Words and Glory

Truth Written. Glory Revealed.

Souls or Swine

Because eternity is worth more than anything this world can offer.

By Karim Maguid

Don’t have time to read or want to just listen? Here’s a podcast about the book:

Introduction:

When Pigs Fly (Or: Why We’re Talking About Swine Instead of Souls)

Let’s get real for a second. If you picked up this book expecting a devotional about barnyard animals, you might be disappointed—or you might have found exactly what you didn’t know you needed. “Souls or Swine” is not a how-to manual for the county fair, but a gut-check for anyone who says they love God and wants their life to count for something eternal.

Jesus had a way with words. He told stories about sheep, coins, seeds, and—yes—even pigs. In Matthew 7:6, He says, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Now, most of us don’t spend our days worrying about wild hogs and jewelry. But in a world overflowing with distractions, Jesus’ warning still packs a punch: Don’t waste what’s precious. And what’s most precious to God? People. Souls.

Let’s put our cards on the table:

  • This book isn’t for ministry leaders only, but for anyone willing to risk their comfort for someone else’s eternity.
  • You don’t need a theology degree. You do need a soft heart, a little courage, and maybe a sense of humor—because loving people is messy.
  • If you feel unqualified, unprepared, or even a little scared, you’re exactly the kind of person God uses.

We’ll look at the words of Jesus, the stories He told, the apostles’ adventures, Old Testament glimpses of God’s rescue plan, and everyday outreach moments. We’ll ask ourselves the hard questions, share some laughs, and—if you let God work—maybe see lives changed forever.

Ready? Let’s leave the swine behind and run after what heaven celebrates.

Chapter 1: The Value of a Soul

The Soul According to Jesus

Scripture:

  • “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” —Mark 8:36 NASB
  • “Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” —Luke 12:6-7 NASB
  • “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” —Luke 19:10 NASB

Jesus never once said, “Blessed are those with perfect ministries and color-coordinated church bulletins.” He said the shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to chase after one lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7). He said heaven throws a party over a single sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). The math of heaven is different: one soul is worth the universe.

Let’s be honest: We’re more likely to chase after likes on Instagram than lost souls in our own neighborhoods. I once spent longer choosing a phone case than I did praying for my neighbors. (If you can relate, welcome to the club. Jesus uses people who realize their own mixed-up priorities.)

Old Testament Heartbeat

The God of the Old Testament is not the angry judge some make Him out to be—He is the God who pursues people.

  • “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways!’” —Ezekiel 33:11 NASB
  • “The Lord is not slow about His promise… but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3:9 NASB (Yes, that’s New Testament, but it’s the same God.)

Universal Evangelism Moment

Every outreach, every act of kindness, every honest conversation is a chance to participate in God’s rescue plan. Maybe you don’t see the “harvest” every time. Maybe the only visible result is a smile, a “thank you,” or even a rejection. Guess what? That soul still matters. God keeps score in eternity, not on your clipboard.

Funny But True

If a soul is worth more than the world, why do we spend so much time worrying about our parking spot at Walmart? It’s as if we’re trading pearls for pennies and then asking why life feels empty.

More Scripture, More Heart

  • “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” —Romans 5:8 NASB
  • “But you are a chosen race… a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” —1 Peter 2:9 NASB

Real Talk & Reflection

Think about the most “unreachable” person you know—the neighbor with the barking dog, the grumpy cashier, the friend who avoids spiritual conversations. To God, they are priceless. If Jesus could reach a thieving tax collector in a tree (Luke 19:1-10) or a demonized man in a graveyard (Mark 5:1-20), He can reach anyone. And He wants to use you.

Reflection Questions:

  • Who is one person you’ve written off as “not interested”?
  • How much of your energy goes into things that won’t last?
  • Are you willing to let God mess up your schedule for the sake of a soul?

