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Bible Verse for Bonus Day: God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all Romans 8:32).

When I decided to propose to Ruthie, I first searched my heart for a way to show her the depth of my love. I wanted a ring, but not just any ring. It had to be one that meant something.

At that time my prized possession was my Kawasaki motorcycle, a black and silver beauty with a full windjammer and a stereo that piped music into my helmet as I rode. I loved that bike! But Ruthie didn't. She thought motorcycles were dangerous, loud, and uncomfortable, so she never rode with me.

Somehow a near-lunatic thought came to mind. Maybe I should sell my motorcycle and use the money to buy Ruthie a ring. In my personal paradigm as a free-spirited road warrior, following through on such a thought was unthinkable. Yet I couldn't help myself. It was the one sacrificial act I could muster to show her the depth and breadth of my love. I sold my bike and bought Ruthie a ring.

What did the great Romancer do when He wanted to present us with a token of his love and commitment? He made a sacrifice so great, so grand, so unfathomable, so "other than" anything you and I could possibly imagine that it left an indelible mark in eternity. God could make no greater sacrifice for us. And no token other than a Ring of Thorns, carries more value and significance.

—Frank Martin in Furious Pursuit

Thought to Apply: God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame. —Elizabeth Barrett Browning (English poet)

Adapted from Furious Pursuit (WaterBrook, 2006) by permission.

Copyright © 2007 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Lord, this week enlarge my comprehension of, and appreciation for, Your self-giving love.

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