“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord...” Romans 6:23
March 18, 2024 - When I was twelve years old, I bought my first watch at the L.C. Smith Hardware Store in my hometown of Center, Texas. It cost me $2.95, my pay for picking cotton the previous day. It was a Westclox Scotty, had a stainless steel case, a small inset second hand and was exactly like my Father’s. I couldn't wait to take it to school and show it to everyone. It was my most valuable possession. It mysteriously disappeared one day and I never found it.
When I was 14 years old, I wandered into a tent revival in Center, Texas and heard the gospel for the first time. I received salvation that night by repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Laughing and crying with joy, I ran home to tell Mother and couldn't wait to tell all my friends. The next day I went to Barney Bridges and returned the fifty cents I'd stolen from his café while washing dishes there.
Salvation is my most valuable possession. I love showing it to people and never go anywhere without it. And because of God’s grace…
… I will never lose it.
