Today I along with several of our employees will be taking a concealed weapons class at the Honey Lake Sport Shooting Complex. Upon successful completion of it, I can purchase a permit to legally carry a concealed weapon on my person most everywhere that I go.
So yesterday, in preparation for my impending graduation, I went shopping for a suitable handgun that can easily be concealed in my pocket or waistband. I was talking to the owner of the gun store, who happens to be a very good friend of mine, and he was explaining the various advantages and disadvantages of certain models as well as holsters.
I told him that in case I needed it in a hurry I wanted a holster that I could quickly clear. And if the situation called for it, I wanted a large enough caliber to stop a thug “dead in his tracks”.
He looked at the earnest and serious look on my face and said, “Lots of people come in here to buy guns, but I know in my heart that if push came to shove they probably wouldn’t use it. You are not among them. I’ve read your book – You wouldn’t hesitate would you?”
I replied, “No hesitation!”
I went on to tell him that I seem to be a polarizing person; I’ve observed that people either like me or hate me with no in-between. Occasionally I receive some dark threats especially for writing Words for the Day. I started posting it five days a week way back in early 2000. I’ve written over a million and a half words over the years and I’ve ruffled more than a few feathers with some of my posts, (especially those that concerned politics, homosexuality and atheism). I’ve also been involved with prison ministry and dangerous criminals for some length of time now, and the possibility that one might try to invade my home or otherwise try to rob me has crossed my mind.
My buddy looked at me with a serious look on his face and asked, “Bob when will you have done enough for the world? It seems to me that you’ve done your part; you need to chill out and let someone else take over.”
That was the second time I’d been asked that same question in as many days. The answer is that I will have done enough when I take my last breath. I’m not worried about threats and I don’t fear dying. Actually I’ve been to the brink many times and I wasn’t afraid. Indeed I look forward to crossing that threshold and meeting Jesus Christ and exploring all of heaven. (No letters please, I’m not trying to speed up that day, and will do what I can to protect myself and my family and avoid a premature death, but I’m merely saying that I know that heaven will be my eternal destination and I view it as a promotion and not something to be dreaded.)
The Bible is clear that we should not grow weary of doing the Lord’s work. It is also clear that we should fearlessly stand up for the word of God as it is written and not change it to better suit the mores of a decadent society and soft pedal it to tell people with “itching ears” what they want to hear. If some folks get upset over it, then “pooh pooh pee doo”, they can just get over it.
Indeed it can be tedious and frustrating on occasion to do the Lord’s work; however it is also rewarding beyond compare. I routinely receive letters from those who tell me they benefit from WFTD and it warms my heart to know that God is reaching out to them through this vehicle.
I’ve received countless letters from people who upon reading WFTD and/or my book, have abandoned their plans for suicide, or overcome addictions, helped mend broken relationships, read the Bible for the first time, and even entered seminary. Through the years I’ve also been delighted to see that several of my former readers have actually started their own daily devotional blogs, and some are enjoying phenomenal success with large subscriber lists. I’m sure they will likewise be blessed, (albeit undoubtedly lambasted by the few).
The Bible describes the world as a “vast field of human souls that are ripe for the harvest”. It laments the fact that even though the Lord has done the hard work, the laborers for the easy harvest are few. It unequivocally states that after the harvest the rewards for our labor will be great. Actually I’ve observed that we don’t have to wait until “after” the harvest; I’ve received countless blessings “during” the harvest, as have so many others who are working the fields.
At this point in your life, if you are not actively engaged in the harvest, (also known as the Great Commission), I encourage you to join up. Most anyone can tell someone about what Jesus means to them, but maybe you’re just not cut out to be a writer, teacher, or public speaker. If you just cannot bear to speak up, then give some money to a missionary or good organization that is getting the word out, or volunteer for a position that does not involve public speaking.
The army of God needs volunteers. The wages are great and the benefits are eternal and no matter what the markets for bonds, private equities, securities, or stocks do; this retirement plan will never be diminished. It is the best investment of any of our lifetimes.
Gal. 6:9
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.