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Friday, July 4, 2025

Say Hi To Jimmy

 

Good day! I’m Duane Matz and this is Today’s Living Word.

 

Televangelist Jimmy Swaggert passed away this past Tuesday (July 1st) at the age of 90.  The Holy Spirit used him to bring many (including me)  to faith.  I’ll never forget that day that he pointed at the camera and called out drunkards. (That was me) Reminding me and others that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God!)

 

1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

 

This revelation came on the heels of my second OWI! I realized this was no way to live. I don’t recall saying the sinners prayer, but I do remember getting on my knees and surrendering my life to Jesus.

It was a classic battle with the devil on one side, reminding me that as a Christian I would have to give up all the fun stuff in my life, (a lie by the way) and the Holy Spirit on the other side nudging me to just let go and surrender, and begin a new life as a forgiven follower of Jesus. It was the day I said “yes” to Jesus.”

 

Let’s fast forward to July 4th 2024.

 

My sister Marlee who was dealing with COPD had taken a turn for the worse and was nearing death. She had been badly burned by the church and for years she refused to listen to any talk of Jesus.

 

But last year, on this date as she and family members had gathered around her kitchen table, she resolutely announced, “I say yes to Jesus” The Holy Spirit did it again! He brought another sinner (my sister) to saving faith in Jesus. It was a declaration not of independence, but one of a new found dependance on Jesus.

 

This year, every firework I see, I will lift my eyes to heaven and think of the celebration that took place in heaven exactly one year ago!

 

The day that Marlee said yes to Jesus! One month later Marlee went on home to Jesus.

 

Hey Marlee, if you see Jimmy up there, give him my thanks.

 

 

 

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word

 

 

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