I was around 10 years old when I discovered “coin collecting.” I would gather up castaway soft drink bottles and cash them in at the little grocery store near my home (you paid a deposit on all soft drink bottles in those days) and then I’d go to the neighborhood bank and cash the money in for a roll(s) of nickels. I’d look through all the nickels and cull out any that were “collectable” and then cash what was left for rolls of pennies and do the same (looking for “wheat pennies”). I look back with gratitude at the patient tellers who put up with my pesterings.
Like an addict, I eventually moved to harder stuff. As a young man I would “lay-away” expensive coins and pay a little on them each week until I had paid for them; what a highlight when I “paid in full” for my coin and was allowed to take possession of it.
Eventually I gathered a modestly impressive collection. However, with the passing years, and the growing responsibilities of life my interest in coin collecting waned and I moved on to other things – things like supporting a wife and children!
Eventually I sold and cashed in most of my coins. However, I kept a few coins that were particularly valuable or which had special sentimental value to me. I keep this small collection in my safety deposit box at the bank.
Every once in a while when I have a reason to access my safety deposit box I will take a moment and look at those few remaining coins. Even to this day, there is a special feeling when I do this.
Well that is how I felt this morning in my devotion time when it came time for my Bible study. I am studying the Gospel of John this year and today’s verse was John 3:16. There was a sense of anticipation as I begin my studies; what a valuable and precious verse! It brings with it so many memories and so much encouragement.
Brothers, think about it – God loves us today. Remember the wording? “For God so loved the world…that whosoever will.” Brothers, we qualify as a “whosoever”! The tone of our prayers does not have to be one of a frighten beggar begging for a scrape of bread; when we come to God in prayer the entry point is His love for us.
My encouragement to you today is the same as every day – Pray brothers! However, I will add this…when you pray, pray boldly – your Father God loves you.
The ONE THING 