Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

This past week I was told how one political candidate for public office was asking people to make a financial gift to his campaign.

That's nothing new. Every four years we are all asked to back our favorite contenders. What was unique in this appeal is that the candidate encouraged people to skip the receiving of presents for things like birthday parties, confirmations, bar and bat mitzvahs, anniversaries, etc. "Instead of getting presents," he said, "why not ask people to take that money and give it to something which will have a lasting impact: my campaign."

It's an interesting idea.

Of course, if I wanted to give to something which would really have a long-term impact, I doubt if my cash would go to any political candidate. Candidates, programs and governments come and go. The person who is acclaimed by the masses one day is forgotten a few years later. As proof of that statement, I would ask you to name America's last 15 vice-presidents.

Do you want to give to something special -- something that will make a difference?

Then give to the cause of Christ. Give to your church or a mission program or to a Christian school or to .... The list could go on.

Give to the cause of Christ and watch the Holy Spirit take your dollars and move lost souls from hell to heaven, from damnation to salvation. It's a wondrous thing to be part of God's work.

And when it comes to long-term results? Well, what could possibly be better than going to heaven and standing before the Savior sandwiched between two souls who are there because you gave what you could?

Now before this devotion closes, I want you to know a few things I'm not trying to do. First, I'm not trying to endorse one candidate over another. Second, although I genuinely believe in Lutheran Hour Ministries' goal of bringing Christ to the nations, this is not a special fund-raising appeal.

No, this devotion is simply saying that Jesus showed us we were important by making the sacrifices necessary to save us. You and I will show what is important to us by doing the same.

So, let me ask this: what is the cause for which you are willing to sacrifice? ______________

You'll have to fill in the blank yourself.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, for Your sacrifice may I give thanks. May I offer my thanks in thought, word and deed. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Kings 19-21    Galatians 5

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