I know this will be a shocking revelation to most of you–but I turn “The Big 40” later this month. I know, I know…you are asking, “How can that be?” But, yes it is true.

As this milestone birthday approaches, I have been hit by an undeniable truth that has continually been going through my head the last couple of weeks:

I am nothing without the gift of grace. EVERYTHING good in my life has not been earned by me being a “good” person or by any particular act I have done. It is all a gift by the grace of Jesus Christ.

I sometimes fool myself into thinking that I have done something to have deserved the blessings in my life. But, upon further examination, I realize that my heart at its core is corrupt. I am no better than anyone else because God hates and cannot tolerate any sin. It is only through God’s grace that I am saved. It is because of what Jesus did for me on the cross that I know that my future is secure with Him. O, Father I pray that I would never forget these words of Jesus, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit–fruit that will last…” (John 15:16).

I know this about myself. I need this reminder daily. The last verse of the powerful hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” says:
“O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wonder, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.”

As I move closer to 40, this is what my thoughts are. I know we serve a Holy God who deserves our total trust and obedience. I know I fall short of this–despite my best efforts. That is why I am so thankful for His grace.

Because of His grace there is more to come…
Jeremy