Reflection:  These verses (yes, they are the same as yesterday’s reading) ooze grace. Read them slowly, once, twice, and then again. What do you notice? What do they tell you about God? He is kind, loving, merciful and generous. He is a God of rescue and a giver of new life. I read these verses at least once a week. I need reminding – constant reminding – of how much God loves me.

Have you ever been given a bunch of poppies – that don’t look like poppies? Growers cut poppies before they open; they’re just a bunch of ugly pods. But if you sit and wait, you will watch a remarkable transformation take place. These pods actually pop, and out of the shell emerges a brand-new flower. I can still remember feeling like the pod and longing to become one of those flowers. That is what grace does. It transforms us, it washes us clean, it renews us from something that is ugly and unworthy into one of God’s precious, beloved children. Totally undeserved, a gift given with generosity and mercy and not because of anything we might have done to earn it.

God transforms us from a pod into a beautiful flower that is unique and precious. I am good at forgetting this remarkable truth. Let me encourage you to read through these verses slowly and remember how God has demonstrated his kindness and love to you. Remember that moment when you met Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of your life. Rest in this truth – this is who you are today and tomorrow and for all eternity.

Prayer:  Gracious loving heavenly Father, please fill my mind with the truth that I am your precious child, saved by grace through the work of Jesus Christ. Help me to see myself through your eyes and may this truth shape how I live today. Thank you for the hope of eternal life. Renew my mind and heart with your Holy Spirit and fill me with the joy of knowing that I am saved. Amen.