Prayer:
“Father, remind me today that people are eternal. Help me see beyond my schedule, my comfort, and my excuses. Give me Your heart for the lost—especially the ones I find hardest to love. Amen.”

Chapter 2: Swine—The Stuff That Gets in the Way

Not All Distractions Oink

Let’s face it: “swine” in this book doesn’t mean literal pigs—unless you’ve been chased by a wild hog during outreach, in which case, you get bonus points. No, in the world of evangelism, swine are all those sneaky, everyday distractions that devour our time, energy, and spiritual attention.

Jesus said it best:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine…” (Matthew 7:6 NASB)

But let’s be honest, most of us aren’t losing sleep over swine. We’re losing sleep over emails, errands, endless projects, and trying to keep up with a thousand “good” things that never seem to end.

Scripture: Distraction Has a Long History

  • Martha, Martha…
    “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house… But Martha was distracted with much serving… But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary.’”
    —Luke 10:38-42 (ESV)

Martha was doing good things! But even ministry can become swine if it replaces the “one thing” Jesus values: loving Him and loving others.

  • Israel’s Missed Opportunity
    “‘For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, To hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.’”
    —Jeremiah 2:13 NASB
    Israel got busy with “good” projects and missed the presence of God. Swine doesn’t always look like sin. Sometimes, it just looks like second-best.

Common Swine in Modern Ministry

  1. Perfectionism:
    Planning the perfect event, perfect social media post, perfect program—meanwhile, people slip through the cracks.
  2. People-Pleasing:
    Saying yes to every request, meeting, or tradition—even when it drains your soul and drowns out God’s actual calling.
  3. Fear of Awkwardness:
    Worrying so much about offending or looking silly that you never step out in faith. (Spoiler: Evangelism is awkward sometimes. God still uses it.)
  4. Chasing Results:
    Obsession with numbers—attendance, “decisions,” or donations—while missing the person right in front of you.
  5. The Busyness Badge:
    Treating exhaustion as a spiritual gift. (Newsflash: Jesus rested. So should you.)

Funny But True

If you’ve ever spent more time setting up chairs for a meeting than actually talking to people at the meeting, you’ve experienced swine. If your group text has more discussion about donut flavors than prayer requests—welcome to the club.

Proverbs 14:4
“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.”
Translation: Real ministry is messy. Don’t mistake a clean barn for a fruitful one.

Reflection & Gut-Check

  • Are you so busy running around for God that you forget to walk with God—and with people?
  • What are the “swine” that eat your pearls of time, energy, or spiritual hunger?
  • Would you rather have a “neat” ministry, or a messy one full of real lives being changed?

Action Steps

  1. Audit Your Calendar:
    What can you cut to make room for people over projects?
  2. Ask God for a Holy Disruption:
    Pray: “Lord, interrupt my routine for someone who needs You today.”
  3. Remember the Mission:
    Every event, every act of service—filter it through one question: Does this help someone get closer to Jesus?

More Scripture for Staying Focused

  • “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” —Galatians 6:9 NASB
  • “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33 NASB
  • “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace…” —1 Corinthians 14:33a NASB

Prayer:
Father, show me what’s cluttering my heart and calendar. Help me choose the one thing that’s necessary—loving You and loving people. I want my pearls to count for eternity, not just for busywork. Amen.

Chapter 3: The Kingdom’s Pearl—What Really Matters

Pearl Chasing: Why Jesus Flipped the Script

Let’s face it—most people spend their lives collecting “pearls”: accomplishments, awards, gadgets, or maybe just a good parking spot at Costco. But Jesus told a story that flips our priorities upside down:

Scripture:

  • “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
    —Matthew 13:45–46 NASB

This isn’t about jewelry. It’s about priorities. Jesus says the Kingdom—the things God treasures most—is worth more than everything else combined. And what does God treasure? Not buildings, not programs, not platforms, not followers. He treasures people.

