As I have been thinking through different ways to make Valentine's week special, my mind keeps being drawn back to the thought of God's perfect love for us.
I may have some good qualities that draws Andrew to love me, but in the sight of God I am completely unloveable and incapable of doing anything to deserve His love. But yet, He sent Christ to take that wrath for me, that I might stand in His sight BLAMELESS.
Ephesians 2
1) And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2) in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3) among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4) But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5) even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6) and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7) so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9) not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10) For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
As we celebrate love this week, may we not forget the Lover of our Souls.
How Deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
that He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss. The Father turns His face away
as wounds which mar the Chosen One, bring many sons to glory.
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Behold the Man upon the cross, my sins upon His shoulders.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life. I know that it is finished.
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I will not boast in anything: no gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ: His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom!
(by stuart townend)
And a very big Happy 50th Birthday to my dad!
Wish we could be with you to celebrate!
