I saved this from the back of a church bulletin. It speaks right to the heart of the Gospel and as we approach the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior let us not forget that this is why we celebrate Christmas. This is the true reason for the season. Believers in Christ celebrate all around the world and it is a blessing to know that as I celebrate with my family in Kansas, my family in Haiti will be celebrating. That we will be celebrating together ”the Word made Flesh”. Friends in countries around the world that can’t even carry a Bible or speak the name of Jesus will be celebrating. They may be meeting underground, or in a place undisclosed, but they will be celebrating. In this country and many other countries…. There will be no tree. There will be no lights. There will be no presents. There will be no festive meal and for many no meal. What they will have is the hope that Jesus brings. The hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as their Savior. The hope of eternity with no more tears, no more pain, no more hunger and no more thirst…for they will be feasting at the grandest table we could ever think or imagine. Oh how I look forward to that day. Oh how I pray for those that don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus that they will be sitting around that table. Will I see you across the table? What is stopping you? Take a leap of faith and surrender all to Him….He will catch you!!!
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John 3:16 is often referred to as “the gospel in a nutshell.” Through the years, many thirsty souls have found the satisfaction of new life in Jesus Christ as presented in this one short verse.
“God”- the greatest Lover
“So loved”-the greatest degree
“The world”-the greatest crowd
“That whosoever”-the greatest opportunity
“Believes”-the greatest simplicity
“In Him”-the greatest attraction
“Should not perish”-the greatest promise
“But”- the greatest difference
“Have”- the greatest certainty
“Everlasting life”- the greatest possession
Expressed in a similar way, we see:
The richest mercy-“God so loved”
The darkest object-“the world”
The costliest price-”He gave His Son”
The widest reach-“whosoever”
The easiest terms-“believes in Him”
The most marvelous escape-“should not perish”
The wealthiest gift-“have everlasting life.”
Filed under: Devotions
