“No matter how hard we try, how good we are, or how much we work, we can never measure up to the only standard that matters — the glorious perfection of Almighty God. Thankfully, God doesn’t require us to pretend to be what we are not yet — perfect, spotless, and holy. Instead, God makes us to be these by grace (Colossians 1:21-23) through the gift of his Son, who purchased our pardon and gave us his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Praise God. Praise our Savior, Jesus Christ. Now let’s live with Jesus as our Lord, not to earn or secure our salvation, but to thank God for what he has so freely given us by his grace in Jesus!”

Most precious and holy Father, all I can say to your marvelous grace is thank you! Please know that while these words of thank you are woefully inadequate, they are genuine. Dear Father, I strive to live a Christ-like life, not only to demonstrate my thanks to you for my salvation by Jesus’ blood, but because I trust in You and the Holy Spirit to guide me to build up your kingdom.  Thank you for your mercies and grace that I don’t deserve but are given to me solely out of your endless love for your children. In Jesus’ glorious name, I pray. Amen.