For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
—Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
As a child, I loved to receive gifts. In such a simple time, a gift meant I was loved. I didn't worry about the significance or hidden message in a gift. I wasn't concerned about the "strings attached" to the gift. It was just a gift — a free expression of love I didn't deserve, given to me by someone who truly cared for me. Isn't it great to get to be God's child and receive his gifts and know we can receive the gift of salvation through faith as a child — a gift given as an expression of God's great love for us — a gift we didn't deserve but freely given because of God's desire to provide it despite its cost!
Thank you, generous Father, for the gift of grace, the gift of faith, the gift of salvation, and most of all, the gift of Jesus. I can never repay these gifts, but I look forward to saying "Thank you!" I want to say "Thank you!" through now my lifestyle and "Thank you!" to you through all eternity because of your extravagant gifts. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise you. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
—Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
As a child, I loved to receive gifts. In such a simple time, a gift meant I was loved. I didn't worry about the significance or hidden message in a gift. I wasn't concerned about the "strings attached" to the gift. It was just a gift — a free expression of love I didn't deserve, given to me by someone who truly cared for me. Isn't it great to get to be God's child and receive his gifts and know we can receive the gift of salvation through faith as a child — a gift given as an expression of God's great love for us — a gift we didn't deserve but freely given because of God's desire to provide it despite its cost!
My Prayer...
Thank you, generous Father, for the gift of grace, the gift of faith, the gift of salvation, and most of all, the gift of Jesus. I can never repay these gifts, but I look forward to saying "Thank you!" I want to say "Thank you!" through now my lifestyle and "Thank you!" to you through all eternity because of your extravagant gifts. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise you. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