The Risk and the Reward

Imagine selling everything you own for a single pearl. That’s what evangelism sometimes feels like—giving up time, comfort, pride, and sometimes your reputation. But God’s “investment strategy” is always souls. Every. Single. Time.

Scripture:

  • “The Lord… is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
    —2 Peter 3:9 NASB
  • “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
    —Luke 19:10 ESV

If God risked it all, so can we.

What Real “Pearl Hunting” Looks Like

Pearl hunting isn’t glamorous. Sometimes, it means talking to someone who looks like they want to be anywhere but with you. Other times, it’s showing kindness without seeing any “results.” It’s easy to want the big story—the dramatic conversion, the YouTube-ready testimony. But most of the time, pearl hunting means faithfulness in the small stuff.

Generic Ministry Moments

  • The Invitation: Inviting someone to coffee or an event, knowing they might say “no thanks.”
  • The Follow-Up: Checking in on someone after they’ve drifted or ghosted.
  • The Listening Ear: Sometimes, you preach the gospel by shutting up and letting someone pour out their pain.

Scripture:

  • “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
    —Galatians 6:9 NIV
  • “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
    —James 1:19 NIV

When the Pearl Looks Like a Problem

Here’s a secret: Pearls usually don’t look shiny at first. Sometimes the “soul” you’re called to love is grumpy, skeptical, or just plain weird. (And let’s be honest, sometimes we’re the weird ones.) God doesn’t call us to sort people like laundry—He calls us to love.

Scripture:

  • “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
    —Romans 5:8 NASB
  • “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
    —Colossians 3:12 NASB

Gut-Check & Reflection

  • Are you hunting pearls, or just collecting shells?
  • Is there someone in your life God wants you to pursue, even if it costs you comfort, time, or ego?
  • Do you find yourself giving your “best pearls” to work, hobbies, or opinions, while giving God and people your leftovers?

Action Steps

  1. Identify One Pearl: Ask God, “Who is my one?” Write their name. Pray for them this week.
  2. Shift Your Schedule: Rearrange one plan this week to put people before projects.
  3. Celebrate the Small: Don’t wait for a “big win” to praise God. Every faithful act counts.

More Scripture to Anchor Your Pursuit

  • “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.”
    —Matthew 9:37–38 NASB
  • “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water… he shall by no means lose his reward.”
    —Matthew 10:42 NKJV
  • “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
    —1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB

Prayer

Lord, show me what You value. Give me courage to pursue people, not just plans. Help me let go of what doesn’t last and invest in what does. I want to hunt for pearls in the mud, because that’s where Your heart is. Amen.

Chapter 4: The High Price of Neglect

You Can’t Microwave Revival

If you want to see how fast a ministry can go from red-hot to lukewarm, just take your eyes off souls for a while. You can still have meetings, programs, snacks, and even a few standing ovations—but if you’re not after the lost, the fire goes out faster than cheap fireworks in the rain.

Neglect is sneaky. It rarely shows up as open rebellion—it’s more like spiritual snooze mode. You mean to care about souls, but you get busy, you get tired, and before you know it, the “main thing” isn’t even on the calendar.

Scripture: Neglect and Its Consequences

  • The Church at Ephesus:
    “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
    —Revelation 2:4 NASB
    They had good works, sound doctrine, and busy hands—but lost hearts for people.
  • Ezekiel’s Watchman:
    “But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned… his blood I will require from the watchman’s hand.”
    —Ezekiel 33:6 NASB
    Heavy, I know. God takes our responsibility for others seriously.
  • Paul’s Warning:
    “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!”
    —1 Corinthians 9:16 ESV

What Does Neglect Look Like in Evangelism?

It’s not just forgetting to go door-to-door. Neglect shows up as:

  • Praying less for the lost and more for our own comfort.
  • Settling for “good” things and missing God things.
  • Measuring ministry by activities instead of changed lives.
  • Keeping the gospel to ourselves out of fear, laziness, or busyness.

