Ephesians 2:4-8
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Have you ever seen the movie "Old Yeller". Of course you have! Everyone's seen that movie. I love Ollis, the baby brother. He is one tough kid. Remember when old Yeller came running through the garden chasing the rabbit? Travis was being dragged behind the mule and plow? That was the first time he laid eyes on the old yellow dog. Then later Ollis tells how he needs him a good hunting dog.
The movie progresses and the dog has now eaten their meat that was hanging outside overnight. Well Ollis comes outside and finds Travis about to warp the dog with a stick. Remember how Ollis picks up a stick and fights Travis back? Mom comes outside and asks whose dog it is and Ollis says these words, "He's my dog and there ain't nobody gonna try an hurt em'". Travis says, "He's just an old ugly yeller dog". But Ollis says, "He's a Purdy Yeller dog".
Think of what we looked like to our God when we came to Him in our sins. We were filthy and nasty. We were in darkness and disgusting sin. Nothing but an old ugly sinner. Satan even said, "Look at them, they will never be any count, they will never fully serve you, they will never be anything but an old, ugly sinner". It excites me to know that's when Jesus spoke up and says, "They're not an ugly old sinner, but they are a Purdy Child of God. And there ain't nobody gonna try and hurt em'". Praise The Lord!
I'm so thankful that we serve a God that sees what we could be if we would just surrender our lives unto Him. We can never be what He sees unless we surrender. You sure are Purdy!
