"No Man Left Behind"

Genesis 7:13-16 (NLT)

"That very day Noah had gone into the boat with his wife and his sons—Shem, Ham, and Japheth—and their wives. With them in the boat were pairs of every kind of animal—domestic and wild, large and small—along with birds of every kind. Two by two, they came into the boat, representing every living thing that breathes. A male and female of each kind entered, just as God had commanded Noah. Then the lord closed the door behind them.”

2 Peter 3:9-10

"The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment."

Let us praise the name of Jesus! We serve a wonderful Father who loves us so much. My brothers and sisters, in the times we are living in it is imperative that we all understand that we need each other. The Lord desires for us to have a mindset of "No Man Left Behind." The Bible tells us in John 15:12-14 (NLT), "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.You are my friends if you do what I command."

Today, I want to encourage all of us to stay focused and adopt a mindset of"No Man Left Behind."  We are living in a world where people love only themselves and their money. They are boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to parents, and ungratefulness has become a normal lifestyle, as described in 2 Timothy 3. If we are not careful, we can be drawn into the schemes and deceitfulness of man, and the overall evil that surrounds us.

However, I am reminded each day of God's faithfulness, and this reminds me why we should pray for and look out for each other. It could be someone who has hurt you, or maybe even a total stranger. All souls are precious in the sight of our Heavenly Father. God is not partial. The Bible tells us that in Acts 10:34, God is no respecter of persons. All of God's children need to be saved. Someone's life depends on our obedience to the Word of God. Let us stand together as faithful citizens of the Kingdom of God. Let us not neglect to stand together for truth. We don't want to hear the Lord say to us on the day of judgment, “Depart from me, I know you not.”

I recall watching a movie about two countries at war. In one scene, the hero had to return to the battlefield to rescue fallen soldiers. With all his might and strength, this soldier was determined despite the risk of losing his own life as missiles, bombs, and bullets fell or flew right past him. You could see his intrinsic determination, his heart was saying, "No Man Left Behind; I must save my people.”

Similarly, I have a dear sister in Christ who experienced a lone soldier who came to help her on her walk. Sista Paul, as I playfully call her, was reflecting on the goodness of God. As we did this, she began to share her testimony of how, at times, she felt discouraged, as if she had nothing left within her to continue on her walk with Christ. She said she couldn't pray or worship and there was literally no motivation to do life anymore. However, one day the Lord sent help in the midst of her storm. A church sister began visiting her daily, and as the sister visited, the Spirit of the Lord led her to pray and provide encouraging words. In these moments, my sister said she felt her strength returning, and life’s purpose was restored within her.

Saints, it is crucial that if we see our sister or brother fall, we help and restore them back to living a life for Christ. Has God used you to do this very thing? Has He been tugging on your heart to reach out to someone who might be in dire need?  When Christ opens our eyes to the truth, a conviction sweeps over our soul, the Word of God comes alive within us. As it is written in Hebrews 4:12 (KJV), "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Praise God! It's clearly written that “My people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). When this happens, it leads to poor decision-making, negative consequences, and a life of misery due to sin. However, thank God we have each other to encourage in the Word.  Let us sing praises with understanding to one another so that our souls can be lifted up and preserved until the day our Lord and Savior returns to call us home. 

When we make the right choice to follow Christ, we will need unity with other believers to stand firm. I remember a time in a discipleship class at my church, feeling fulfilled as I completed the lessons and grew in knowledge of the Word. Although that was completed, I also knew that we never stop learning, there is so much more! It was a time of truly gaining a deeper understanding, revelation, and corrections to things I was accustomed to before. As the class came to an end, my sister Nads, said "No Man Left Behind," and she suggested we meet more to stay close and encourage one another so we won’t fall away from what we’ve learned. The Lord requires us to live in unity, as displayed even in the book of Acts.

The beginning of the church’s history started in Acts on the day of Pentecost. The Bible says in Acts 2:42, "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer." At times, life happens, but we must make meeting together a high priority to ensure we are growing as the Body of Christ. Our Lord is drawing nearer and nearer each day! We don't know the time or the hour, but let us stand ready for His return, so the doors won't be shut before our very eyes, as in the days of Noah.

Genesis 7:13-16 (NLT) reveals Noah's obedience in building the Ark, and placing everyone aboard, just before the Lord closed the door behind them. Can you imagine being in Noah’s shoes, seeing the door close and all the other people being swept away? 

Let's make the choice together, "No Man Left Behind," and let’s win souls for His kingdom. 

We see in 2 Peter 3:9-10 that the Lord wishes for none of us to perish, but for all to come repentance.  The day of the Lord will come like a thief, and we want to be ready, knowing we did all we could to see people saved, whether in our lives, around us, or wherever the Lord leads us. 

With Christ living on the inside of us, there is joy unspeakable, and His unconditional love pierces through on the inside, burning away every fear and doubt in the mighty name of Jesus. The Bible declares in Hebrews 11:25, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing  near." Another beautiful scripture I love to repeat in my heart is Psalms 133:1-3, "How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting."

I thank God for His mercies and grace towards us today. I truly pray you are well in mind, body, and soul. Thank you for your continuous encouragement, support, and prayers towards JD&L Mission. This mission, which the Lord started in 2022 to win souls, wouldn't be possible without you! 

Taking time out weekly to hear a Word from the Lord is what God wants to use to bring transformation in the lives of His people. Let's continue together, breaking bread as we wait on the Lord’s return in Jesus' name. HALLELUJAH! 

Have a great and wonderful weekend!

I love you with the love of the Lord. Be blessed!