil himself, the master liar ~ regarding Revival in The Christians Life!  Most Christians have been made to believe that we can't have REVIVAL as the old saints saw years ago, A LIE!

 

Tom and I have challenged each other, that this Pastors HEARTS messages will not go unheard, unheeded, or non-life changing for us and our ministries.  We desire the Lord to work and use us in our lives.  Time is so short and we see signs all around us of the end days.  (If this confuses you as to what are the end days, please write us via email and let us talk with you and using the Word of God, remove your confusion.)  We pray every day for the next lost soul we meet, that we might be used to share the Gospel and insure them of their home in heaven.  But it is a battle.

 

We are at WAR with the devil himself.  We look at the atrocities of war every day on the news, the loss of life, limb and liberty and we are horrified.  The enemy would do all, say all and be all to convince us that we are at wrong.  A Lie!  But the most horrific lie of all is the one the devil uses to keep Christians from fulfilling their commission, spreading the Gospel, and leading the lost to Christ.  If we find ourselves slipping, or becoming “comfortable” just going to church once or twice a month, not reading our Bibles, praying, and living a Christ like life in our everyday life, we might need to check out where we have come since the precious day the Lord made us one of his own, insuring our salvation!  We have to revive our own hearts and spirits before we can reach others!

 

Just before I close, I want you to think just a moment; think about heroes of the Bible, such as David, we might be tempted to think that they were born with the ability to jump into the work of the Lord. But that’s not true. Throughout Scripture, you and I can clearly see the principle of preparation at work in the lives of God’s people. Look at the life of David. Before he battled Goliath, David had fought many smaller battles as a shepherd on the humble hillsides of Bethlehem. Alone with God in obscure, isolated places, David honed his battle skills killing the creatures that threatened his sheep; and these times of preparation were essential to becoming a giant slayer.

 

How about you? Are you prepared for the giants that are coming your way? Have you “honed” your spiritual skills?  The reason many people feel overcome by towering challenges is because they have failed to prepare in the smaller places. Become consistent in the routine, smaller battles that come your way. Your confidence in God will grow and you will become increasingly adept at waging spiritual warfare. Start today. Prepare for great victories by faithfully fighting the smaller battles of life; and when it’s time to face the giants, you will be ready to win.  God prepared me for the work I am in with my husband for over 35 years.  Believe me, when I say, I would not have been ready not even 10 years ago to do what we do today, if I had not surrendered my life wholly to him!  

 

We will leave Florida again, on April 14^th, and Tom is scheduled to be in 14 churches and ministries all up and down the Appalachian Mountain Range preaching the Gospel, encouraging and  lifting up the saints, and leading the lost to Christ, and I will be by his side.  Our last trip took us over 10,000 miles in 4 months.  God wants to use you to reach the lost the same as us.  But you need to get ready and BE ready at all times.  I must share this story to emphasize again the importance of being ready.  

 

Just this week,  my husband shared with me a conversation he had with a couple of other preachers.  Tom told them that he never goes to a meeting not prepared to preach.  He is always ready to step up and into a pulpit at a moment’s notice.  He believes this is what God would have him do.  One of the other preachers was shocked; “Why, when you aren't on the schedule?” was the question?  Tom answered, “I am always ready and prepared to be used in any way for the Lord, and I am a Preacher of the Gospel. Why wouldn’t I be ready to preach, if He needed me?”  I appreciate that.  It is not a brag on Tom, but rather a brag on God.  God has instilled a great desire in Tom's heart to preach the Gospel, he is compelled to be ready to serve at a moments notice. Are we ready for anything God would have us to do?  Where are our talents; in music, preaching, teaching, praying or something else? No matter what your talent is, be PREPARED to be used of God.

 

Pastor Booher talked this week about training ~ if you’ve ever done any weight training; you know that you can’t start out with the heavy weights. You must start small and light. A day by day building up of muscles/Christ like life, must occur for us to be used as God would use us.  Watch for how God gives you opportunity to lift spiritual weights by practicing principles taught in God’s Word. The more you do it, the stronger you will become. 

 

I do pray this has been of some help to you, I know God spoke to my heart as I wrote.  May the Lord bless you this day – and use us all to His honor and Glory.

God Bless,

Linda K. Milam

Read 1 Samuel 17:41-51

“It’s Not Too Late to Make a Difference In Our Generation!” ~ Dr. H Tom Milam

“It’s Not Too Late to Make a Difference In Our Generation!”

(What will be said of us in our latter years?) (How will I die?) (Ps. 71:18) What will our children and grandchildren remember about us? (Did we plant right seeds for right memories?) What will be said of me at my Death?

