Made Special

Made Special

Ephesians 3: ⁷ I was made a servant of the gospel by God's special gift, which he gave me through the working of his power. ⁸ I am less than the least of all God's people; yet God gave me this privilege of taking to the Gentiles the Good News about the infinite riches of Christ, ⁹ and of making all people see how God's secret plan is to be put into effect.

 

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Doing an assessment of my skills, looks and accomplishments when I was insecure made me feel like I was not going to get anywhere soon. I saw people reach heights and overcome hurdles, yet I felt I had done nothing and was headed nowhere.

 

• I felt like I was insignificant.
• I compared myself to other people and felt bad about what I had done.
• I thought I was not special and had no gifts or talents.

 

Saul was zealous about GOD. He persecuted those who were not following the rules to the letter. He was given permission to have people killed. GOD called Saul to preach about the love of JESUS, and renamed him Paul, who wrote this letter. He stopped persecuting the church, lost his worldly title, became insignificant to humans and became special to GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees me when humans do not.
• GOD made me special to reach those HE wants me to reach.
• GOD wants me to see that being HIS servant is a privilege.

 

Standing firm on the belief of JESUS can make anyone feel insignificant. I mean, the world praises celebrities, politicians, rich and powerful people. It sometimes seems like those who follow JESUS are the opposite of famous people. BUT GOD sees different.

 

When one person believes in JESUS there is incredible rejoicing in heaven! To the world, this seems insignificant, but to GOD, this means everything. HE stores up treasures in heaven for those who use their special gift to make people see HIS secret plan put into effect. I gladly use my gifts and talents to serve GOD by the working of HIS power.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the maturity of the writer?
• Why do you think he calls it a privilege to take the Good News to the Gentiles?
• If you feel less than special, will you stop looking at yourself and look at GOD’s incredible power and simply point one person to the infinite riches of CHRIST today?

 

Restored After the Stew

Restored After the Stew

Ephesians 3: For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles, pray to God. ² Surely you have heard that God in his grace has given me this work to do for your good. ³ God revealed his secret plan and made it known to me. (I have written briefly about this, ⁴ and if you will read what I have written, you can learn about my understanding of the secret of Christ.) ⁵ In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. ⁶ The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.

 

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Standing on the sideline, I waited to be picked to be on one of the teams. I was not athletically inclined, so my draft pick was extremely low. I was finally chosen, but did not get a chance to play that time, but when I did, I actually got on base!

 

• At one time I felt left out.
• When I was chosen I still felt like I did not belong.
• When I participated, I did not know I could actually contribute.

 

Paul goes to enormous lengths to explain the Gentiles have a part in GOD’s promise. For centuries, the Gentiles heard of the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and “Jacob”, (the swindler who tricked his brother Esau out of his birthright for some stew). While Esau was careless, he did not know he would be the father of a group of people who were left out of the Promise.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my mistakes and forgive me anyway.
• GOD wants me to be part of HIS family, even though I do not deserve it.
• GOD wants me to actively participate as much as those who are gifted.

 

Some people who follow JESUS can be intense or even a bit intimidating. I mean, he may give more or she may serve more or someone else may not sin as much. BUT GOD doesn’t look at the score when it comes to HIS Promise. HE wants all of HIS children back, period.

 

HE chose a group to spread HIS Gospel, and they held it to themselves. HE then allowed HIS SON to fulfil the Gospel and they killed HIM. HE raised JESUS from the dead and gave HIS promise to the descendants of Jacob and Esau. He restored the Gentiles without having them need to follow all the rules. I am glad JESUS was raised from the dead for me.

 

Challenge

• Can you feel the passion of the writer over those who were at once left out?
• Have you ever felt left out or less than another person?
• Will you accept JESUS as your Savior and be a part of a family who HE care for and guides daily, in spite of flaws?

 

Being Built Together

Being Built Together

Ephesians 2: ¹⁹ So then, you Gentiles are not foreigners or strangers any longer; you are now citizens together with God's people and members of the family of God. ²⁰ You, too, are built upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, the cornerstone being Christ Jesus himself. ²¹ He is the one who holds the whole building together and makes it grow into a sacred temple dedicated to the Lord. ²² In union with him you too are being built together with all the others into a place where God lives through his Spirit.

 

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As I read the instructions, I noticed I was missing some crucial parts. I was putting together some furniture and did not check to see if all the parts were there. I assumed they would send everything. I had to stop working, go to the store and get a bag of crucial parts that would be used to hold everything together.

