Thinking back on the discussion in our Bible study group this morning, and how thankful we all are that our eternal destiny doesn't depend on what we must do or accomplish to secure a place in heaven with Father God.
We talked through the first half of Ephesians 1, about God's plan for redeeming mankind back to Himself, how He predetermined even before the foundation of the world how it would all be made possible--through Jesus Christ. It is in and through Him that we are presented "holy and blameless before Him." If I were on my own, I surely couldn't make it. None of us could.
Thankful that through Jesus Christ, God has brought me into his family. Why? "According to the kind intention of His will." He just wanted to do it! He so kindly and benevolently wants us to be brought back to Himself that He even made the way for us to come, "according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us." That thought is compelling! He lavished His grace on us. And we didn't even ask for it, and we certainly haven't deserved it.
It was so good this morning to be reminded of God's marvelous grace and love toward us all. I do hope you know that He loves you, too, and wants to bring you to Himself. Do go to Him, dear one, if you haven't already.
Painting ~ La Lecture 1892, Pierre-Auguste Renoir 1841-1919
