I’m always astonished when I hear the salaries from pro football contracts. Teams court their favorite prospects and sign them for sums of money not even fathomable to most of us. The contracts are built upon optimism - the players will perform as the scouts have anticipated, and the teams, in return, pay up. Both parties win. But ... what happens if a player is seriously injured or fails to deliver as expected? He’s out - cut or traded without realizing his big dreams or that promised salary. The bottom line is simply that when one party can’t uphold his end of the agreement, the other party is no longer bound. Seems fair enough.

So glad that God’s covenant love isn’t that fair! He promises us love and abundant life, as well as eternal life, and He asks that we obey His commandments. Despite our best efforts, we come up short and fail to keep up our end of the deal. But, instead of dismissing us or trading us to the other side, God remains steadfast in His love for us. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful...” (2 Timothy 2:13)

I’ll take that undeserved love over fair any day! This week, be thankful that God keeps His end of the deal even when we don’t, and make every effort to be more worthy of His grace.

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for growth in your desire to know and please Him. Ask Him to give you a greater love and commitment to Him. Ask Him for the grace to glorify Him in your life. Intercede on behalf of your local church, other churches, evangelism and discipleship ministries and other concerns you may have. Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have.