Daily Devotional

In 1969 I sat in my “English” class listening to the professor expound his political beliefs about the population explosion, world famine to come, the war in Vietnam, free love, drugs, riots on the streets across America, and the police he called "pigs" (my beloved father and uncle were both policemen). He lectured and the class discussed everything but English. The students ate it up! It seemed like darkness and evil had the world in its grasp! When I tried to give my new-found Christian faith a voice, I was squashed! I felt a big heavy burden of despair. Week after week I struggled in my English class.

One day after my English class, I remember racing across the campus fuming in frustration. I ran home, shut my bedroom door and poured over Scripture and prayed. I read John 3:16 “For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Evil and darkness had NOT won! Why won’t they listen!

My faith must bear the fruit of action! After much prayer, I signed up for an evangelistic team project. I admit I was scared, but how could it be worse than my English class? We walked the Santa Cruz beach and approached people and asked them a question: “If you were to die today, why would God let you into Heaven.” After many attempts to generate the conversation with people, finally a couple of women responded and I had the joy of leading them in prayer for salvation. That day my heart soared in praise that God had led me to someone that listened to the Good News of the Gospel!

Today my prayer is that world events will revive people’s interest in the God of victory. I also pray that we as Christians will revive our commitment to share the Gospel. If one person will not listen, go to another and another until you find an open heart to the Gospel. Don’t let one closed door stop you. Search for the open doors! People need the God of victory!

FOR PARENTS:
1. Teach your kids to share the Gospel.  Keep it simple. Teach one concept at a time:
God loves you.
Jesus died on the cross for your sins (mistakes).
Jesus rose from the dead. He is alive.
It’s a free gift to Heaven--forever.
Pray and accept His free gift of salvation.
2. Pray with your kids about who they should tell about Jesus.  

"English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers."