"His Best"

Dad was never very patient,

And always on the run,

When we were workin’ cattle,

It was hard to make it fun.

But you know I still enjoyed it,

‘Cause to make a cowboy hand,

You had to learn the business,

And always show you can.

So I grew up with that ethic,

And a wantin’ hard to please,

But Dad, he couldn’t show it,

Though the moment I would seize.

Then I came to the Father,

Through Jesus Christ the Son,

And my ethic carried over,

Into my Christian run.

And I was tryin’ hard to please Him,

And do all that I could,

Just to hear Him say He liked it,

Always hoping that He would.

I thought I’ll do this better,

Than most who really try,

I’ll win the Lord’s approval,

It was really do or die.

But finally I realized,

There was nothing I could earn,

His grace is freely given,

I had a lot to learn.

Nothing I could ever do,

Would make Him love me more,

And nothing that I left undone,

Would take away my score.

The grace is so amazing,

It flows in spite of me,

It comes without condition,

Exceptional and free.

So get to know the Father,

His love will give you rest,

And you don’t have to earn it,

His highest and His best.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, “ (Ephesians 1:7, NAS)

Our redemption and the ongoing redemptive work in our lives is in no way based upon our performance. It is, rather, based entirely upon the grace of God. This favor is unearned and unmerited, given freely as a gift based on Jesus’ sacrifice. We need only respond in humble faith, which positions us to receive what God so generously offers. Our obedience springs out of the God-given desire to cooperate with the One who has been so incredibly gracious to us. When we cooperate His grace flows freely through us to others.

Lord, help us understand Your grace, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.