Grace

Today I would like to say a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Your gifts make this ministry possible!

There is an old story about a man who dies and goes to heaven. St. Peter meets him at the Pearly Gates and says, “Here’s how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in.” Okay, ” the man says, “I was married to the same women for 50 years and I was faithful all my life.” That’s wonderful,” says St. Peter, “that’s worth three points.” Three points?”

The man continued, “Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.” Terrific!” say’s St. Peter. “That’s certainly worth a point.” “One point? Well, I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.” “Fantastic, that’s good for two more points.” “Only two points!” the man cried out, “At this rate, the only way to get into heaven is by the grace of God!” St. Peter smiled. “There’s your 100 points! Come on in!”

The truth is we can’t earn the gift of salvation. The gift is free and it is called grace.

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Let us pray: We are so grateful, Loving God, for your grace. And we give you thanks that despite our failures, despite our shortcomings – you love us still. Empower us to live in response to that grace by serving you and those you love; through Jesus Christ. Amen.