For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13
Within the last three weeks, we have lost four of our homeless friends to a drug overdose, with another in the hospital. Sadly, these deaths happen too frequently. When these tragedies occur, you never see an obituary in the paper; sometimes, no family can be located. Their only mourners are isolated to those on the streets who knew them best. When we hear this news, our hearts grow heavy for the loss of life, and our prayers are that they came to know God.
In this bleakness, we all -- no exceptions -- can celebrate in the promise found in today’s text. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The sins of our past, our messed up backgrounds, our addictions do not matter to God. There is absolutely nothing that will stop us from being saved. All of us -- sober or addicted -- whatever our situation, we only need to call on his name. How amazingly beautiful is that! Jesus is our 24x7x365 helpline.
Please pray for all those battling addictions. They can be our friends, neighbors, and family. They are professionals living in lovely homes and folks living on the streets. Whatever the background, the struggle is the same. Pray that they might come to know Jesus and call on his name. Also, pray for those ministering to them that the Holy Spirit would give them the words.
God, we thank you for the beautiful promise of salvation. All we need to do is call on your name. We pray for those who are addicted. May they come to know you and draw strength from you in their struggle. We pray for the souls of those who have lost the battle. Father, please help those who minister that something would be said that would speak to their hearts. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Shalom,
Pastor Tim
