“Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead—and all the brothers and sisters with me, To the churches: … Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father…

I want you to KNOW brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:1-4,11,12 (NIV)

“The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are Spirit and Life.”  John 6:3 (NIV)

Dearest Savior, 

Paul’s experience is our own. We who hope in You for salvation have met You on the road to somewhere else, in search of something else. You put Yourself in our path knocking aside every feeble effort to earn the Gift You freely offered. You, Alone, opened our eyes to see Who You are! No mortal person can redeem a soul. Only You! And You did. 

You died to give eternal life. You offer this Gift of Forgiveness up close and personal. You attend each re-birth as if we were the only one. We are not randomly falling off some conveyer belt from the lost box into the found box! No, never! You chose us. You sought us. You hand-picked us. You quickened us and we were blinded by the Light of Your glory, but seeing for the first time! 

Savior, we will not be counted among those who “persecute” You by not believing You. Your death is our death to our former way of life. All You have asked is that we “take the cup of Salvation and call upon Your Name!” (Psalm 116:13) I take it. I call. Yours is the most Beautiful Name I know, my Jesus! 

In Your Name Forever 

Photo credit: Anelale Nájera, https://unsplash.com/photos/WkkQBSw8Vsw