Daily Devotional for Sunday December 22, 2013

There is Nothing as Basic or Powerful as the Truth that Jesus Loves You

(John 15:9)

***ASK BILL: Pastor Bill, when a Bible Study is planned to be held in a bar and have a drink of beer, wine, or other form of alcohol, during the study, is it a way of reaching out to the un-churched, especially the younger kids, college age ?? I have been given the argument, when I disagree, that Jesus served wine at the banquet feast, so what is wrong where we meet, if we are learning about God's word and is taught by our Pastor? Is this considered Evangelism? So far, those who have attended the 2 meetings they have had, are people who attend church and are not of college age. Most are retired. I am confused!

ANSWER: Nobody is for reaching people where they live than I am. However, there does have to be a line drawn. Having a Bible Study inside of a bar that is open and operating as a bar is like having a Bible Study inside of an x-rated bookstore! I have done TONS of evangelistic outreaches around bars...but OUTSIDE...trying to reach those going in and coming out. I don't think there is anything wrong if an individual, or group, goes into a bar (not drinking), to engage the patrons. However, the people who own/run the bar will toss you out in a few minutes so you won't accomplish anything. Also, in settings like this, people are NOT there to hear about the Lord or the Bible. What you are trying to accomplish is planting seeds and giving them something to think about. I get the plan of your pastor, but it is a flawed plan. He will accomplish more handing out tracts to people going in, coming out.

In the course of dealing with all of the pressing issues in our world and lives each day, there are some days when the most powerful word I can sow into your life is the most basic. There is nothing as basic, or as powerful, as the truth that Jesus loves you.

Please stop whatever you are doing, and concentrate for the next 4-5 minutes on these brief but powerful words. At first, it may sound like something you would hear in an elementary Sunday School class, but in reality, it is the most simple truth there is that we often lose sight of and forget. Take the next few moments and mediate on the FACT that Jesus loves YOU!!!

Jesus loves you!!!! Many times we get to a point in our life where we feel like no one really cares about us or really loves us. I want to assure you this morning, that Jesus loves you more than you can ever know. Because He came to this earth and walked where we walk each day, He understands the problems and difficulties of our daily lives.

That is one reason why our prayers have so much meaning. Jesus understands what it is like to have a sick friend. He understands what it is like to have people we love in trouble. He understands when your lives are in a mess. Jesus knows, He understands, He cares, and most of all, He loves you unconditionally!

I pray today, that you dwell on and come to the realization just how much Jesus loves you and cares about you. Sometimes, just comprehending this simple truth can make all the difference in our life. In the complexities of our life, we often need to get back to basic truths to maintain our focus. Nothing is more basic, more real, than the love Jesus has for you.

As you go thru this day and deal with the problems of life we all face, keep in the front of your mind the love Jesus has for you. Let that knowledge give you hope in the hard times, and peace in those times where things are going OK. As you make those daily decisions, remember Jesus loves you. You can reciprocate that love by doing those things which will be pleasing to Him. Remembering His love for us, wanting to please Him, helps us to make the right decisions throughout the day.

I love you and care about you so much. I am grateful for each one of you and your concern for others. Keep this ministry in your prayers as we tell people worldwide each day just how much Jesus loves them. Thank you for helping spread the word about this great oasis of hope called Liveprayer. You are very special to me, but more important, you are very special to Jesus. Remember this simple but powerful word today, JESUS LOVES YOU!!!

In His love and service, Your friend and brother in Christ,

Bill Keller