Christian Reflection and Prayer

4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness
and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous
things we had done, but because of his mercy. He
washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new
life through the Holy Spirit.[a] 6 He generously poured
out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
7 Because of his grace he declared us righteous and
gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”
(Titus 3: 4-7)

Reflection:

On New Year's Day many of us make resolutions about
what we will or won't do in 2014.  We set out to accomplish
new goals or name aspirations in life we are committed
to.  Yet months, weeks, days,and sometimes hours  later we
find ourselves losing hope and giving in.  The doughnut
looks to good to pass up, or it's just a little white lie.
When we feel guilty sometimes we give up altogether.
That's why this passages has been one of my favorite
passages for many years. It doesn't matter how badly
we mess up;  God Saved Us.  He saved us because of
His own mercy, not because of anything we have done
or any promises we've made.  Salvation is completely
dependent on God's own mercy.  Sadly many of us
try to please God on our own strength and we fail.
GOD HAS GIVEN US EVERYTHING WE NEED,
including the ability to live righteous lives.  The only
reason we are able to do anything well is because
of God's mercy.  Will your new year's resolution be
based on your ability or utter dependence on God?

Prayer:

During this new year I commit myself dependent on
You and not giving up even when I fall.  Your mercy
never fails and your love endures forever.  AMEN

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

(The Covenant Home Alter, author Jeremy Bower)