A new view on the old rugged cross

Are peace, joy, and significance on your wish list? How about redemption, forgiveness, the salvation of your soul? Each of these descriptors bring us to the main event: grace. Saving grace, God's immeasurable gift intended for all. Regardless of accomplishments or station in life, despite sins of the past, anyone can receive the free gift of grace. Yet too often we take God's incomparable gift for granted - despite the fact that God's very son paid for it with his body, breath, and blood. Understandably, we often find ourselves caught up in the daily routine of life, not taking time to reflect on the enormity of God's mercy.

So here's a suggestion: give yourself the gift of a few moments spent in the world of God's grace. Listen to Pastor Max Lucado's unique, stirring insights into God's role as grace-giver. Spend some time reflecting on the gift of grace, in all its magnificent meaning. Let grace, the gift for all people, speak to you personally. For all people - even you. God loves you more than you can imagine. Is that hard to believe? Many of us consider ourselves unworthy due to past sins and mistakes, wrong turns, and missteps, But God's gift of grace is limitless. Though we are undeserving, he offers grace. Though we are weak in our faith, he extends strength through grace. God's endless grace is a free gift. It cannot be earned. No matter who you are or what you've done, the all-powerful God waits for you to choose him, to choose life in his presence - here and in heaven.

"[God] simply wants you home with him. And to bring you home, he offers you a gift. My prayer is that through this you'll see his gift like you've never seen it. If you've already accepted it, you'll thank him again. And if you've never accepted it, you will. For it's the gift of a lifetime, a gift for all people." (Max Lucado)