“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 6:23 (NLT)
I know we all celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th, but I also think that the day that Christ came into my heart and I accepted His gift of salvation was a day to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior in me.
Since that part of my life is such a blur to me, I only know the month and year I found Jesus. It was June 1995. I was recently widowed, pregnant and a single mom. I had a hole in my heart that only God could fill. I vividly remember standing in my parents’ backyard and my brother-in-law leading me through the salvation prayer and praying with me.
If you have never received this gift and would like to, God’s Word tells us in Romans 10:9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.(NLT). All you need to do is admit you are sinner, ask for forgiveness, and believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God who died on the cross for your sins. This is a salvation prayer that I have on my church app to share with those who are ready to accept Christ:
Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and then rose from the dead. I want to turn from my sin and confess You as the Lord and Savior of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Here is another by Billy Graham: Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.
I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
Either of these prayers are good to have on your phone to access should you ever come across someone that is ready to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. God’s Word tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. We need to be prepared at all times. Do you remember that day you accepted Jesus as Lord of your life? If you haven’t ever prayed the sinner’s prayer, you can now. It is never too late for us to be saved or to lead someone to Christ.
Yesterday I celebrated my 55th birthday. As each birthday passes, I can’t help but wonder if I am doing enough with my life to have meaning. I know the enemy wants me to question if what I do is really making a difference in God’s kingdom. When I have these doubts, I need to remind myself that I don’t have to be a pastor to share the Gospel or aid in someone’s salvation. Anything I am doing in the name of Jesus is something and ultimately God’s purposed for me and for you will prevail.
In a few days we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus. We can also use this day to celebrate our salvation we found in Christ. Christ in us is something to rejoice this Christmas Day. The gift of Christmas is living it all year long. Let us not go through this Christmas season not opening or accepting God’s heart in Christ that is offered to you and I. May we all open and accept His gifts of peace, hope, love and joy that flow from His heart into ours.
Father God,
Forgive me when I close my heart off to Your love, peace and joy You so generously offer me. I give thanks that You are King of my life and in charge of every detail of my day. Thank You for sending Jesus down to us so we can bring His love through us to others. I pray for hearts to be softened and Jesus accepted into hearts this Christmas season. Give me confidence and the words to speak when You lead me to someone who is ready to hear about Jesus. It is in Your precious Son’s name, Jesus, that I pray these things. Amen.
December Memory Verse
Putting last month’s memory verse, Mark 16:15 as my screen saver, did help me to memorize it, so I plan on doing that again.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”—Psalm 119:105
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