Three Angels Broadcasting Network devotionals.
The Watch.
By J.D. Quinn
May 19th, 2026
“Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
It was 1955, nearing the end of the “Seven Year Drought.” No crops in the fields and the wallets of Texas farmers and ranchers were as skinny as the livestock. Mama had a special ability to make life enjoyable, so we kids didn’t understand how desperate times were.
My twelfth birthday was approaching. I had been dropping hints about what I hoped to receive for my gift.
“Mama, did you know all my friends have a Timex watch?”
“Mama, did you know the Timex slogan is, ‘It takes a licking and keeps on ticking’? That’s a very good watch for a boy, huh?”
“Mama, since my birthday is just four days before Christmas, you can combine my presents and just give me one.”
I held out little hope. Each year—since my birthday was so close to the holidays—I was told I’d just get something extra special for Christmas. It never seemed to materialize.
Christmas morning, we all picked out our present from under the tree. Mine was the right shape, alright. Could it be? Our custom was to open one present at a time. Since I was the oldest, I had to wait for my sister and brother to go first. Restraint was in order.
My turn. Finally! I tore through the wrapping paper and saw the box with that word I was looking for—Timex. Hopping up from my chair, I jumped around, hollering, “Thank you, thank you!”
It was too good to be true. I put my new watch on and proudly announced the time at every fifteen-minute interval throughout the day. It stayed on my wrist when I went to bed that night.
Neighbors came knocking early the next morning to report a local family lost everything Christmas night in a house fire. The townspeople were gathering items to supply their basic needs. Mama started a box with food, kitchen utensils, a blanket, clothes, and toiletries.
“Is there anything you children want to add to this box?” Mama asked, further suggesting, “We want to dig deep into our hearts and be generous. It is more blessed to give than receive.”
Surveying my room to determine my sacrifice, I saw the box my new Timex treasure had come in. An overwhelming impression hit me. Unclasping my watch, I boxed it and handed it to Mom.
“Their son would be happy to receive this,” I said with a lump in my throat. Mama’s face lit up with a look of approval, and suddenly I experienced the joy of giving.
The story of my generosity made the rounds in the local beauty parlor. Several days later, my grandmother arrived with a special-delivery package from one of her friends. It was for me, and to my surprise, it was a Bulova—a more expensive watch than the one I gave away.
Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” You can’t out-give God. But—hey—who’s trying?
The Watch.
By J.D. Quinn
May 19th, 2026
“Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
It was 1955, nearing the end of the “Seven Year Drought.” No crops in the fields and the wallets of Texas farmers and ranchers were as skinny as the livestock. Mama had a special ability to make life enjoyable, so we kids didn’t understand how desperate times were.
My twelfth birthday was approaching. I had been dropping hints about what I hoped to receive for my gift.
“Mama, did you know all my friends have a Timex watch?”
“Mama, did you know the Timex slogan is, ‘It takes a licking and keeps on ticking’? That’s a very good watch for a boy, huh?”
“Mama, since my birthday is just four days before Christmas, you can combine my presents and just give me one.”
I held out little hope. Each year—since my birthday was so close to the holidays—I was told I’d just get something extra special for Christmas. It never seemed to materialize.
Christmas morning, we all picked out our present from under the tree. Mine was the right shape, alright. Could it be? Our custom was to open one present at a time. Since I was the oldest, I had to wait for my sister and brother to go first. Restraint was in order.
My turn. Finally! I tore through the wrapping paper and saw the box with that word I was looking for—Timex. Hopping up from my chair, I jumped around, hollering, “Thank you, thank you!”
It was too good to be true. I put my new watch on and proudly announced the time at every fifteen-minute interval throughout the day. It stayed on my wrist when I went to bed that night.
Neighbors came knocking early the next morning to report a local family lost everything Christmas night in a house fire. The townspeople were gathering items to supply their basic needs. Mama started a box with food, kitchen utensils, a blanket, clothes, and toiletries.
“Is there anything you children want to add to this box?” Mama asked, further suggesting, “We want to dig deep into our hearts and be generous. It is more blessed to give than receive.”
Surveying my room to determine my sacrifice, I saw the box my new Timex treasure had come in. An overwhelming impression hit me. Unclasping my watch, I boxed it and handed it to Mom.
“Their son would be happy to receive this,” I said with a lump in my throat. Mama’s face lit up with a look of approval, and suddenly I experienced the joy of giving.
The story of my generosity made the rounds in the local beauty parlor. Several days later, my grandmother arrived with a special-delivery package from one of her friends. It was for me, and to my surprise, it was a Bulova—a more expensive watch than the one I gave away.
Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” You can’t out-give God. But—hey—who’s trying?
Three Angels Broadcasting Network devotionals.
The Watch.
By J.D. Quinn
May 19th, 2026
“Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8
It was 1955, nearing the end of the “Seven Year Drought.” No crops in the fields and the wallets of Texas farmers and ranchers were as skinny as the livestock. Mama had a special ability to make life enjoyable, so we kids didn’t understand how desperate times were.
My twelfth birthday was approaching. I had been dropping hints about what I hoped to receive for my gift.
“Mama, did you know all my friends have a Timex watch?”
“Mama, did you know the Timex slogan is, ‘It takes a licking and keeps on ticking’? That’s a very good watch for a boy, huh?”
“Mama, since my birthday is just four days before Christmas, you can combine my presents and just give me one.”
I held out little hope. Each year—since my birthday was so close to the holidays—I was told I’d just get something extra special for Christmas. It never seemed to materialize.
Christmas morning, we all picked out our present from under the tree. Mine was the right shape, alright. Could it be? Our custom was to open one present at a time. Since I was the oldest, I had to wait for my sister and brother to go first. Restraint was in order.
My turn. Finally! I tore through the wrapping paper and saw the box with that word I was looking for—Timex. Hopping up from my chair, I jumped around, hollering, “Thank you, thank you!”
It was too good to be true. I put my new watch on and proudly announced the time at every fifteen-minute interval throughout the day. It stayed on my wrist when I went to bed that night.
Neighbors came knocking early the next morning to report a local family lost everything Christmas night in a house fire. The townspeople were gathering items to supply their basic needs. Mama started a box with food, kitchen utensils, a blanket, clothes, and toiletries.
“Is there anything you children want to add to this box?” Mama asked, further suggesting, “We want to dig deep into our hearts and be generous. It is more blessed to give than receive.”
Surveying my room to determine my sacrifice, I saw the box my new Timex treasure had come in. An overwhelming impression hit me. Unclasping my watch, I boxed it and handed it to Mom.
“Their son would be happy to receive this,” I said with a lump in my throat. Mama’s face lit up with a look of approval, and suddenly I experienced the joy of giving.
The story of my generosity made the rounds in the local beauty parlor. Several days later, my grandmother arrived with a special-delivery package from one of her friends. It was for me, and to my surprise, it was a Bulova—a more expensive watch than the one I gave away.
Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” You can’t out-give God. But—hey—who’s trying?
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