 

• I could not finish building without these parts.
• The parts I was missing were easily overlooked.
• The parts, by themselves, seemed unimportant but were truly necessary.

 

“You are members of GOD’s family” is what Paul tries to implore on everyone he is writing to. He gives an analogy of something important for life, namely shelter. The stronger the building, the more desirable the shelter became. People marvel over tall buildings so Paul also explains that JESUS is the most important part of the strong foundation.

 

My Observations

• GOD seems me as important, even though I, alone, do not feel I am very much.
• GOD sees the big picture of which I have a small, yet important role.
• GOD wants me and others to be in union with JESUS so HE can build HIS kingdom and dwell with all of HIS children.

 

Somehow GOD wants to reclaim all HIS lost children to build a supernatural place where HE will live. A building humans built cannot contain HIM, so HE needs the hearts of those who believe to be emptied out so HE can fit inside. HE chose one group of people to spread the message of HIS SON, but unfortunately, they turned against HIM and murdered JESUS, thinking they were doing the right thing.

 

BUT GOD had this in HIS plan and JESUS was raised from the dead. HE now holds the building together and needs each person to believe so HE can put him or her in a special place HE needs. I am glad I am in the family and will do my part to hold it together.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer uses an analogy of a building?
• Do you ever feel insignificant or overwhelmed, thinking you have to do GOD’s job but are failing?
• Can you accept that you are being built to do something special?
• Will you know you are important to GOD and are needed to do only your part so HE can hold the “whole building together” with your help today?

United Races

United Races

Ephesians 2: ¹⁶ By his death on the cross Christ destroyed their enmity; by means of the cross he united both races into one body and brought them back to God. ¹⁷ So Christ came and preached the Good News of peace to all—to you Gentiles, who were far away from God, and to the Jews, who were near to him. ¹⁸ It is through Christ that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, are able to come in the one Spirit into the presence of the Father.

 

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A slush-ball with a rock in it hit the car window as we passed by. I was in the back seat and could feel the tension as we drove through a neighborhood that was of a different race. Another incident happened as we were biking in a community of another race, I got kicked off my bike. I got back on and we were chased with racial slurs flung heavily at us.

 

• I did not know who I could trust in other races.
• I thought other races were against me because of my race.
• I could only see division as the answer, so I shrunk back into my own community.

 

JESUS did something amazing that Paul wrote about. HE died on the cross and was raised from the dead. This miracle enabled all who believed, to become part of GOD’s family. HE destroyed the wall that was between the two races and unified all to come into one SPIRIT.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s desire is unity.
• GOD wants me to align with HIS desire regardless of past hurts.
• GOD wants me to see that JESUS is the only answer to unity.

 

Bowing to JESUS means I do not want to steal HIM to show I am part of a superior race. I mean, I have been all over the world and saw JESUS represented in the race of that country. We argue over who is superior or who wronged who the longest. Meanwhile, GOD sees all races as HIS children and simply wants someone to step up and do the same.

 

GOD wants more than one race saved and no race is superior than another. The excuse of not believing in JESUS because HE is of a certain race is false. HE died for all races and lives for all. No human is without sin but JESUS. I am glad HE cares for me and all races.

 

Challenge

• Want enmity is the writer speaking of?
• Does it seem like the racial divide is getting larger?
• Will you align to GOD’s desire and seek unity on a small scale by simply praying for one another today?

 

Broken, Abolished and United

Broken, Abolished and United

Ephesians 2: ¹⁴ For Christ himself has brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people. With his own body he broke down the wall that separated them and kept them enemies. ¹⁵ He abolished the Jewish Law with its commandments and rules, in order to create out of the two races one new people in union with himself, in this way making peace. 

 

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“Give me that” the teacher said to us. We were fighting over a certain toy. I said it was mine because I saw it first. She said it was hers because she always played with it. Both arguments were sound, but flawed.

 

• I wanted to win the argument.
• I wanted to get my way.
• I wanted to be the one with favor so I presented “my” case so I could get “my” way.

 

Paul continues speaking about racism and classism. Church leaders were using the Law as a means to keep people separated. The outcasts and those who were not born into a certain race, developed their own communities where they could be accepted. Nothing was working. Hatred abounded. BUT GOD did something about it.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to have peace so HE broke down the rules that cause any separation from HIM or HIS children.
• GOD wants me to belong to the entire family rather than dividing into factions.
• GOD wants me to receive HIS peace by understanding HIS desire for unification.

