Daily devotion

The Transaction

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In 1957 Bill Bright wrote a presentation of that Gospel which he called, “The Four Spiritual Laws”. Since then – The Four Spiritual Laws – have been used in tracts, sermons and personal testimonies millions of times the world over to successfully lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The following is a special way of looking at those four core beliefs with just one additional word – the word still.

  • God Still loves you; knows where you are and has a wonderful plan for your life.

For many people in institutions, it is easy to feel forgotten. Their address is no longer 231 Main Street; it is now just room 22 – window.

We are simply sent as messengers to tell folks that just as God watches every sparrow and counts every hair on our heads, he also still remembers where we live.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows. Luke 12:7 ESV

  • Man is Still sinful even in old age.

We may continue to harbor resentments, anger and bitterness. These can still be the things that separate us from God. Only as we see ourselves as we really are can we see God’s way of forgiveness and mercy.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 KJV

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. Romans 3:10 KJV

  • Jesus is Still God’s only provision for sin.

No church no ritual or charitable contributions will cover up our guilt. Only the precious blood of Jesus Christ can buy our pardon. Only the cross is enough to pay for our sins.

 But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:10 ESV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV

  • We Still must individually choose to believe in Jesus Christ and receive His gift of eternal life.

This is not only a philosophy. It is a real-time event! In a way salvation is like shopping at Walmart for a hat. We go to that store because we know that the door will always be open. We look through the racks until we find the hat that we need. We try it on and carry it to the cash register.

woman wearing sunhat

Photo by Tuấn Kiệt Jr. on Pexels.com

But that hat is still not ours! A transaction still has to take place. Of course unlike at Walmart, we cannot pay for what we need. When we get to heaven’s cash register and God rings up the price it is so high that no one could ever pay. But as we give up and turn to put the hat back on the shelf, Jesus steps in and offers to pay. He empties his pockets and gives all that He has to buy – not a hat; but the salvation that we so desperately need. He gave Himself on the cross that we might receive the gift of eternal life.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 ESV

God’s Snail Mail

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Not long ago my wife sent a thank you note to our young pastor to encourage him during this time when our church doors are closed due to the Corona virus.  He quickly wrote back saying how he appreciated the time she had taken to send him good old fashioned snail mail. His comment got me to thinking about the value of letters. Some of my most treasured possessions are letters from my dad. One of my favorites is a Mother’s day letter that he wrote from Europe during WW2. Since my grandmother was from Italy, dad felt that writing in Italian would give her a special blessing as she worried and prayed for him back in the states.

Then I remembered  that God was the author of the first snail mail. That was when He came down on Mount Sinai and wrote with His finger on some stone tablets. In order to deliver them Moses had to lug them all the way down the mountain. Now some snails might have traveled almost as fast! But you might say – today God is more up to date. He isn’t using stone tablets anymore, He is writing on hearts. Well yes that is true but then ask yourself a question: “Which has lasted longer; those tablets or the hearts that He wrote on?”

When God wanted to show Himself to the world He choose to send a special delivery letter – The Word of God made flesh in the person of Jesus. Today He wants to write the love of Jesus on our own hearts for others to read. Though it might take a lifetime God is not in a hurry. He is looking for people patient enough to sit still long enough for Him to finish. Are you ready to become a part of His snail mail today? God is ready to start writing!

Caregiver Devotional – New Edition

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First a little background on me might help in that I have spent over the last twenty-five years ministering every week in six different long term care facilities. I learned that it was not only the residents but also their families and loved ones who struggled to understand how to make it through day by day. So originally I wrote this short devotional book to come alongside and let them know that they were not alone and that God had not forgotten about them.

Grace for the Road image

Then when the Corona virus crisis intensified,  I went back to the manuscript and have added more readings specific to the new reality as well as a new introduction. If you are a caregiver yourself or know someone who needs a gentle reminder of God’s grace and hope this book may be just for you. It is also available in large print. You could either click through on the link or find it for yourself on Amazon.

Large Print Edition

Standard Edition