The best offer

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 NIV 

Like thousands of other runners across the nation yesterday, I hadn't even finished celebrating Thanksgiving with my friends and family before I began receiving ads, popups and email invitations to take advantage of Black Friday sales on everything from running shoes, hydration vests, Runner's World Subscriptions and thermal tights to Garmin watches, discounted race entry fees, and the newest treadmills. With all the retailers' promises of free shipping and discounted prices, you might have even thought that the savings seemed too good to pass up, right? But if you think those offers were great, there's another offer that makes them pale in comparison. It was the absolute best offer ever extended on a Friday, a very Good Friday. 

You see on the first Good Friday over 2,000 years ago, our Savior, Jesus Christ, died a criminal's death on a cross so that He could offer us the greatest deal of all time.... eternal life. Why? Because He loves us more than we could ever imagine. In fact, the Bible tells us that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son..." And if that wasn't amazing enough, it gets even better! You don't have to wait for a sale or a special day to receive this life-saving savings--eternal life is offered to "whoever believes in him." That means every person who accepts this offer "shall not perish but have eternal life." How's that for savings? 

Now if you're thinking this offer is too good to be true, let me assure that it's completely true my friend. There are no hidden fees and no conditions that need to be met either. Simply accept Jesus and be saved. It's a decision that will most assuredly change the rest of your life as Billy Graham so wisely knew when he said, "I have never known anyone to accept Christ’s redemption and later regret it.”

Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would send your one and only Son to die for us that we might spend eternity with You. If there is anyone reading this today that has not accepted you as their Lord and Savior, I pray today is the day they would say, "Lord, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross to save me from my sins and I accept you as Lord of my life. Forgive me for the mistakes that I've made and help me start new knowing that I can look forward to eternal life with You." It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!