 

“CHRIST HIMSELF brought us peace by making Jews and Gentiles one people. “ HE does not condone favoritism, nor is one race higher than another. HE sees the efforts of each human trying to reign superiority over one another, so HE came up with a plan. HE took the thing they were fighting over away and told all humans to reconcile.

 

Unfortunately we have a sin nature that blinds us to unity. We settle for a smaller group that accepts our sin rather than trying to bring all people back to GOD in union with CHRIST. HE made us special to reach a specific group. I am grateful JESUS accepted me into HIS family and gives me peace.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer’s appeal about racism?
• Have you ever experienced racism. classism, sexism, ageism or something else that separates you from being united in CHRIST?
• Will you break down the barriers, abolish whatever rule you may hold onto and point people to the one true answer, namely JESUS?

Proximity

Proximity

Ephesians 2: ¹¹ You Gentiles by birth—called “the uncircumcised” by the Jews, who call themselves the circumcised (which refers to what men do to their bodies)—remember what you were in the past. ¹² At that time you were apart from Christ. You were foreigners and did not belong to God's chosen people. You had no part in the covenants, which were based on God's promises to his people, and you lived in this world without hope and without God. ¹³ But now, in union with Christ Jesus you, who used to be far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

 

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Feeling “far away” made me not try in many instances. I remember being excited about being in a contest, but when I saw the winner, I gave up. “I will never be able to measure up to that” I said to myself.

 

• I felt so far away from perfection.
• I felt so far away from reaching any expectation people had of me.
• I felt so far away from where “successful” people were.

 

Classism and racism were prevalent amongst the church leaders. Paul explains that the church leaders placed labels on the Gentiles, flaunting their superiority of being “chosen.” They made a point to show just how far away the Gentiles were from GOD. BUT GOD took care of that.

 

My Observations

• GOD wanted to be close to me so HE allowed JESUS to die for me.
• JESUS was raised from the dead and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me.
• The HOLY SPIRIT pleads on my behalf, guides me to comfort and brings me hope in hopeless situations.

 

JESUS brought me close to HIM by uniting with me and I with HIM. HE took away my sins so there would be no barrier between us. HE declared me clean and to keep me clean, placed HIS SPIRIT inside me. Whenever I sin, HE looks at my heart and sees the HOLY SPIRIT who has already asked for forgiveness for me.

 

The FATHER removes my sins as far as the east is from the west. HE does the same for those who believe in HIS SON. HE cannot get any closer than living inside me, so HE is never far away. HE promised to never leave me nor forsake me. I am glad HE chose to be close to me.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer imply about racism or classism?
• Have you ever been labeled so you can be excluded from a group?
• Have you ever felt far away from GOD?
• Will you listen to the truth that GOD loves you so much that HE is willing to live inside you and never leave you and is going through what you are going through with you today?

Made for This

Made for This

Ephesians 2: ⁶ In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. ⁷ He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. ^8-9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. ¹⁰ God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.

 

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“Come on in!” a greeter said to us. It was our first time packing food for a well known group who provides hunger relief. She seemed to be perfect at making us feel welcome. The people who served there were also great at what they were doing. Our trainer was patient with all of our questions. He helped out as we worked through the day.

 

• It seemed like each person was made for what they were doing.
• I could see the excitement in their heart by their actions and their words.
• They seemed like they were at peace with what he or she was doing.

 

Paul introduces us to the sovereignty of GOD. He explains that we were made by GOD for a “life of good deeds.” This is a strange thought, because some of the church leaders presented GOD as something or someone who serves us and gives us stuff. Paul also addresses the source of true grace.

 

My Observations

• GOD has prepared good deeds HE wants me to do.
• GOD made me to be in union with CHRIST JESUS.
• GOD gave me grace before I chose HIM, so I cannot give myself credit for HIS love.

 

Any good deed deserves thankfulness, but it really should go to GOD. I mean, HIS gracious gift of JESUS is the only action that makes us do what is good and pleasing to HIM. GOD showed HIS extraordinary greatness by reaching down and picking all of us up through faith in JESUS.

