Okay…so I’m not a hymn person. There are some I like: “How Great Thou Art.” “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” “When I Survey…” But for the most part I’m not fond of them. So I was surprised as I read through the hymn in today’s devotion. True, it is more modern (2012) but the words rung out in my heart.

“No list of sins I have not done, no list of virtues I pursue, no list of those I am not like can earn myself a place with you…My only hope of righteousness is not in me, but only you.”

“No separation from the world, no work I do, no gift I give can cleanse my conscience, cleanse my hands, I cannot cause my soul to live. But Jesus died and rose again. The power of death is overthrown! My God is merciful to me and merciful in Christ alone.”

That hymn is describing my utter inability to bring anything before God to commend myself. He is describing grace. He is describing mercy. May I never forget that. That was the point of this devotion. Not forgetting. And the role corporate worship plays in helping me not forget.

“Father, such grace! Such mercy! Oh, may I never forget what a sacrifice you made to express that grace and mercy. Whether corporately or individually may I never forget.”

Words from “Not In Me” by Schumacher and Ward @2012