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Ephesians 3:7-8a – I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me. (NIV)
One day while I was sitting in front of the fireplace, enjoying the flickering of its flames, I noticed the china dog that sat on the hearth, a gift of many years ago.
At that time, we had just moved into our home, which had what I called a real fireplace: the kind that burned real wood logs and gave off that aroma of burning wood which reminded me of a good old-fashioned campfire.
It was then that I was offered the china dog, but there was a string attached. I was told it was very old, and nothing must ever happen to it.
I had two active children. How could I guarantee that nothing would ever happen to the china dog?
With this in mind, I had to decline the offer. Much as I would have liked it, I had to say, "No thanks." I couldn't accept the terms; I could only accept the china dog with no strings attached.
When our Saviour went to the cross for us, there He suffered and died for our sin so that we might have freedom given by the grace of God, with no strings attached.
The final decree was given out to us in love — in the same way as eventually the china dog was given to sit on the hearth — with no strings attached.
Prayer: Dear Lord, we give thanks for the gift of salvation, with the realization that You ask nothing except our love to be given in exchange. We pray that we might accept Your love in faith and simply give thanks for all You have given to us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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