 

HE saw the calamity I was headed for and rescued me from myself. He then planned a life of good deeds I can do for others so they may see HIS great grace. I gladly accept HIS plan for me in service to others.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about your efforts?
• Have you ever wanted to hear “thank you” from people?
• Will you give GOD thanks for making you the way you are and for giving you “good deeds” for you to do, to draw people back to HIM through the love of JESUS today?

Raised From The Dead

Raised From The Dead

Ephesians 2: ⁴ But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, ⁵ that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved.

 

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When I think of something that is dead, I see that it can no longer do anything it was meant to do. A dead plant cannot produce fruit. A dead battery cannot produce power. But what about a dead human?

 

• There were times when I thought I was not useful.
• There were times when I thought GOD was tired of me or ready to punish me.
• There were times when I thought I was dead to GOD because I sinned one time too many.

 

GOD’s mercy, love and grace are mentioned here by Paul. These overlooked items show that it was all GOD who did the saving and nothing humans could do to provoke HIM towards or away from HIS plan.

 

My Observations

• We were dead and could not produce fruit, BUT GOD saved us anyway.
• We were dead and were powerless to make an appeal to GOD to show how “good” we have been, yet HE brought us to life with CHRIST.
• We were dead and had nothing to give, nothing to offer and nothing to show, yet GOD’s grace saved us anyway.

 

Looking at our own power is problematic. I mean when I think I am doing well I may be doing extremely poorly in GOD’s eyes. When I think someone else is not doing well, he or she may be chosen by GOD in the middle of their sins.

 

GOD wants me to accept HIS mercy which is more than any sin I could do. HE also wants me to know HE loves me dearly and gave HIS only SON for me. HE sees my disobedience and still says “You are valuable to me” and shows me HIS grace. I am glad HE cares for all of us and I give my life to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What part do humans play in this verse?
• Can you feel GOD’s love in these words?
• Will you accept GOD’s love for you and know it is not your power that saved you rather it was HIS grace that is sufficient for you today?

Another Way

Another Way

Ephesians 2: In the past you were spiritually dead because of your disobedience and sins. ² At that time you followed the world's evil way; you obeyed the ruler of the spiritual powers in space, the spirit who now controls the people who disobey God. ³ Actually all of us were like them and lived according to our natural desires, doing whatever suited the wishes of our own bodies and minds. In our natural condition we, like everyone else, were destined to suffer God's anger.

 

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Growing up obeying the rules, I decided to step away from them to see what would happen. When I did not get struck with a bolt of lightning or get swallowed up by a fiery pit, I said to myself, “Maybe I can try more things that the rules say I shouldn’t.” When I found myself in deep trouble, I wondered how I got there.

 

• I was in a bad place with no hope.
• I felt I did not have a way out.
• I thought I was a disappointment to GOD and even HE would not help me.

 

Paul describes a progression towards a state of being that provides life. He spoke of a time in which the spiritual powers blinded people into following ways that would lead to GOD’s anger. Everyone suffered the natural condition. It seemed hopeless. BUT GOD had another way.

 

My Observations

• JESUS saw I could never achieve HIS required state of perfection so HE died for me.
• JESUS is GOD who became a human for me, was murdered by HIS creation and was raised from the dead, just for me.
• JESUS gave me another way that provides hope and a future.

 

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.”  GOD loved everyone enough to gave a gift. It is up to me to accept HIS gift and live inside of HIS path. Unfortunately there is an adversary who wants me to doubt GOD or blame HIM or question HIS authority or ways.

 

I then say things like “Why does GOD do…?” and “If GOD is so loving then why…?” I then question other people’s walk with JESUS and eventually my own. BUT GOD wants me to have a solid relationship with HIM. HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to dwell inside me and guide me to places of peace in stormy times. I am grateful GOD cares for me and I do not have to worry.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer is mentioning “the past?”
• Do you see there is an alternative?
• Will you seek a life that provides hope by asking GOD to handle all of your difficulties today?

Above All

Above All

Ephesians 1:  ²¹ Christ rules there above all heavenly rulers, authorities, powers, and lords; he has a title superior to all titles of authority in this world and in the next. ²² God put all things under Christ's feet and gave him to the church as supreme Lord over all things. ²³ The church is Christ's body, the completion of him who himself completes all things everywhere.

 

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Above all seems unfathomable. Above every situation, every trial, above every thing that seems to go right or wrong? Yes. Above it all!

