FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

the prudent replied, “No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves” (Matthew 25:9). Here, the “dealer” represents God, the one and only true source of the “oil” necessary for abundant and eternal life. Sadly, most people would rather go to people rather than the Lord for answers to their spiritual questions. Some make fruitless attempts to live off of the oil of others.The deceived, despite the fact than John the Baptist said, “He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30), fall prey to counterfeit religions, worshiping charismatic leaders rather than Jesus.The ultimate outcome is an eternity separated from God, as those without oil soon learned. Rejection— While the needy five were out searching for extra oil, the bridegroom came. As Scripture says, “Those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying,‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered,‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you’” (Mathew 25:10-12). Whereas the clock ran out for those who used up their oil, there’s still time for you. As you ponder that thought, con- sider these closing challenges: Wake up— As the Word warns, “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed.The night is almost gone, and the day is near” (Romans 13:11-12). It’s been said that “Satan never misses a chance to rock the cradle of a sleeping Christian.” If that describes you, rise up off of the couch, ask the “coach” to put you in and make the most of the time that remains. Trim your lamps— In order to burn properly, the lamp’s wick must be trimmed on a regular basis. Likewise, to function most effectively for Christ, you must trim the base and useless

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