Funny But True

Ever notice how easy it is to turn an outreach into a potluck? Five people show up for evangelism, but twenty show up for snacks. That’s the “pot-bless” (as in, “bless this food… and maybe some souls if we have time”).

Neglect starts small: skipping one conversation, postponing that invitation, focusing on numbers instead of names. But the cost adds up. You end up with full calendars and empty altars.

Scripture: God’s Heart for the Lost

  • The Lost Sheep:
    “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine… and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”
    —Luke 15:4 ESV
    Heaven doesn’t neglect the one. Why should we?
  • Isaiah’s Call:
    “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
    —Isaiah 6:8 NASB
  • Jesus’ Tears:
    “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it.”
    —Luke 19:41 ESV
    Jesus didn’t just preach—He felt deep grief for those far from God.

Real Talk: The Ripple Effect of Neglect

When outreach becomes an afterthought, it’s not just lost people who lose out. The whole ministry gets stale. Teams get discouraged, vision fades, and eventually, mission drifts. The stories stop, the celebrations stop, and the sense of holy urgency vanishes.

  • You lose the sense of adventure.
  • You lose your spiritual edge.
  • You lose the very thing that made you burn for God in the first place.

But when you keep souls front and center, there’s always fresh fire. There are always stories. There’s always joy—even in the hard seasons.

Reflection & Gut-Check

  • Has your passion for reaching the lost cooled off?
  • Are you more focused on maintaining or multiplying?
  • Is there a “lost sheep” in your life or ministry you’ve stopped pursuing?

Action Steps

  1. Confess the Drift:
    Pray honestly, “God, I’m sorry for the times I put my comfort above Your calling. Rekindle my fire for souls.”
  2. Name the One:
    Ask God for a name—a real person—who needs you to notice them.
  3. Rally the Troops:
    Encourage your ministry friends or team to make evangelism the heartbeat again. Start small. Start anywhere.

More Scripture for Fuel

  • “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent Me; night is coming when no one can work.”
    —John 9:4 NIV
  • “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
    —Matthew 28:19 NASB
  • “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who is wise wins souls.”
    —Proverbs 11:30 NASB

Prayer

Jesus, forgive me for every time I settled for less than Your heart. Give me urgency for the lost. Wake me up where I’ve gone dull. Help me to see every person like You do, and make me brave to do something about it. Amen.

Chapter 5: Making Souls the Priority

Don’t Just Talk the Talk—Walk the Walk

You can have the world’s best mission statement on your website (“Changing Lives, One Soul at a Time!”), but until it shows up in real-life action, it’s just a catchy phrase. Soul-winning isn’t a department or a slogan—it’s the beating heart of every believer and every outreach ministry that wants to make heaven crowded.

But how do you make souls the real priority—when there’s so much to do, so many distractions, and so many ways to get off track? Good news: God doesn’t make it complicated. He just calls us to show up, step out, and let Him do the heavy lifting.

Step 1: Pray Like It Matters (Because It Does)

Scripture:

  • “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…”
    —1 Timothy 2:1 ESV
  • “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.”
    —Romans 10:1 ESV
  • “Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance…”
    —Psalm 2:8 NASB

Praying for the lost isn’t busywork—it’s the frontlines. You can’t win a soul if you’re not fighting for them in prayer first. Before you go out, before you open your mouth, ask God to soften hearts, open doors, and give you divine appointments.

Practical Tips:

  • Make a prayer list of people you want to see saved.
  • Pray by name. Be stubborn about it.
  • Don’t stop praying when you get discouraged—keep going. Some souls take years!

Step 2: Step Into the Mess (People > Programs)

It’s easier to run an outreach event than to actually get close to people—especially people who are hurting, skeptical, or unpredictable. But the gospel is “incarnational.” Jesus didn’t just send a memo from heaven; He showed up and moved in.

