From my book, Lean Into Lent, Day 12
LEAN INTO LENT DAY 12
(Ephesians 2:8-12) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the good works, which God prepared before-hand, that we should walk in them.
Other belief systems or religions expect the worshippers to approach God with their good works or alms or evidences of their purity. Our God is not like this. He calls beggars and kings, ordinary folk, in fact, all sinners (for our churches are hospitals for sinners, every one of us) to receive the best possible gift a loving God can supply, our salvation and cleansing through the sacrifice of Jesus. It is not something we earn. God is not impressed that we attend every event on the church calendar, or that we dress properly for church. He calls us as we are, without pretense, pride, or the idea we have to impress Him. It’s all about His loving gift of salvation.
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, You knew before I was born that I would be called to follow You. I thank you for the grace and mercy that wrote my name in the Lamb’s book of Life, and that You pursued me through generations of clouds of witnesses to become one of Your followers. Let me never try to impress you, but to follow in humble obedience the call You made on my life. In abundant thanksliving, may I be worthy of Your gift. Amen.
From my book, Restore My Soul Psalms: A Lenten Journey,
MY PSALM 315 PEACE
Almighty Heavenly Father
This day I praise You for giving me peace.
You have created the universe and all its intricacy
And set it into place for Your honor and glory.
You have sustained and blessed Your creation
Which nurtures and blesses us.
You have provided Your covenant of grace
Which tells us You will be our God
And we in return will be Your people.
You have given us freedom to make choices.
Sometimes we falter, but You direct our paths
When we call upon You to do so.
You provide still calm waters for us,
Places where we feel safe, secure,
Under Your watchful eye.
You show us Your tender mercies, day after day
And sometimes we fail to notice that protection.
You bring us pleasure in the simple things:
The smile of a child, the hug of a spouse,
The promise of a cheerful “Good Morning!”
The timing of unexpected blessings.
You heal our diseases, curses of the devil,
And bring us peace from suffering in due time.
You bring us hope in tomorrow,
Promises that You will be with us
Whatever we face in this life.
But most of all, You provide the assurance,
The blessed assurance
That we are Your children,
Heirs of the Kingdom
Through the love You showed
In sending Jesus Christ into our lives.
We thank You, we praise You,
We honor You, we serve You,
We bless You, we worship You,
And give You all the glory
Through Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
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