As the old song says, we have a great friend in Jesus. Following in his way, we know deep joy, new challenges, and intimate companionship.
And there is more. In these next moments of quiet contemplation, open your heart and your imagination to learn about all you receive as God's beloved child.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Ephesians 1:7-10
Christ has lavished his grace upon me. He does not just give me a little grace, but gives me grace in abundance. He poured out his blood to redeem me from the life of sin I would be living without his amazing love. He did not do that for himself. He did it for me. I am so blessed to be part of Christ’s inheritance. When God gathers me home to live in heaven, I will be there with all those who have experienced God’s overflowing love and grace.
God loves me. I do not know why. I did nothing to deserve it. Yet that is the way it is with God’s love and grace. They are the riches today’s passage mentions. God’s grace is worth more than all the diamonds in the world. I am rich when I remember that Christ has not only saved me by grace, but God’s will has been revealed to me. God has made it possible for me – and for you – to understand the mystery of God’s will through Christ. How wonderful!
Deborah Hurd
Loving God, your grace has made me acceptable. Help me not deny the person that you created me to be. Help me to see myself as your loved child, just the way you see me. Amen.
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
Colossians 1:11-12