 

This weekend we celebrate the resurrection of JESUS who is GOD who became a human to allow HIMSELF to be murdered for the sins of the world. HE was raised by the SPIRIT and the FATHER placed all things under HIM.

 

HE now holds every situation, past, present and future. All hurts and celebrations belongs to HIM. All things are complete.

 

Enjoy this weekend of worshipping our LORD and Savior JESUS, who is the CHRIST!

Called to Hope

Called to Hope

Ephesians 1: ¹⁸ I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, ¹⁹ and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰ which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world. 

 

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Needing cash, I thought of a plan. I would buy a lottery ticket, win and all my troubles would be over. I bought one ticket and waited for the weekly numbers to be announced. All of the numbers I selected were either one number higher or lower than the chosen. What are the odds?

 

• I had lost hope and wanted a quick fix.
• I prayed over the lottery ticket and did not win.
• I was reminded that my hope should be greater than money.

 

Paul writes a request to the LORD on behalf of the people . He wants everyone to have their mind opened by the HOLY SPIRIT to be enlightened to the “hope” GOD has called us to.

 

My Observations

• GOD’s hope is far greater than me being rich and powerful.
• Spreading GOD’s hope is valuable to HIM.
• Believing in JESUS gives me access to the same power that raised HIM from the dead.

 

Hope can be fleeting when placed in money, jobs, people or something other than GOD. I mean, even when I get money or a job or a group of people, all of these things change and sometimes have issues. BUT GOD is still there.

 

GOD is far greater than coping or getting a few dollars. HE has promises that can never be taken away. HIS power is unmatched and blessings are rich. HE opens the eyes to those who believe, so they may see HIS light and hope HE has called them to. I am grateful for HIS power and place my hope in HIM.

 

Challenge

• What things is the writer asking for?
• Have you ever lost your hope?
• Will you know that it is alright to acknowledge how hurt you have been and ask GOD to open your eyes to HIS rich and wonderful blessings for you that are far greater than anything the world has to offer?

Alignment

Alignment

Ephesians 1: ¹⁵ For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers ¹⁷ and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him.

 

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Complaints about the preaching became the norm for me. I went to sleep on one set of sermons and others I tried to escape by being “busy” during the discourse. And what was it with the uniforms people wore? And why don’t they update the music?  And why was church service so long? And…

 

• I was blind to what people were doing for GOD.
• I could not value how people were serving GOD because I was too busy complaining.
• I saw myself as being right and “they” were serving GOD wrong because “I” did not hear what I wanted to hear.

 

Paul compliments the people on their faith in JESUS. He heard about their faith and had to do something special. He gave thanks. He also asked GOD for them to receive wisdom as given only by the HOLY SPIRIT. Paul aligned to GOD’s will.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to seek and admire those who put their faith in JESUS.
• GOD wants me to value what people are doing for HIM and give thanks for them by remembering them in prayer.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to provide wisdom from the HOLY SPIRIT so they may know HIM.

 

Recognizing other people is important to GOD. I mean, seeing what people ”are” doing for HIM rather than harboring a complaint is wonderful to HIM. Unfortunately, I look at things from my selfish perspective and wonder what is in this for me? GOD sees my complaint and knows my justification attempts for acting foul.

 

HE forgives me, opens my eyes to HIS servants and cleans my heart to see HE has a multitude of servants who love HIM. HE wants me to see that HE has placed many people around the world who show love for all HIS people. I give thanks for those who serve GOD because of their faith in JESUS and I align to GOD’s will.

 

Challenge

• What is the writers heart for the people?
• Are there people you can think of who have been faithful and could use your prayers?
• Will you take a moment and remember those who serve GOD and ask that HE provide the HOLY SPIRIT to open eyes and reveal who HE is today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, thank YOU for this reader. Thank YOU for his or her faith in YOUR SON, JESUS. Please open our eyes and reveal who YOU are today. amen

Assurance

Assurance

Ephesians 1: ¹³ And you also became God's people when you heard the true message, the Good News that brought you salvation. You believed in Christ, and God put his stamp of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit he had promised. ¹⁴ The Spirit is the guarantee that we shall receive what God has promised his people, and this assures us that God will give complete freedom to those who are his. Let us praise his glory!

 

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Startled by a loud noise I ran to my parents. I clung onto the leg of one then the other. After investigation, they said to me calmly, “There is nothing to worry about.” It took a little while, but I could go on playing.

