My mother gave expression to her artistic talent and faith this past year by making a gospel quilt. My wife and I became the proud recipients of this unique gift. The quilt has dozens of blocks. Each of these blocks is embroidered with scriptures and gospel sayings. I guess I can say that I literally sleep with the Word of God and that I am covered with the gospel.

Some of the messages read: “Praise God’ Jesus is the Light; Be strong in your faith so no one turns you away from the Lord; Trust in God to protect and care for you; all creation tells about God; Let God plan your life; Forgive one another; Everything we do should honor God; Those who believe are happy; Jesus comes as the lamb of God; Here I am, Lord; God wants us to seek, honor, and trust Him; Be brave, God stands by His own; Unto you is born a Savior….”

Let’s consider some lessons from mom’s gospel quilt. First – As I cover myself with this gospel quilt, it reminds me that we need to be covered with the promises of the Word of God. Trust in God’s promises and by faith claim them for yourself and your family. My mom knows from experience that the Bible is more than decoration, inspiration for art, or simply great literature. Her husband and two sons died at young ages. Through much adversity she found hope and strength by trusting in God and His eternal Word.

Second – Cover your mind and heart with the Word of God before you go to sleep every night. The Word instructs us “…be renewed in the spirit of your mind…by angry and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:23, 26). Make things right with God and man. As you meditate on God’s Word it will cleanse, renew, and guard your heart and mind. Some people cover themselves with video’s of violence and vulgarity at night and wonder why they can’t get a restful night’s sleep. Take some gos – pills and let God give you rest. (See Matthew 11:28; Philippians 4:7-9; Psalm 63:6 and 119:147.)

Third – God’s Word is the ultimate security blanket. Mom’s quilt will grow old, tattered, and will deteriorate. But God’s Word is eternal. This earth, as we know it, will one day pass away. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). You can depend on God’s Word.

Fourth – The Word of God will have no affect on your life unless you read it, obey, and live it. Jesus said, “the wise man hears the Word, and does it, he is like a wise man that build his house on a rock….” Whereas, “everyone that hears these sayings of mine and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand…. and the floods came and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:21-17).

The Bible says that if we are “hearers of the Word but not doers of it, we are deceiving ourselves. But if we continue in the Word and do it, then we are blessed” (James 1:19-25).

Fifth – Mom’s gospel quilt reminds me that the most important thing to know and experience is salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The sayings on this quilt are gospel truths. Consider some more of them: “Jesus is God’s Son; Jesus comes as the Lamb of God; Jesus died for you (Romans 5:8); The wonder of God’s forgiveness; Jesus gives living water; There is only one God and He alone saves us; The great gift of love; Jesus takes away your sin forever; Praise God for His salvation; God calls us to get rid of sin and walk with Him; Jesus is coming soon.”

Are you covered with God’s gospel quilt? (See Psalm 32:1, 2.) Let the gospel of the cross cover your sin. His gospel will convert, change, cover, comfort, and consume you with the love and joy of Christ. The good news is – you can receive the Living Word, Jesus, and live eternally.

A - Admit you have sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe in Jesus. “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)

C - Confess and leave your sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)