Glorious Grace, Unmerited Kindness, and Open Access

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So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. (Ephesians 1:6-8)

Glorious grace - unmerited, unearned, and very frequently unexpected privilege and forgiveness. We do nothing to deserve it and can do absolutely nothing to earn it. Yet, we can revel in the goodness of a God that provides a means for us to enter into close, intimate relationship with him. His kindness supersedes any earthly kindness. Earthly kindness is much more superficial, although it has great meaning, it still falls short of the kindness God extends to us through his Son, Jesus.

Along with his kindness comes wisdom and understanding. Wisdom that helps us make new, better choices. Understanding that enlightens us to the pull of sin and the weakness of our own flesh to resist it. We might not realize all the goodness God has bestowed on all who say 'yes' to his invitation to enter into his family, enjoy his presence, and feel the strength of his protection. Whenever we stop long enough to consider what DIDN'T happen in our day, we might just get a different perspective than focusing on what DID happen! His kindness and goodness probably kept us from experiencing way more stuff than we might realize!

Pray for his wisdom. Listen to gain his understanding. Celebrate his goodness in praise and worship. Enter in fully to the blessings he has prepared in advance for us to experience. This is what God intends. All manner of distractions on this earth may keep us from truly celebrating his goodness toward us, but when we make a concerted effort to 'enter in' with open hearts, he meets us there. At one time, the High Priest was the only one to experience this privilege, but now, through Christ Jesus, we ALL may enter in, humbly bow before him, and enjoy the intimacy of knowing God fully. Just sayin!

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