101 Devotionals for Boys from the Lives of Great Christians and 101 Devotionals for Girls from the Lives of Great Christians will both be published in 2017. We’re publishing one or two devotionals a week to give you a taste of what you’ll get in those two gift books. This one is based on a story from Lights in a Dark Place: True Stories of God at Work in Colombia (Hidden Heroes #5).
***************
One of the kidnapers, Mariano, hated Russell. Russell said, “You kidnapped me as an act of terrorism, but our loving and merciful God had a different reason. He loves you and wants me to tell you all about Him. Christianity isn’t a system like socialism or capitalism. It’s a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.”
Christianity isn’t a system. If you’ve grown up in a Christian home, it’s important to know that this doesn’t make you a Christian.
When Russell was finally able to leave, Mariano began to cry. He grabbed Russell’s hand. Then he choked out, “Forgive me for the way I treated you.”
It’s a personal relationship with God through Christ. Mariano knew that Russell’s Christianity was real. You need to have your own real relationship with God too. If you don’t, don’t call yourself a Christian. But if you don’t, you can! Call on Him today to save you and make you new, make you His.
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8
Dear God, thank You that I can truly know You, the way Russell Stendal did, and the apostle Paul. Help me to experience more of that personal relationship.
Leave a Reply