Was I:

1.   Working or Whining? (Ephesians 4:12) “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”

          a.  Did I show an example of maturity (Rom. 12:1-2)?

          b.  Did I teach them enough how to serve in the ministry? (Eph. 5:11) “And having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

          c.  Did I endeavor to motivate anyone “to keep the unity of the Spirit. . .” (Eph. 4:13 “In the bond of peace?” Did I work or whine!

Was I:

2.   Climbing or Contentious? (Joshua 14:12) Caleb said, at “85 years” young: “Give me that mountain!” While others wandered and complained.  Did I spend my time Fighting The Good Fight of Faith, or did I go around “Picking a fight” (Numbers 12 and 14), and here is God bragging on His servant Caleb?  (He wholly followed God!)

          a. Test Time: (Num. 13:20) (1.) Courage (2.) Wholly follow the Lord. (Did I show Holy Boldness in my walk as a Christian?)

          b. Tidings: (NEWS) – An intelligence report – Sounds like God wanted them to tell the “TRUTH!” Good News. Are we telling what God says about the: The Old Book; The New Birth; The Blood and the Blessed Hope?      “. . .and glorious appearing?”

          c. Temptations: They came back boasting of the Grapes of Eshcol, and the whole land flowing with milk and honey . . . . But, there was a price to pay: (1) Giant killing would have to be done: (2) Strong people looking for a Fight; (3) Large cities with walls around them! The Complainers caused a meltdown among the people and the word spread to where people just got tired of hearing it and said, “do whatever you want, we are tired of hearing the drama!”  So they chose them a Captain to lead them back into Egypt. (Gal. 5:7) “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth.” (vs. 8) “This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you.”

          d. A Turning Away: All those above 20 years turned their backs on Gods will and commands, but Joshua and Caleb wholly followed God and rent their clothes in (Numbers 14:6-9). And turned it all over to God. (Num. 14:24) “God said, Caleb had another spirit; followed me fully; him will I bring into the land where into he went, and his seed shall possess it.”

Was I:

3.  Depending or Depressed? (Jn.  13:23) Jesus said in vs. 21, “. . . One of you shall betray me.” As the disciples looked around at one another, they saw “. . .leaning on Jesus bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.” You will find as you study, that was John the beloved.

          a. Did I stay close Enough to hear Him Whisper? (Prov. 3:5) “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

          b. Did I hear Enough to challenge those that would listen? (Mt. 6:33-34) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

          c. Did I Call Out and Trust Enough That Another Might Be Stirred and Changed? (Jer. 33:3) “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

Was I:

4. Determined or Disappointed? (Phil. 3:10) “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.”

          a. Could they clearly see where my affections were set? (Col. 3:2) “Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.”

          b. Did I show them God’s Endearing Love? (Col. 3:15-16) “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (vs. 16) “And let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs; singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

          c. Did I leave with them a sincere testimony of longing to get God’s Best? (vs. 23-24) “And whatsoever Ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord and not unto man. Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Did they: See Him Clearly; Serve Him Dearly; Love Sincerely?

5. Faithful Or Fallen? (1 Cor. 4:2) “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (Not only service but substance). Not as I deem necessary to give or live, but to realize the need is the call for action of giving what I have, and who I am!

          a. Did I Give Without A Grudge? (2Cor. 9:7) “Every man according as he purposeth in his HEART, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (Joyfully Hilarious)

          b. Did I Grudge (complain) About Why Or Why Not Others Did or Did Not Give; Service or Substance? Humility: (James 5:9) “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.” (1 Pet. 5:6) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (vs. 7) “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

          c. Did I Go Beyond Myself In Hospitality? (Did I Love Without Return”) (1 Pet. 4:9) “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” (vs. 10b) “. . . as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (May I finish my time a trophy of grace!) 

Dr. Tom Milam

Missionary Evangelist to America

Phil. 2:16

A little humor today ~ “A Letter From a West Virginia Mother To A West Virginia Son!” ~ (anonymous)

April 10, 2018

“A Letter From a West Virginia Mother To A West Virginia Son!” ~ (anonymous) 

Dear Son,

   I am writing this slow cause I know you can’t read fast.  We don’t live where we did when you left.  Your dad read in the paper where most accidents happen within twenty miles of home, so we moved. 

I won’t be able to send you the address cause the last family that lived here took the number with them for their next house so they wouldn’t have to change their address.

  This place has a washing machine.  The first day I put four shirts in it, pulled the chain and haven’t seen them since.  It only rained twice this week……..  three days the first time, and four days the second time. 

