EVER BEEN CONNED?

       Have you ever been “conned,” swindled by someone, and it cost you lots of money? I once sent funds through Western Union to buy a laptop. Money and laptop were both gone!

        George C. Parker was an American con man best known for his successful attempts to “sell” the Brooklyn Bridge. For awhile he made his living conducting illegal sales of property he didn’t own, such as Grant’s Tomb, Madison Square Garden and the Statue of Liberty. 
        Parker sold them to unwary immigrants saying they could have control to collect entrance fees or tolls. Parker “sold” the Brooklyn Bridge several times until he was finally convicted of fraud and sentenced to life in prison.

         Some people have tried to prove that Jesus was a con man, fooling people for the past twenty centuries. But He had nothing to gain from it. For all He did, Jesus received nothing for Himself except crucifixion. 

        But we did. Isaiah says, “He was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; His chastisement brought us peace, and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) Jesus’ work on earth gave Him death, but it gave eternal life to all who believe in Him.

        God doesn’t con people. He doesn’t have to, because what He gives us can be gotten from no one else. Jesus gives eternal life with God for all who trust Him. That’s a gift we can count on!

Lord Jesus, help us trust You for all that is good.

Rev.Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

PEOPLE ARE ALL DIFFERENT!

(Taken from my newest devotional, EVERY DAY WITH JESUS, coming this summer)

        God loves all people, but it’s not always easy for us to love each other. Differing opinions, personalities and even appearances may make us think less of others. We must learn to look past our pride to see the value of all God’s people.

        I was in the WalMart store on a Friday afternoon. Being the end of the week and the end of the month, this normally busy store was packed. Checkout lines were long, carts hard to find, children were fussing and tempers were getting short. Knowing checkout would take awhile, I took my place in line and spent my time watching the people around me. 

        They were all different, those in front of me, on the side, and those behind. Whether old or young, tall or short, heavy or thin, well dressed or sloppy, pretty or plain, no one looked the same. All were different. No two were alike.

        It occurred to me that God loves all these people, myself included. No matter who they are or where, God loves all people of the world, all seven billion of us! How can He do it? Jesus said, “God even knows the number of hairs of your head.” (Matthew 10:30 PBV) 

        But how? How can He hear our prayers, help us with our needs, or put up with those who ignore Him? Jesus assures us, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but shall have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Amazing!

        I have no idea how God can love all these people. I couldn’t do it, but He can. How can we not praise Him for His great mercy? Next time you’re waiting in line, look at the people around you. God loves them, too, with an everlasting love.

Lord, help us love people with Your love. 

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

BEING A DETERMINED PERSON

        A television news report on the problems refugees face told of a family hoping to return to their war-town country. The ten year-old daughter was featured who showed a determination rarely seen in one so young. She said, “When we go back, I’m going to visit my neighbors, and I’m going to play with my friends. My father says we don’t have a house there any more, but I told him, we will find one and fix it up to live in.”

        Some might think the girl is living a fantasy, and perhaps she is. But she had a goal, to return to her country and make a home there again. There is a place for determination and tenacity. When our faith is rooted in Jesus Christ and His love for us, we can do amazing things.
        Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi were widows living in Moab, Ruth's country. When Naomi decided  to go back to Judea, she told her daughters-in-law to remain in Moab and find new husbands. Orpah, Naomi’s other daughter-in-law, stayed behind, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi. She said, “Don’t ask me to leave you. Where you go, I will go, and I will live with you and your people.” (Ruth 1:16 PBV)
        Naomi was also a determined woman. Back home in Bethlehem, she told Ruth to find a relative named Boaz and glean grain in his field so they’d have food. Ruth did that and God blessed Ruth and Naomi when Ruth become Boaz’ wife. Their descendants include King David and Jesus of Nazareth. When we trust in our Lord, even the most difficult situations can become a blessing.

Thank You, God, for giving hope to Your people.
Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com

RESURRECTION CHANGES EVERYTHING!

      An agnostic and a Christian were debating the central Christian belief that Jesus actually arose from the dead. As their debate drew to a close, the agnostic gave a lengthy summary of reasons he believed proved his case. He ended, “So, you can see Jesus could not have come back to life after being dead more than two days.”

      Rather than presenting a lengthy refutation, the Christian simply asked, “What if you are wrong? What if Jesus really did come back to life? What then?” The agnostic hesitated and said, “Well, I guess that changes everything!” How true! The resurrection does change everything! It proves Jesus is who He said He was.

      To some doubters in Corinth, Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins…and we are of all people are to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, so by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-2

       The resurrection changes everything. After contradicting both Jewish leaders and Pilate, Jesus had signed his own death warrant on the cross. But His resurrection changed everything.

        If you’ve ever wondered about the resurrection, consider how Jesus’ returning to life has changed humanity, history, and even yourself. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Lord, help us know that Your resurrection is true.

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com