"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Saturday, September 2, 2023 - Day 245 - (Today’s Bible readings: Esther 9; Psalm 61; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28)
WRAPPED UP IN GRACE
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 ESV)
Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians the same way he began it, making this epistle “wrapped up in grace.”
“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1 ESV)
What follows in between the first and last verses, is the good news of God’s undeserved blessings (grace) bestowed upon sinners like you and me.
1. By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless;
My soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why stagger at this word of promise?
Hath Scripture ever falsehood taught?
No! Then this word must true remain;
By grace you too will life obtain.
3. By grace God's Son, our only Savior,
Came down to earth to bear our sin.
Was it because of thine own merit
That Jesus died your soul to win?
No, it was grace, and grace alone,
That brought Him from His heav'nly throne.
(“By Graced I’m Saved,” Lutheran Service Book #566)
Lord God heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me, even though I do not deserve such divine kindness. Please continue to keep me wrapped up in Your grace and mercy for the rest of my life. In Jesus' saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
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