Jul 29, 2009 10:45 PM GMT
Giving 100%
In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. - Ephesians 1:7-8
“Today, he gave 110%. He left it all out on the field. What a phenomenal effort!”
“My mom put 150% into taking care of us. She lived for us and loved us with everything she had!”
Those are understandable and very complimentary comments, but they don’t quite make sense, do they? He might have tried very, very hard, but no matter how much energy and determination he put into his athletic endeavors it could not exceed what he was capable of giving. Mom cannot give more than 100%. However, if she did give herself to you 100%, she is an awesome mother!
God demands 100% love and service from us. But, no matter how much you and I love God, we cannot give him 100% service and devotion. We may love him very much and try to serve him throughout our days, but we still fall short of 100% perfect love and service. We sin – in thoughts, words, and actions.
How much of God’s love do we want and need? As sinners, we need a lot! “Give us all of it! Pile God’s love on us because we need it.” And, that’s what God does. He gives us 100% of what we need – his grace and mercy.
Did you notice how God tells you how he gives his love to you? In the passage above, God promises that in Christ God redeems you (buys you back and makes you his own dear child); God forgives you for Jesus’ sake; God pours the riches of his grace on you. Through faith in Jesus and what he did for you, you are 100% forgiven, 100% God’s child, and 100% doused in God’s grace.
100% - that’s a percentage you can trust. It comes from your gracious and loving God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and grace. I am a sinner who constantly needs your forgiveness and grace. Thank you for forgiving me for the sake of Jesus. Thank you for making me your child. Amen.
In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. - Ephesians 1:7-8
“Today, he gave 110%. He left it all out on the field. What a phenomenal effort!”
“My mom put 150% into taking care of us. She lived for us and loved us with everything she had!”
Those are understandable and very complimentary comments, but they don’t quite make sense, do they? He might have tried very, very hard, but no matter how much energy and determination he put into his athletic endeavors it could not exceed what he was capable of giving. Mom cannot give more than 100%. However, if she did give herself to you 100%, she is an awesome mother!
God demands 100% love and service from us. But, no matter how much you and I love God, we cannot give him 100% service and devotion. We may love him very much and try to serve him throughout our days, but we still fall short of 100% perfect love and service. We sin – in thoughts, words, and actions.
How much of God’s love do we want and need? As sinners, we need a lot! “Give us all of it! Pile God’s love on us because we need it.” And, that’s what God does. He gives us 100% of what we need – his grace and mercy.
Did you notice how God tells you how he gives his love to you? In the passage above, God promises that in Christ God redeems you (buys you back and makes you his own dear child); God forgives you for Jesus’ sake; God pours the riches of his grace on you. Through faith in Jesus and what he did for you, you are 100% forgiven, 100% God’s child, and 100% doused in God’s grace.
100% - that’s a percentage you can trust. It comes from your gracious and loving God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and grace. I am a sinner who constantly needs your forgiveness and grace. Thank you for forgiving me for the sake of Jesus. Thank you for making me your child. Amen.
