“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” Ephesians 2:8-9

I was born in a small farming community in Iowa inhabited by mostly German and Scandinavian descendants. I was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran Church and began attending Sunday School when I was three years old. I loved hearing the Bible stories and singing the songs although I remember my teachers as being somewhat stern. Somewhere along the way, I began to think I was not “good enough” and would never go to Heaven. My hometown church was fairly heavy on the Law and a little light on the Gospel and grace. I remember occasionally crying myself to sleep because I would never be “good enough.”

I continued to feel this way into adulthood and kept waiting for that big aha moment of being born again. I went to church regularly and tried to live a God-pleasing life. I believed in God and knew Jesus had died on the cross and rose again, but there was always that nagging feeling of not being “good enough.”

I am thankful that God brought a strong Christian man into my life. Our marriage was blessed with three wonderful children, and we have also been blessed beyond measure with a very comfortable life. But I couldn’t shake that feeling—not “good enough.”

About thirty years ago, Steve and I had the opportunity to attend Via de Cristo (Cursillo) weekends. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I finally got the message of God’s abundant grace! Grace upon grace was showered upon us! I finally understood that I am not good enough and never will be, but what Christ did for me, and all believers on the Cross changes everything!

To quote Tish Harrison Warren in her book Liturgy of the ordinary: “My works and worship don’t earn a thing. Instead they flow from God’s love, gifts, and works on my behalf. Grace is a mystery and the joyful scandal of the universe.” By His Grace I am saved, not by anything I can do except to “accept God’s love, grace and forgiveness.” [From Pastor Kris’s sermon on January 12, 2020.]I haven’t earned my way to Heaven. Christ has done that for me!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and blessings. Keep me ever mindful of the cost Christ paid for me. Help me to show your love and grace to all. Amen.