Freelance writer Lupie Riley

Thought: The word "grace" has many interpretations. It could mean something you say at the dinner table or a woman's name but none can come close to what God has ordained the word to mean. It is God's benevolence to those least deserving. That's you and me. It is God giving his greatest treasure (Jesus on the cross) for those he unconditionally loves with an immense love that cannot be measured.

The words to the song "Amazing Grace" were written by a slave trader named John Newton who converted to Christianity in his later years. He wrote these words in 1772 but they weren't put to music until 1835 by a man named William Walker.
As we study the meaning of these words and hear them in song we see that they have a sweet sound to our ears. They go on to speak of a wretch like you and me. What does it mean to be called a wretch? Webster defines it as a vile or contemptible person. The bible describes this kind of person as sinful and short on the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), a person who is in need of God's forgiveness. This can only be acquired through faith in the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. It's not something we can gain through monetary means, works or church membership. Forgiveness and eternal life can only come through faith in Jesus Christ. He enter's our life (Holy Spirit) providing strength through our hard times, purpose (His plan for us since birth), and hope for a better world to come in new bodies that will never die. All these promises are wrapped up in a package (Jesus) he offers to each and every one of us as a free gift. This is a treasure no one should refuse.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for this grace, mercy and forgiveness you offer me in Christ Jesus. Now my life has a new direction and purpose as I live it out in your will and plan. Amen

Verse: Eph. 1:6-8 "Now all praise to God for his wonderful kindness to us and his favor that he has poured out upon us, because we belong to his dearly loved Son. So overflowing is his kindness towards us that he took away all sins through the blood of his Son, by whom we are saved, and he has showered down upon us the richness of his GRACE..for how well he understands us and knows what is best for us at all times. "

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com