  The coat you wanted me to send you, your Aunt Sue said it would be a little too heavy to send in the mail with them heavy buttons, so we cut them off and put them in the pockets.  

  We got a bill from the funeral home.  It said if we didn’t make the last payment on Grandma’s funeral bill, up she comes. 

  About your father…….  He has a lovely new job.  HE has over 500 men under him.  He is cutting grass at the cemetery. 

  About your sister……   she had a baby this morning.  I haven’t found out whether it is a boy or a girl, so I don’t know if you are an Aunt or an Uncle.

  Three of your friend’s went off the bridge in a pickup.  One was driving; the other two were in the back.  The driver got out……..  he rolled down the window and swam to safety.   The other two drowned.  They couldn’t get the tailgate down.

Love, Mom      

P.S.  I was going to send money, but the envelope was already closed…

"I didn't Believe it!" ~ Linda K. Milam

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.                           John 6:40 KJV

    A couple of summers ago, we were in Columbia SC staying in a Comfort Inn. It was early in the morning, and we were up preparing for our day, when the fire alarm went off, on the phone and in the hall.  At first, we couldn't figure out what was going on, but I stuck my head out our door and saw people vacating their rooms carrying all of their important items; we realized we needed to get ourselves together and get out. This was a fire alarm. 

NO elevators they said, so we trudged down the stairs with our Bibles, luggage we could grab quickly and my laptop and said to each other it was probably a false alarm, but we didn't want to take a chance.  As we exited the building we could see that during the night, many guests had arrived, as the parking lot was full.  We walked to where our vehicle was and put our things in it for safe keeping, and I remember we even moved it away from the building, in case a great fire were to erupt. We were preparing for the worst and praying for the best. 

As we stood and waited, the fire department began to arrive, many trucks and men were ready to do their job. Hotel guests were standing around ~ waiting as we were.  Then I said to my husband, "There doesn't seem to be many people out here based on the cars that are parked in the parking lot."  As we were discussing this, a few more people came out. Probably forced out by the firemen until an all clear could be announced. As they stood around talking we could hear them say, "It's a false alarm for sure, that's why we didn't come out earlier.  We didn't believe it was a real fire."

I told you this story because after I witnessed to a lady yesterday the story came to my mind.  Not so much the incident itself, but the reactions by the people.  "I didn't believe it was a real fire alarm!" 

I shared the Gospel with this lady, who works on the grounds where we have our mission home in FL.  She is responsible for cleaning the sidewalks, the laundry rooms, and general cleaning around the outside of our buildings.  I met her in our laundry room.  She was on the phone, but quickly hung up and continued to clean up the room.  I told her I appreciated her hard work, many times our laundry is left a complete mess, and now I met the lady who cleaned it all up. 

I thanked her for her excellent service then the Lord opened our meeting up with a few more words of general conversation when I began to share my own personal relationship with God.  I asked her if she knew she would go to heaven when she died or if the Lord Returned!  "Oh My Goodness, nobody can know that! You aren't one of those fanatics, are you?" she asked.  I quickly shared with her that I was not a religious nut, but I was a fanatic when it came to my Saviour.  I told her why.  That He gave His own life for me and all mankind so that we could have a home in heaven without the penalty of our sins and hell. And because of that I believed and repented of my sins, asking Him to be my Saviour.  And He is.  One day, I told her, He is coming again to get His children and I would be one of those.  I wanted her to be one as well! 

She told me that she believed in God, and that she had heard about Jesus returning for years and, "He hasn't come yet".  She would wait on this religious stuff,  since he obviously wasn't coming anytime soon.  Kind of hard to believe she said, "I just don't believe He is coming!"

Thus my fire story.  She doesn't believe He is coming any more than most of the people in that hotel believed the fire alarm was real.  They have heard it so often, they just don't believe.

Folks, may I say, whether You believe it or not, Jesus is coming soon. And when he does we will all be changed.  The saint shall be changed in a twinkling of an eye and the sinner will bow his knee to our Lord and recognize Him for Who He is, but unfortunately, eternally to late.  In 1 Corinthians 15:52 the Bible says ~  "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."  I am so thankful that I know Him as my Saviour, but my heart is sad for those who do not know Him.

Pray with me for this lady that I might be able to reach her for the cause of Christ.  God certainly wants the lost to be saved, and He uses us as His tools to reach them.

I am praying for the lost and that God would give me every opportunity to share the Gospel with them.

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts with you today. I hope they help you in some way.  Have a blessed day!

LKMilam

Tom & Linda Milam
Missionaries to America
Phil. 216