Psalm 18:19 – He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (NIV)

Romans 5:1-2 – By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us — set us right with him, make us fit for him — we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand — out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. (MSG)

Now and then, I like to visit one of the old Anglo-Irish stately homes — a big house with spacious walled-in parkland. There's a sense of ease and contentment just walking about, admiring the scenery, wondering at the wealth. Some times, I remember the sad history of such places — how this luxurious space was for the privileged few. How many suffered in poverty in squalid hovels, instead of dwelling in stately homes? For how many were the gates closed and the dogs set on anyone who dared scale the wall?

But God in Christ brings us into a spacious place where we may stand tall and shout our praise, no longer restricted, no longer excluded. Nor is it just a matter of a brief sight-seeing trip; Paul promises us "access by faith into this grace in which we now stand." (Romans 5:2b NIV) That means we have the right of living there permanently, and of course, the entrance is free.

Could we not extend the picture a little bit more to suggest that the Landlord's Son, instead of ordering the dogs to chase us out, takes us by the hand to show us personally more and more of the delights of this spacious place?

Prayer: Thank You, our Father, for righteousness, a new relationship of forgiveness, and acceptance not earned or deserved by us, but freely given through faith in Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Help us to see the wonder of peace with You through Jesus Christ. Help us to rejoice in the hope of Your glory which is for ever, and even in our troubles, which are only for a time. May we take Your Son's outstretched, nail-pierced hand, and with Him, realize more and more something new and fresh in Your wide open spaces. Amen.

May God's blessing surround you today as you trust Him and walk in His way. May His blessing within guard and keep you from sin. Go in peace, go in joy, go in love.