The bowling balls were selected, and the lanes were ready.

We had our bowling shoes on and the scorecard set up. My grandson picked up his ball and threw it down the lane. It rode the gutter all the way down and missed the mark. None of us are good bowlers, but we always have fun laughing with each other. At times, some of the pins fall, and occasionally when the ball hits the right mark, one of us makes a strike. Still, we are happy just hanging out together, two teenagers and two Grammys enjoying the day.

For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.

~Romans 3:23 NIV

According to God’s word we have all missed the mark. In Romans, Paul says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV). He also writes, “As it is written there is none righteous, not even one” (Romans 10:13 NIV). By accepting the gift offered to us, we can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Romans 6:23 reveals that the gift of salvation is available to everyone who will receive it. Our part is simple–we need to accept the gift. Paul continues, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NIV).

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

Romans 10:9-10 reads, “That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.” God is a good and gracious Father who waits for us to turn to Him and receive this precious gift. No one who calls upon the name of Jesus is turned away. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”(Romans 10:13 NIV).

That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

~Romans 10:9-10 NIV

I enjoy the time I have with my grandsons. Even more, I cherish my walk with the Lord, knowing that when I do miss the mark and sin, I can confess my sin because “He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

Friend, Jesus Christ died on Calvary’s cross and paid the penalty of sin for you and for me. He rose from the dead, victorious over death, hell, and the grave. He is coming again to take us to live in heaven with Him. We need only accept the gift of salvation God offers us, and we are His. God made the way through His Son, but we are the ones who need to make the step to accept God’s gift.

When I accepted God’s gift of salvation, this was the best decision I’d ever made. It will be yours too. Let Him come into your heart today.

Have you received the gift of salvation?

Father God, thank You that You love me and desire that I spend eternity with You. Thank You for making the way simple. I make the decision this moment to accept Your gift of salvation that You provided through Your Son’s sacrificial love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: On the Mark: Glenda Shouse: All Rights Reserved