Many islanders would like the retail giant Costco to come to PEI. Many even drive to Costco stores in either Moncton or Halifax. But why? One word: bargains. Most of us love good bargains. And speaking of bargains, Isaiah the Old Testament prophet was inspired by God to write, “come everyone who thirsts, come to the waters and he who has no money, come buy and eat, come buy without money …. without price.” What does this mean? You and I do not have anything to pay to have forgiveness of sins, because only God can do that. And we cannot buy our way into heaven; but though the wages for our sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.” Now that is a bargain none of us can afford to miss. It is open to all who will, by faith receive it. I did; won’t you?
Category Archives: Just a minute
July 9 – Rolex Watches in a Drain
In Essex, England, a street cleaner was surprised to find a $33,500 Rolex watch in a drain. He turned it in, but when he returned to the site with a TV news crew, they were all shocked to discover three more valuable watches. I suppose most of us, at one time or another, dream of finding hidden treasure. The Bible warns us about laying up treasures on earth which do not last, and invites us to lay up treasures in heaven, where they last forever. And of course the greatest treasure anyone can have is the knowledge that you have received the gift of eternal life. Paul wrote about both the dangerous situation without having God in our lives, but then the wonderful promise with Him. “The wages of sin is death (and that means spiritual death), but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our lord. And that’s a treasure better than a Rolex watch, one that every one of us can have.
July 6 – Wallenda and Niagara Falls
Nik Wallenda has become the first person ever to walk a tightrope across the Niagara falls. With measured steps, he made his way from one country to another. As I watched this daring feat, I though of the cross that Jesus died on. He bridged the gap between earth and heaven for us all. Sin had created a great division between God and man. But when Jesus took the punishment for our sin, He made it possible for us to receive God’s forgiveness, and reach the golden shore. Paul wrote of it beautifully with the words, “but God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Nik Wallenda crossed from the USA to Canada on a tightrope. Christ makes it possible for us to cross from earth to heaven, because of the cross. Will you accept his offer?
July 4- The Wrong Way
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Over 1700 people die annually in America from crashes caused by drivers travelling the wrong way on a highway. Some were drunk, some were fleeing police, some just took the wrong ramp. But whatever the case, the results were tragic. The bible talks about two gates, two ways and two destinations. You and I are given a choice, either the way that leads to life or the way that leads to destruction. The first involves acceptance of God’s way, the other involves rejection. Jesus made it crystal clear when he said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Which way have you chosen, the right way or the wrong way?
July 2 – Counterfeiting
Counterfeit money, CDS, DVDS are everywhere. It is said that in China, counterfeit movies and music are available before the originals are even released in the U.S. and counterfeits are of excellent quality, deceiving even the most wary. You and I must be aware of falsehood in every form, but it is most dangerous when it come to things eternal. Isaiah the prophet wrote “woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness.” He referred of course to false teachers who present a counterfeit gospel message. They reject the simple truth that all have sinned, that Christ has died once for all for us sinners, and that sincerely trusting in Christ alone will transform us and prepare us for heaven.
Tools for HOPE 