This is Max Lakato. We are poor. Spiritually for sure, monetarily perhaps, we buried our dreams,

desires, and aspirations, like the mother with lupus or the businessman in the unemployment line,

we're out of options. Yet Christ approached us. While we were yet sinners, will you cover us,

we asked him, and grace smiled. He gave us grace, not just mercy, will you cover us, we asked him. And Grace smiled.

He gave us grace.

Not just mercy, mind you, but grace.

Grace goes beyond mercy.

Mercy gave the prodigal son a second chance, but grace threw him a party.

Mercy prompted the Samaritan to bandage the wounds of the victim,

but Grace prompted him to leave his credit card as payment

for the victim's care. Mercy forgave the thief on the cross. Grace escorted him into paradise.

Mercy pardons us. Grace woos and weds us. Grace does this. Grace does this. Grace does. Grace is God

walking into your world with a sparkle in his eye and an offer that's hard to resist.

This is Max Lakato.