 

• I get startled by troubles.
• I get shaken up by bad news.
• I get scared, worried and doubtful when things seem to be going “wrong.”

 

After facing major difficulties, Paul sensed the people needed a word of encouragement. He had face major opposition from the church leaders, regarding following GOD. The murderers of JESUS led the church, making people fear for their lives. Assurance was needed.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to have peace.
• GOD wants me to know the truth.
• GOD wants me to praise HIS glory for setting me free.

 

Heard. Believed. Received. This three-step process gives me assurance that the promises of GOD are sealed up for me. I can do as I please. BUT GOD reigns me in because HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me to guide me away from things that may harm me.

 

I would choose the wrong path all the time. But the HOLY SPIRIT whispers, “Forgive” and “Love those who hate you” and “Serve ‘that’ person.” Recognizing that I am GOD’s possession, I surrender to the SPIRIT. I am glad I can have assurance in all of HIS promises for me!

 

Challenge

• Have you ever questioned GOD’s existence or why JESUS had to die or some other doubt about HIM?
• Have you also feared something or worried?
• How do you feel when you read the writer’s words?
• Will you rest assured that GOD loves you dearly and has a great plan for you, full of HIS promises that completely give you freedom today?

According to Plan

According to Plan

Ephesians 1: ¹¹ All things are done according to God's plan and decision; and God chose us to be his own people in union with Christ because of his own purpose, based on what he had decided from the very beginning. ¹² Let us, then, who were the first to hope in Christ, praise God's glory!

 

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Not getting the job I really, really wanted felt bad at the time. But looking back, I am glad I did not get the position because I probably would not be writing this note today. In fact, as I review the disappointments in life, I can see how I was protected from myself.

 

• I have been disappointed.
• I have felt dejected.
• I have had moments where I had lost hope.

 

Encouragement was the thing Paul felt the people needed. He had been through a lot and knew those who follow JESUS would face some difficulties. He let’s everyone know that GOD did the choosing, so we must praise HIM because we now have hope.

 

My Observations

• GOD had a plan that included choosing me.
• GOD made a way back to HIM when I chose JESUS.
• I can praise GOD because my hope is in JESUS.

 

Things may not go according to my plan, but they will always go according to GOD’s plan. The things I feel are terrible and sometimes destructive, raise up people who believe strongly in JESUS. When CHRIST was born, the king at that time had all children killed off so he could remain in power.

 

Wars, famine and disease plague the planet, yet there are those who bow their knees to GOD, praising JESUS for their salvation. All these things are according to HIS plan which cannot fail. HE chose us and allowed HIS SON to be our Savior. I gladly praise HIM for HIS decision.

 

Challenge

• What “things” is the writer speaking of?
• Do you think that life should only have “good” moments because you believe in JESUS?
• Will you be encouraged that HE loves you, especially through your trials, and has a wonderful plan for you today?

 

Healing Brokenness Plan

Healing Brokenness Plan

Ephesians 1: In all his wisdom and insight ⁹ God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. ¹⁰ This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.

 

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Plans are wonderful to me! I love getting a plan from people who have been where I am trying to go. I can get the steps, follow them and celebrate when I make it to the destination.

 

• Plans make it easier for me to keep going when things seem to be going wrong.
• I feel more confident when I am following a plan.
• Some of the steps of many plans did not make sense until the entire plan unfolded.

 

Paul talks about GOD’s “secret plan.” He explains that one part of the plan as been revealed to humanity, namely JESUS died for the sins of the world. What looked like a FATHER punishing HIS SON for being perfect turned out to be only part of the story. The true plan was to “bring all creation together”  with CHRIST as head.

 

My Observations

• GOD saw my brokenness and decided to do something about it.
• JESUS volunteered HIS life to heal me forever.
• All of creation waits on the rest of GOD’s plan which includes placing everything under JESUS.

 

This plan is amazing! I mean, it shows unimaginable love for a creation who turns its back to the creator at a moment’s notice. GOD could not depend on our faith, so HE devised a plan to redeem broken, lost humans through JESUS. JESUS volunteered to lose everything and in the process, gained everything.

 

One part of the plan is still in motion. One day JESUS will return and everything that is broken will be healed under HIM. All questions about “Why did GOD do this in the first place?” will be answered. Until then, I gladly accept the incredible love HE has shown for me.

