Summary: "I hope I didn't forget anything," Jana said as they drove to the airport. She and her brother Jed were going to spend the summer in England with their older sister and her husband who lived on a military base in that country. "Well, if you forgot something, now is the time to remember--before we get too far from home," Dad replied. "I saw you put the tickets and passports in your purse, Jana," said Mom. "You haven't taken them out at all, have you?" "Nope. They're right here." Jana patted her purse. She opened it and took out the tickets and passports. "Oh, no!" she exclaimed as she looked at them. Dad slowed down. "What's wrong?" he asked. "I have Mom's passport instead of mine," wailed Jana. "They were in the same drawer, and I picked up the wrong one." "Calm down. We have plenty of time," said Dad as he looked for a place to turn the car around. "It's a good thing you discovered it now, though. Mom's passport wouldn't get you into England." Mom looked thoughtful. "I'm going to have to tell Mrs. Lewis about this experience," she said. "Why?" Jed asked. "Is she planning an overseas trip, too?" "I don't think so, but I've had opportunities to witness to her, and she always tells me about the wonderful Christian parents she has," replied Mom. "I've told her that having Christian parents doesn't make her a Christian, but she still seems to think it does." "I see what Mom's getting at," said Jed as they headed back home. Dad nodded. "When we accept Jesus and receive God's righteousness, it's like receiving a passport to heaven. Jana can't get into England on Mom's passport, and Mrs. Lewis can't get into heaven on her parents' passports--on their salvation." "Everybody has to accept Jesus for themselves, don't they?" Jed asked. "That's right,"said Dad. He smiled. "Much as I hate to backtrack, it will be worth it if it helps Mrs. Lewis see her need of personally trusting in Jesus." "Yes!" exclaimed Jana. She grinned. "Then you can thank me for grabbing the wrong passport." How About You? Do you have your own passport to heaven? Or do you expect to get into heaven because you have Christian parents? They're a blessing, but their salvation--their trust in Jesus--will not allow you to go to heaven. You need to receive God's righteousness through faith in His Son, Jesus. Trust Him as your Savior today. It's a decision nobody can make for you. You must make it for yourself. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Today's Key Verse: Not having my own righteousness . . . but that which is through faith in Christ. (Philippians 3:9) Today's Key Thought: Salvation is a personal choice
