“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:19-21 (NIV)

Dear Jesus, Great Savior,

You did not die for nothing! You died for me. Hear how gratefully my heart claims Your Gift! You are my Good News in my fallen world. For unto me, You were born; my Savior, my Christ, my Lord! 

You took my condemnation. My sin put You on the cross but Your love held You there until it was finished! You drank the bitter cup to the dregs for me— willingly! 

I, with my sin, was judged in Your flesh. And my new life was birthed from Your pierced side just as surely as Eve was taken out of Adam’s side. 

I live by faith in all You did and do for me. I boast in Your sacrificial Love. I lay aside my self-willed life under the law that I could not keep, in order to live by Your grace. 

Let grace— this wondrous unmerited favor, fill my thoughts, words and deeds. Reveal my new life. I wish it were still in a garden.  So, until it is again, I choose to bloom where You have placed me— right here next to Your side! Jesus, I do love You.

In Your Name Forever

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