The best BLACK FRIDAY deal EVER

Today is BLACK FRIDAY, and any of us who live in the western hemisphere know what that means. It means long lines, camp outs, waiting for "door-buster" deals and that one thing our kids want for Christmas. I just read a comic on Facebook that said, "Isn't it ironic that on the day after Americans give thanks for what they already have, they spend the most money on brand new stuff?". I agree. It is Ironic. Now, I first want to say that I don't think there is anything particularly wrong with Black Friday in of itself. I work in retail (restaurant) and Black Friday is just as big for us as it is for the big box retailers. There are some very very good deals out there, and I'm all for saving a buck, doing Christmas on a budget and not borrowing for Christmas. However, just as we Americans, and for that matter, us as humans, we take anything and everything to the extreme. I've participated in Black Friday before. Some years I've gone out with my dad early in the morning, gotten some deals, then eaten lunch. One year it was the midnight of Thanksgiving, attempting to wait in line at a popular toy retailer, only to learn it was a four-hour wait to get in. It was in the 20s where I was (Chattanooga) and so I opted to return in the morning.

Four hour plus waits are a little extreme for me.

So if you're out there, fighting the crowds, rushing to the next place for the next great deal, just keep everything in perspective. Yes, you are getting great deals, and saving a buck. Know that it is just "stuff", especially when the store runs out, or someone rudely cuts you off. If you are a follower of Christ, use this opportunity to share the Hope that is within you, the reason we all rush to get these great deals on gifts. Be extra nice in an unexpected way. If there is only one of that item left, give it to the woman in line behind you. God will reward your generosity. You can NEVER outgive God. If you feel led, donate to the Salvation Army bell ringers (there are one of the few who still say "Merry Christmas" in public). Do everything this Black Friday as if you are doing it for the LORD.

If you're not a follower of Christ, or if you're not sure, I have a better deal than a $200 42" LCD TV or a $150 iPod Touch. In fact, the deal that I know about is the BEST BLACK FRIDAY DEAL EVER! are you interested?

The Bible tells us that "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). God is perfect and therefore His standards are perfect, and no matter how good we are, we will never meet His perfection. That means you and I have all done something to fall short (or sin) of God's standards. Because we are sinners, we are destined to spend eternity away from him. The Bible also tells us that "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus" (Rom 6:23). So here's where the best deal comes into play. See there is no way we could ever earn our way into God's graces, nor can we earn eternal life. Our sin, no matter how big or small, separates us from God forever. However, God has offered us a way to deal with our sin. He gave us the gift of Jesus Christ, His one and only Son. Jesus was fully man and fully God. The Bible says that Jesus lived a perfect life here on earth, but was tempted in every way we are, yet since He's also fully God, He never sinned. Because God loved you so much and wants to spend eternity with you, He allowed His only Son, Jesus to die on a cross for your sins and three days later rose Him from the dead. The Bible says that if you "Confess with your mouth Jesus is LORD and believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Rom 10:9). That means if you confess your sins to God, believe that Jesus died on the cross and that his death paid IN FULL the price for your sins, and if you verbally ask Jesus to be your Lord and to save you, that God will save you. You will then get to spend eternity with our creator. So instead of an eternity spent separate from God, you'll get to spend eternity with God in Heaven.

God offers this deal to Everyone! He isn't going to make you trust in Jesus, and He isn't going to force you to believe, but rather in His love for you, He will allow you to read posts like this. He will allow you to hear the Gospel presented at a church service, or on TV, or through a friend. He will give you every chance He can to accept this gift. However, every time you reject it, the Bible says your heart becomes a little bit harder, and therefore, you are more likely to continue to reject His gift of eternal life. But the Good News is that if you feel that tugging on your heart right now, God is calling you to receive his gift. Just like you had to receive that ticket from the clerk for that item you waited in line so long for on Black Friday, you need to receive His Gift. You may be thinking, but Karl, you don't know all the bad things I've done. You're right, I don't. But you don't know all of my bad stuff either. However, the Bible says that when we trust in Jesus, God separates us from our sin as far as the east is from the west. It doesn't matter how much or how bad or how deep your sin may be. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9). All we have to do is place our faith and trust in Him. Now THAT is a good deal! No, it's not a Good deal, it's the BEST DEAL EVER!


If after reading this, you want to receive this gift and take part in the best deal ever, confess your sin to God and pray this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe that you died on the cross as payment in full for my sins. Thank you for dying for me. I believe that God raised you from the dead. Because of that, I want to make you my Lord and my Savior. I repent of my sins and want to turn from my selfish ways. Please change my heart and be the Lord of my life. Thank you for saving me, Jesus. I love you. Amen.