Scripture:

  • “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…”
    —John 1:14 ESV
  • “Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.”
    —Luke 14:23 ESV
  • “And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’”
    —Mark 16:15 ESV

People need more than information—they need incarnation. Show up in their world. Listen, eat with them, walk their streets, learn their names. The most powerful ministry moments happen in the interruptions.

Funny But True:
If Jesus waited for “the right moment,” the Samaritan woman would’ve left the well thirsty and Zacchaeus would’ve stayed up that tree.

Step 3: Practice Gospel Boldness (But Stay Human)

If you wait until you feel ready, you’ll never open your mouth. God isn’t looking for spiritual superheroes—He’s looking for obedient people with shaky knees and open hearts.

Scripture:

  • “Pray also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel…”
    —Ephesians 6:19 ESV
  • “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
    —2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
  • “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…”
    —Colossians 4:6 ESV

Practical Humor:
It’s okay if you fumble your words. The disciples were professional awkward people—God still used them. You’re in good company.

Step 4: Make Room for Divine Disruptions

You can schedule a hundred outreaches, but God often works in the “inconvenient” moments. Be interruptible! Sometimes the best conversation happens when you’re running late, out of coffee, or the event is rained out.

Scripture:

  • “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”
    —Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
  • “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”
    —Psalm 37:23 ESV

Ask God to set up holy collisions. Expect surprises. And when plans get ruined—look for God’s fingerprints.

Step 5: Celebrate Obedience, Not Just Outcomes

Not every seed you plant grows overnight. Sometimes you won’t see the results—but every act of faith counts.

Scripture:

  • “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.”
    —1 Corinthians 3:6 NASB
  • “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
    —Galatians 6:9 ESV

Don’t base your faithfulness on visible fruit. Celebrate every “yes” to God, every small act of obedience. Heaven keeps score better than you do.

Step 6: Get the Whole Team Involved

Evangelism isn’t a one-person show or just for “the extroverts.” Everyone has a part—inviting, serving, giving, praying, encouraging, or sharing their story. When the whole team is focused on souls, momentum builds.

Scripture:

  • “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped… makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
    —Ephesians 4:16 ESV
  • “Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
    —Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ESV

Reflection & Gut-Check

  • Which practical step is your weakest? (Be honest, nobody’s grading you!)
  • Is your ministry or life centered on “doing things” or “reaching people”?
  • When was the last time you took a gospel risk?

Action Steps

  1. Start a Prayer Journal: Write down names of people to pray for, and keep track of gospel conversations.
  2. Set a Monthly “Risk Goal:” Once a month (or more!), commit to doing something bold for the sake of a soul.
  3. Team Up: Invite someone to join you—outreach is better (and braver) together.
  4. Share the Wins: Every small breakthrough or gospel story—celebrate it. Let it fuel more boldness.

More Scripture for Courage and Direction

  • “He who is wise wins souls.”
    —Proverbs 11:30 NASB
  • “For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
    —Acts 4:20 ESV
  • “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”
    —Romans 1:16 NASB

Prayer

Jesus, give me a heart that beats for souls. Help me pray bigger, love deeper, and risk more for Your sake. Make me bold in my weakness. Use my ordinary life for Your extraordinary Kingdom work. Amen.

Chapter 6: Real-World Evangelism Moments

Why Stories Matter

Let’s be real: Outreach isn’t all revival meetings and altar calls. Most gospel work happens in awkward conversations, failed plans, rain-soaked sidewalks, and quiet moments that don’t make the newsletter. But these moments—ordinary, honest, sometimes hilarious—are where God loves to show up.

Scripture:

  • “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”
    —Revelation 12:11 NKJV
  • “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
    —Acts 8:4 NIV

Every story of faithfulness, big or small, is a spiritual weapon. Don’t ever underestimate what God can do with your simple “yes.”

