He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His loving kindness toward those who fear Him. – Psalm 103:10-11

I deserve a promotion and a raise. I deserve a bigger house, a new car, a new truck, more land and bigger barns. I deserve a perfect marriage and perfect kids…I deserve, I deserve.

Some time ago, I was waiting for a non-church business meeting to begin and the conversation around the table centered around what everyone felt they deserved. Someone noticed that I was not participating in the conversation and asked, “Mark, don’t you think you deserve more?” Well, they opened the door so I had to drive through it. My response was definitely not what they expected or probably even wanted to hear. I said “I am glad I do not get what I deserve.” Now the room was quiet and puzzled looks abounded. I continued, “I deserve to go to Hell, but because of God’s great love and the gift of His Son Jesus, I can spend eternity in Heaven.” Not another word was spoken and pretty quickly I was the only one left in the conference room.

The Lord’s loving kindness indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23

~ Mark Knapp – Beck’s Chaplain