What really matters - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:23

What really matters
On a train journey a preacher became engaged in a conversation with another passenger. He told him about Jesus Christ, who died for sinful people, so that they might obtain the forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. His conversation partner was of the opinion that God would grant him a place in heaven on the strength of his impeccable character and exemplary life. The Christian tried to convince him that everyone has sinned and thus barred the way to God, but in vain.

Then the ticket inspector entered the compartment and requested the passengers to produce their tickets. The preacher's conversation partner took his ticket out of his pocket and handed it to the inspector, who examined it, returned it and proceeded to the next passenger.

The preacher took advantage opf the opportunity: "Your ticket was all that interested the inspector. He didn't inquire about your character or how you lead your life. It was simply a matter of having a valid ticket.

"That is the situation with redemption, too. We need a valid ticket for heaven. We cannot get it by any means of our own. It is given us by Jesus Christ, when we open our hearts to Him, believing that He died on the cross to cancel our sins. Only if we are redeemed by His precious blood shall we be pronounced righteous and find acceptance with God."

Today's reading: Jeremiah 5:1-31 · Luke 20:20-40