Tag Archives: God’s grace and mercy

S.A.N.S. Episode 187: Wonderful Thing

Bret and Diana Pemelton formed Dream of Eden in Nashville, Tennessee. To a certain extent, Dream of Eden followed the mold set by Out of the Grey. While the Pemelton’s hasn’t had the national success of Out of the Grey, they have still produced albums that have touched my heart. Today’s featured song Wonderful Thing is also the first song on their album with the same name.

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us, Romans 5:8.

The lyrics of Wonderful Thing are inspired by the love of Jesus. Knowing that Jesus was willing to lay down his life for sinners is a wonderful thing. While John 3:16-17 gets more recognition, Paul’s words in the passage above display God’s grace and mercy. While Dream of Eden’s pop and soft rock isn’t for everyone, I hope you enjoy Wonderful Thing.

by Jay Mankus

Prayers that Please God

If you admire, are fond of someone or respect them, a common response is to please these people.  Teenagers tend to court the opposite sex, trying to curry favor or earn another date.  Students will stick up for or go the extra mile for their favorite coach or teacher.  If this is true, why can’t adults begin to study prayers which please God.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 1 Timothy 2:3.

According to the apostle Paul, one such prayer involves leaders and those in authority.  Beyond lifting specific names up to the Lord, content should include godliness. holiness and peace.  However, once you leave this outline, its important to keep in step with the Holy Spirit.  Usually, I find myself drawn to passages in the Bible.  As individuals begin to claim God’s promises, power is unleashed and on occasion prayers are answered instantaneously.

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit, Galatians 5:25.

For those who need an aid to prayer, several acronyms exist.  PRAY stands for petition, requests, adoration and yourself.  ACTS refers to asking, confession, thanksgiving and supplication.  Whatever you choose, try to find a quiet place, void of distractions.  From here, open your heart, be honest to God and lean on God’s grace and mercy.  As you develop a daily routine, may you begin to verbalize prayers that please God.

by Jay Mankus