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But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.—Acts 20:24 (KJV)Thoughts on Today's Verse...How important is grace? Paul said that sharing the good news of God's grace was more important to him than his life! In fact, that was his life after his conversion to Jesus. The wonderful thing for Paul is that he aligned his life's mission to be an expression of God's grace. That's why he could tell the Philippians: I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:20-21).The challenge for us is to find out where we fit in God's story of unfolding grace and live into that role as our life's mission. We don't have to be a missionary, preacher, pastor, or evangelist to have such a mission. God longs for each of us to see living for him and sharing his mercy, grace, and love in Jesus as essential - as our life. No matter what we do to earn a living, lead a family, live as a single for Jesus, or influence others as a teen, God has a mission for us in who we are and where he has placed us. In whatever place we find ourselves, let's live as Jesus' salt and light in a world of decay and darkness so that others can discover grace and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).My Prayer...Almighty God, thank you for your lavish grace, demonstrated and fully expressed in sending Jesus to save us and give meaning to our lives. As your children, and in thanks for your sacrificial gift, we pledge to you our lives, our love, and our all. We ask for the Holy Spirit's help to know and complete the mission you have for each of us. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.