Thoughts on Today's Verse...
We have no claim to bring to God that he should love us, accept us, or call us his children! We have no right to demand salvation because we earned our righteousness! We have no power within us that can secure life for us beyond the expiration of our mortal bodies! Only God's love can bring us salvation and life. Only because of God's mercy extended to us in Jesus can our sins be forgiven. Only God's loving grace can bring us salvation and genuine hope. Only God's gift of Christ can awaken us from the death-slumber of sin and death. But praise God for "his great love for us" and his desire to be "rich in mercy" to us. Because of God, we are made alive and ensured of life in glory (Colossians 4:1-3). Left breathless at God's love, there is nothing more to say than, "Hallelujah!" and "Thank you!"
My Prayer...
Your love, mercy, and grace have saved us, dear Father. What can we do but praise you? You have shown your might, holiness, and majesty in redeeming us, dear God. What can we do to repay your grace but live for you? Your patience, perseverance, and faithfulness have touched our hearts and brought us life. How can we find the words to say or actions to show how much we love you? Thank you, dear Father. Thank you for all you have done to lavish us with your love, mercy, and grace. In Jesus' name, we praise and give you thanks. Amen.
