29/06/2025
Tom had been a believer for over 20 years. He never missed church and was always involved in ministry. He thought his spot in heaven was guaranteed. Then one night, Tom had a dream he stood at heaven's gates, where an angle held the book of life, checking names. Tom said confidently, I'm Tom. You'll find my name here.'' The angle looked solemn and said, ''You name was here once... But it's been crossed out.'' Shocked, Tom asked, ''But I went to church, give offerings served others–how could my name be erased?'' The angle replied, ''those are just outward things. What about your heart? Did your life show love? Jesus said to love others as yourself, but you often lost temper with family, were jealous and cold towed your brothers and sisters, and carried bitterness in your heart. You claimed faith with your lips, but often lied, chased after worldly things, and neglected prayer and truth.'' But I believe in Jesus! he is love!'' The angle said, ''Jesus' offers you chances to change–but it's not a license to live however you want. You acted on your own will instead of praying. You went to church to give offerings hopping for praise, not to honor God. You loved the approval of people more than God's truth. Remember the parable of the five foolish Virginians? They weren't not ready when the bridegroom came because they didn't prepare their oil meaning they didn't hunger for God's truth or seek real change, they only put on a good show. When they knocked, the door was shut, and they heard, 'I don't know you; (Matthews 25:12)'' Tears streaming, Tom asked, ''is there still hope for me?'' The angle said, ''this is the final judgment. No more chances. God's righteousness is holy and just.'' Time woke up crying, realizing it was just a dream but warning from God: I must repent. I must prepare my oil. I must seek God's truth and purify my heart. Tom started his journey of true repentance. Don't fool yourself with empty religious. God looks at your heart. Not just your actions. True faith shows in love and obedience.
