Christian Devotional – December 25, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! May you remember God’s gift of His Son today as you celebrate with your friends and family!!

VERSE:

1 Thessalonians 2:3–For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.

TRUTH:

Sharing the truth about Christ is not to be done like some shady salesman. There is no bait and switch. We don’t share, “Come to Jesus and have a perfect life.” It’s not even, “Come to Jesus and have an easy life, or make lots of money, or have all your dreams come true.” Jesus promises us none of those things. In fact, the true message is, “Come to Jesus and die so that He will live through you.” When we share our message with others, we must be careful to share the whole gospel. The life of a believer is difficult and hard. Dying to our own desires daily requires sacrifice. This is not a choice for the faint of heart. Paul knew this and reminded the people here that he never sugar-coated the message of Jesus. We shouldn’t either. As we share with others, we need to be honest with them. This is a hard life and a difficult life, but it is more rewarding and exciting and fulfilling with more peace than anything else we can image and we wouldn’t go back for anything in the world!

RESPONSE:

Father, Your way is a hard way. Your call to come and die to self is not easy, but I have never experienced more joy and peace than when I am perfectly in the middle of Your will. I will share with others that You love them, that you died for them, and that You long to make them right with God. Thank You for Your gift of Jesus!