When General Ulysses S. Grant lay dying, he called for his pastor. As his pastor stood by his bedside Grant asked, “Tell me, will God receive me?”

“Yes,” he replied, “for the Lord said, ‘him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’”

General Grant, at that moment came to the Lord. The pastor, both amazed and grateful for this startling conversation said, “God’s Kingdom had just gained a great man!”

Quietly, but with great sincerity and dignity Grant said, “God does not need great men, but great men need God.”

General Grant put things in the proper perspective. It is not uncommon for those who achieve status and power, prestige and importance to believe that God needs their help. We hear much about the résumés and financial statements of prominent people. We offer our respect and esteem to those who move across the world’s stage attempting to control world events. We speak of their efforts and accomplishments as though they keep the planet in orbit and from spinning out of control. But in the final analysis they still need God’s grace, mercy and salvation as we do.

God without man is still God. But man without God is nothing and is condemned to spend eternity in hell.

Prayer: Father, we thank You with grateful hearts for Your salvation through Jesus Christ, Your Son. May we recognize Your Lordship and serve You with gladness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.

It was the final game of the season. The team that won would receive the victor’s trophy for the season. But the star running back broke the team curfew and was benched – unable to play.

It was a difficult game and the team fell behind. However, the students began to rally support for the benched player and started to chant, "We want Roger! We want Roger!"

Looking at the benched player, the coach motioned to him. He jumped up and said, "I'm ready Coach, I'm ready!"

"Great," said the coach. "Go up into the stands. They want you more than I do."

Jesus said, "Those who come to me I will never reject." This verse should give us an assurance of how welcome we are to enter into the presence of God.

It does not matter where we have been or what we have done, none of our behaviors or beliefs will cause Him to reject us. His arms are open, His voice is calling and His invitation is to "whosoever will."

Our coming to Christ is never conditioned by who we are but who He is and what He has done.

Prayer: We thank You, Father, that Your grace, mercy and salvation are extended to those who hear Your voice and accept Your invitation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.