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Men of Integrity, July/Aug 2000
| New Life |
Tuesday, August 22
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Put Out the Welcome Mat
Key Bible Verse: Jesus
declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he
is born again [or from above]" (John 3:3). Bonus Reading: John 3:1-21
Bud,
an ex-Marine, was our no-nonsense plant superintendent. Shortly before retirement,
he was hospitalized with a bronchial infection. As I entered his room, I sensed
his "I'm-still-in-charge" demeanor was gone. I'd hardly said hello when
Bud blurted out, "John, I'm worried."
"Look," I said,
"they'll get on top of this infection … "
"No," he cut
me off, "that's not my concern. I've been thinking since I got in here.
I'm not sure things are right between God and me."
"Bud," I said,
shifting gears, "Would you like to be certain of your relationship with
the Lord?"
"I really would."
So we talked about how
sin has separated us from God and how Jesus died for us on the cross, providing
a way for our relationship with God to be restored—if we're willing.
"So what do I do?"
"You've got to put out the welcome mat. The Lord won't force you to do
anything. But if you ask Him, He's more than willing to come to you. He'll become
your closest friend."
Bud's simple prayer of
acceptance came from his heart. "John," he said, his eyes misty, "this
is probably the most important thing I've ever done."
—John D. Beckett in Loving Monday
Personal Challenge:
- Do you know God? Lay out the welcome mat today.
Thought to Apply: If
there are a thousand steps between us and God, He will take all but one. He
will leave the final one for us.
|
—MAX
LUCADO (Texas
pastor)
|
Credits: Adapted from— Tuesday: Loving
Monday (InterVarsity, 1998)
Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of
Integrity. For reprint information click here.
July/August 2000, August 22, 2000
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