 

Challenge

• Does the plan the writer speaks of, make you nervous or excited?
• What part of your actions do you see in this plan?
• If you are trying too hard to please GOD, will you accept that HIS plan includes your life and will not fail, because HE has already given everything to JESUS whom you believe in?

Predetermined Love

Predetermined Love

Ephesians 1: Because of his love ⁵ God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his children—this was his pleasure and purpose. ⁶ Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! ⁷ For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, ⁸ which he gave to us in such large measure!

 

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Living in an unforgiving world is sometimes difficult. My mistakes are placed in front of me and I place their mistakes in front of them. Mistakes were made all over. This sometimes makes me question if I am truly forgiven.

 

• I sometimes doubt GOD’s love so I try to control my actions to prevent more trials.
• I sometimes think my actions are greater than GOD’s, so I attempt to do “right” so HE will answer my prayers favorably.
• I sometimes question GOD’s love when I and others are met with trouble.

 

Paul is given some powerful words by GOD. He explains that it was GOD who decided to accept HIS SON’s proposal to save all of humanity. JESUS voluntarily stepped up and gave HIS life for all who would accept HIS gift. GOD decided this would serve HIS purpose of loving redemption, well. HE lost everything to save us.

 

My Observations

• It was not my actions that made GOD love me, rather HE loved me first.
• GOD saw all my sins and decided to save me anyway.
• My entire existence needs to praise GOD because of the incredible amount of grace HE has shown me.

 

It is impossible for me to mess up when I was chosen before I was born. I mean, GOD decided HE would make it easy for me to have a loving relationship with HIM by giving me a gift that is accessible to everyone. Unfortunately there is a war inside me and everyone, that fights against this precious gift.

 

Satan tainted all of humanity, causing each and every one of us to desire to be GOD. Our sin nature wants to be in “control” versus accepting the love GOD has poured out in large measure. BUT GOD did something extra. When I surrendered my life to JESUS, HE gave me the HOLY SPIRIT to fight that battle for me. I am eternally grateful for GOD’s great grace!

 

Challenge

• What actions do you see in this passage of scripture and who did them?
• Do you believe that all your sins are forgiven or just the ones you stopped doing?
• Have you ever felt that GOD is judging you versus loving you?
• Will you stop believing the lie about GOD’s love for you and believe HE loves you dearly and has given you a gift you can freely accept, namely JESUS who died for you and is alive today?

Nothing Held Back

Nothing Held Back

Ephesians 1: ³ Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. ⁴ Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him.

 

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Searching for some relaxation, I pursued life’s pleasures. I was now out of “the house” and on my own. Parties were fun, sex was fun and waking up in the middle of the afternoon was fun. But life had a way of returning. Sometimes life came back faster and harder than I wanted.

 

• I had a misconception of heaven.
• I thought I could find a bit of perfection here on Earth.
• I wanted relief from life so I indulged in the world’s ideas of what a “blessed” life is.

 

Paul clears up a misconception of being able to find heaven on earth. He also gives everyone who believes in JESUS some relief that their sins are forgiven and we are declared “holy” and “without fault.”

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to focus on HIS tremendous blessings HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to know JESUS and for JESUS to know me so I can receive spiritual blessings.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE chose me to be with JESUS before HE made me.

 

Spiritual blessings are hard to imagine. I mean, I am so immersed in what the world dictates as “blessed.” Whether it is the lust for money, power or pleasure, life has a way of clouding my vision of what true blessings really are.

 

When I turn to the world, I tend to get mad at GOD for not “blessing” me enough. I look at bills, or people’s actions, or where I am in life and question GOD. BUT GOD took care of my doubts, fears and lusts. HE gave me a wonderful gift, namely JESUS and now I have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world I can get. I thank GOD for the many blessings HE poured out on me.

 

Challenge

• Where is the writer’s focus?
• Is it possible we may have a misconception of what heaven is?
• Will you give GOD the FATHER your thankfulness today for having chosen you and for giving you HIS all?

Hope for the Best

Hope for the Best

Ephesians 1: From Paul, who by God's will is an apostle of Christ Jesus—

To God's people in Ephesus, who are faithful in their life in union with Christ Jesus:

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Distracted, I answered “Fine” to the greeter’s greeting. I believe he said “Hello! How are you?” and I did not want to disclose that everything was on fire in my life at that time, so I responded simple.

 

• I had been through a lot.
• I was tired of problems, but that was all that was on my mind.
• I was walking around on auto-pilot, functioning versus thriving.

