“It is God who works in you, both to will and to accomplish his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). “By the grace of God, I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15:10). “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever” (Psalm 138:8).
Heavenly Father, thank you for rescuing us from the illusion that we could work our way into your acceptance and love. Where did we ever get the notion that we control your facial expressions—smiling, frowning, scowling—based on our goodness or lack thereof? Hallelujah, the Gospel has “nuked” every notion of salvation by earning, mercy by deserving, greater love from you by our greater performing for you.
The grace and faith you give us bring Jesus’ perfect everything to our total neediness. Jesus’ work for us is finished, the Spirit’s work in us continues, and you Father, guarantee to finish the work with fullness and a flourish (Phil.1:6).
Because you “will fulfill your purpose for me” (Ps.138:8), and because there is nothing more steadfast and enduring than your love, may the rest of our days be marked by… Gratitude expressing itself in worship. Faith expressing itself in love. Grace expressing itself in kindness. Hope expressing itself in mission.
Father, this is asking a lot, but since your resources are infinite, help us be ten times more easily encouraged by the Gospel than easily offended by mere people. Shock us with how gentle, kind, resilient, and forgiving you can make us. So Very Amen.
