Dear Redeeming Grace,

Last week we marveled that God does not restrain his mercy from us. This week we want celebrate that his grace overflows for us. We can meditate on that truth as we hear Paul testifying in his own words, as we did on Sunday in Acts.

As Paul opens his letter to Timothy, he recounts his own salvation once again. It's not a picture that flatters Paul, but rather celebrates God's patience and gives thanks for his grace. Listen to what Paul writes:

"I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." (1 Tim. 1:12-14 ESV)

How glorious that we could each say the same thing about God's work in our own life. We each at one time acted ignorantly in unbelief. We can fill in the blank with our own sin, but regardless of who we once were, God's grace overflowed for us! It's why we continue to follow him, love him, worship him and give him thanks.

This weekend, as we gather and celebrate 10 years of God's overflowing grace, let's join with hearts full of thankfulness to our God.