The Reluctant Conversation

It happens to everyone: You feel that nudge to talk to someone about Jesus, but you’d rather do literally anything else—including cleaning the church bathrooms. You finally step out, start the conversation, and… they shut you down. Or maybe they listen politely and say, “That’s nice for you.” You walk away feeling like you bombed.

Truth:
God is working, even when you can’t see it. Some seeds take a long time to sprout.

Scripture:

  • “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed…”
    —Ecclesiastes 11:6 NIV
  • “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void…”
    —Isaiah 55:11 NKJV

The Accidental Appointment

You plan to do outreach at the park, but it pours rain and no one shows up except you, one other volunteer, and a confused dog. As you pack up, someone walks by in need—hurting, open, and ready to talk. You end up praying for them and giving them hope.

Moral:
God’s appointments are rarely on our calendar.

Scripture:

  • “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
    —Proverbs 16:9 NIV

The Open Door Through Serving

Sometimes, the best gospel moments come not through preaching, but serving: helping someone move, providing a meal, or watching a child so a single parent can get a break. These acts open hearts for the message of Jesus—sometimes instantly, sometimes years later.

Scripture:

  • “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
    —Matthew 5:16 NASB
  • “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple… will by no means lose his reward.”
    —Matthew 10:42 ESV

The Gospel in Small Talk

Not every gospel conversation is a deep theological debate. Some of the best openings happen in small talk: in line at the store, at the gym, on the phone, at work. The Holy Spirit loves to nudge us to speak a word of hope, encouragement, or truth—right where we are.

Scripture:

  • “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…”
    —Colossians 4:5-6 NIV

The Impact You Never See

Maybe you share, serve, invite, and nothing seems to change. But sometimes, months or even years later, you hear that someone you reached out to finally turned to Jesus. Or maybe you never hear at all, but your faithfulness is part of a much bigger story.

Scripture:

  • “One sows and another reaps. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for…”
    —John 4:37–38 NIV
  • “Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
    —1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB

Funny But True

You know you’ve been doing outreach awhile when:

  • You can evangelize in the rain, in traffic, and with a broken megaphone.
  • You’ve prayed for people who forgot your name but remembered the snack you gave them.
  • You know the fastest way to someone’s heart is often through their stomach.

Reflection & Gut-Check

  • What’s your favorite “unexpected” evangelism moment?
  • Have you let a “failure” keep you from stepping out again?
  • Do you celebrate the small wins—or only the big ones?

Action Steps

  1. Write Down Your Stories: Keep a journal of outreach moments—good, bad, and funny. They’re all part of your legacy.
  2. Share with Others: Your story can encourage someone else to step out in faith.
  3. Pray for Divine Interruptions: God, use even my “failures” for Your glory.

More Scripture for Endurance and Joy

  • “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
    —1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV
  • “He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”
    —Psalm 126:6 NIV
  • “The righteous are as bold as a lion.”
    —Proverbs 28:1 NIV

Prayer

God, thank You for using broken, ordinary people like me. Remind me that every act of faithfulness matters to You—even when I can’t see the results. Give me courage to try again, to laugh at my mistakes, and to trust You with every soul. Amen.

Chapter 7: The Invitation

“The Fields Are Ready—Are You?”

If you’ve made it this far, you probably care about souls—or at least you’re curious what all this “swine” talk is about. Here’s the bottom line: The fields are still white for harvest. God is still searching for lost sons and daughters. And He’s still inviting you—yes, you—to join Him.

Jesus never said, “Wait until you feel qualified.” He just said, “Go.” The call to make souls the priority is for every believer, every day, in every place. The enemy of your soul wants to convince you it’s too late, too hard, or too awkward. But the Holy Spirit is whispering, “Now is the time. You were made for this.”

Scripture: The Urgency of the Call

  • “Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”
    —Matthew 9:37–38 NKJV
  • “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
    —Romans 10:14 ESV
  • “Now is the acceptable time; now is the day of salvation.”
    —2 Corinthians 6:2 CSB

Drop the Excuses, Pick Up the Mission

It’s easy to wait for someone else to do it—the pastor, the “outreach people,” or that one extrovert in your ministry who makes friends with cashiers everywhere. But Jesus gave the Great Commission to all His disciples—not just the superstars.

Funny but True:
If Jesus only used perfect people, the book of Acts would be a pamphlet.

Remember Moses? “Lord, please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13)
Jeremiah? “Ah, Lord God! I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” (Jeremiah 1:6)
Gideon? “But Lord, how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest…” (Judges 6:15)

God delights in calling the ordinary. That way, He gets all the glory.

The Invitation Isn’t Just for “Them”—It’s for You

If you’ve spent this whole book thinking, “This is good, but I’m not a soul-winner,” here’s your personal invitation from Jesus Himself:

  • “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
    —Matthew 4:19 NASB

You don’t have to be a preacher, singer, or social media influencer. You just have to be available. If you show up, God will use you.

Reflection & Gut-Check

  • What “swine” is God asking you to lay down so you can pursue souls?
  • Who’s one person you can reach out to this week?
  • Are you willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of eternity?

Practical Action Steps

  1. Pray the Dangerous Prayer:
    “God, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Give me opportunities to share Your love—today.”
  2. Step Out Boldly:
    Commit to one act of gospel courage this week. Start a conversation, send an encouraging message, or invite someone into your life.
  3. Keep Saying Yes:
    Evangelism is rarely one big leap—it’s a hundred small yeses. Keep showing up. Keep loving. Keep sowing.

More Scripture for the Journey

  • “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
    —Daniel 12:3 NIV
  • “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…”
    —Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV
  • “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
    —Matthew 28:20 ESV

Final Prayer

Lord, thank You for calling me—not because I’m worthy, but because You are good. Give me Your courage, Your compassion, and Your urgency for the lost. Help me lay down every distraction and say “yes” to Your invitation to seek and save the lost. Use my life to make heaven crowded, one soul at a time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Conclusion: Make It About the Souls

After all the stories, scripture, laughs, and gut-checks—here’s what matters most:
It’s all about the souls.

Everything you do, every conversation, every risk you take, every act of kindness, every time you swallow your nerves and open your mouth for Jesus—it all matters. Not one effort is wasted.

Scripture:

  • “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” —Galatians 6:9 NASB
  • “He who is wise wins souls.” —Proverbs 11:30 NASB
  • “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” —Luke 19:10 NASB

You may never see the full impact of your faithfulness this side of heaven. But God sees. He’s keeping track of every seed sown, every prayer prayed, every awkward conversation, and every tear shed for someone else’s salvation.

Don’t Wait—Go Now

The world is loud and distracting. There will always be “swine” to chase—tasks, anxieties, comforts, and a thousand other things that seem urgent but aren’t eternal.
But the invitation of Jesus hasn’t changed:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” —Matthew 28:19

Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect words. The harvest is now, the need is now, and God’s Spirit is already ahead of you, working in hearts you haven’t even met yet.

This Is Your Moment

You are part of God’s rescue mission. You are called, equipped, and sent—even if you feel weak or ordinary. Remember:

  • Moses doubted, but God still used him.
  • Peter stumbled, but Jesus still called him.
  • The early church was scared, scattered, and imperfect—but they changed the world one soul at a time.

God’s plan hasn’t changed. You’re in it.

Keep It Simple—Keep It Jesus

You don’t need to be a hero. You just need to be real, be willing, and keep Jesus at the center.

  • Start with prayer.
  • Show up with love.
  • Speak the truth with humility and hope.
  • Celebrate every step—big or small.

Final Blessing

May you have courage when you feel afraid, hope when you feel weak, and love that overflows to everyone you meet. May your eyes see the souls God places in your path, and may your heart burn for what matters most in eternity.

Go—live for the souls. Leave the swine behind.
Make heaven crowded, one conversation at a time.

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:20

Amen.