 

Paul opens up with a very warm greeting. He mentions how faithful this group had been in their union with CHRIST JESUS. He then wishes everyone the best by hoping GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST provide grace and peace.

 

My Observations

• When life gets hard it is nice to hear the hope of GOD.
• I enjoy when someone gives me a greeting of grace and peace.
• GOD wants me to spread HIS grace and peace to as many as I can.

 

Recognizing that people may have been through something comes from going through something. I mean, the trials and troubles of the world shape me so I can empathize with others who may be going through similar battles. When I say “I hope for GOD to give you the best”, he or she may feel what I am going through and know I really mean it.

 

Giving people hope is necessary these days. Many have lost hope and need a simple greeting. My hope for you is that GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST give you grace and peace.

 

Challenge

• What do you feel when you read the writer’s opening?
• Have you been faithful to GOD, yet are facing many trials?
• Will you know you are not alone and accept this statement of hope for the best GOD can offer you today which is HIS grace and peace through the trial?

Scars of Life

 

Scars of Life

Galatians 6: ¹⁷ To conclude: let no one give me any more trouble, because the scars I have on my body show that I am the slave of Jesus.

 

¹⁸ May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, my friends. Amen.

 

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With tears in my eyes, I accepted CHRIST as my Savior. Afterwards, I was able to speak about HIM at a young age. But life happened. I grew up and became an adult. Broken pocket, Broken concentration and broken relationships left me scarred and wounded. Where was I to turn?

 

• Life dealt me many blows.
• Life wounded me and changed my words of praise.
• Life scarred me and I had a troubled heart.

 

Paul wrote this letter of love out of anguish. He had been beaten so badly for preaching about JESUS, that at one point, he could not even physically write. He had dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel of JESUS and faced extreme persecution. He concluded the letter by warning the readers not to report quarrels or troubles any longer, but to turn their lives to CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• When life scars me, GOD is there to give me grace.
• When my heart is troubled, the HOLY SPIRIT is there to give me comfort.
• When I fall to sin, JESUS is there to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness.

 

Life can be difficult at times. I mean, even when I am speaking about the love of GOD, the world seems to throw another dagger at my heart. BUT GOD is the remedy. HE loves me dearly and offers me a gift, namely JESUS. When I accept the gift, my wounds heal.

 

HE placed the HOLY SPIRIT inside me, which makes me see life differently. I now know there is an adversary who seeks to rob, kill and destroy any possession of GOD. Of course I will face persecution from the world that belongs to Satan. But this persecution is temporary. I am glad JESUS gives me and many others grace.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer mean by being a “slave of JESUS?”
• Have you felt anguish or persecution?
• Will you respond to trials with grace and peace instead of letting troubles keep you from praising GOD today?

Internal Matters

Internal Matters

Galatians 6: ¹¹ See what big letters I make as I write to you now with my own hand! ¹² The people who are trying to force you to be circumcised are the ones who want to show off and boast about external matters. They do it, however, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Even those who practice circumcision do not obey the Law; they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast that you submitted to this physical ceremony. ¹⁴ As for me, however, I will boast only about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; for by means of his cross the world is dead to me, and I am dead to the world. ¹⁵ It does not matter at all whether or not one is circumcised; what does matter is being a new creature. ¹⁶ As for those who follow this rule in their lives, may peace and mercy be with them—with them and with all of God's people!

 

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Hoping that he or she would act a certain way was making me lose sleep. I took classes on “working with different people” in hopes to make him or her do what “I” wanted. When this did not work, I became frustrated and thought something was wrong with “them.”

 

• I was busy looking at others and lost sight of myself.
• I thought other people were the problem and I was the solution.
• I believed the world had solutions that GOD did not.

 

Paul spoke sharply against those who were trying to get people to follow religious rituals versus simply believing JESUS took care of the consequences of the Law. He pointed out their guilt of murdering JESUS so they could keep their power, forcing people to do what the world expected.

 

My Observations

• GOD sees my heart and knows it does not seek HIM.
• GOD chose me and when I believed in JESUS as my Savior, I was filled with HIS SPIRIT.
• GOD gave me the ability to examine myself, choose HIS way over mine and act like a new creature.

 

Worldly matters come and go. I mean, there will always be a problem that seems catastrophic. GOD sees how I respond to these matters and rewards me when I seek HIM for the solution. To the world, JESUS seems like a problem. BUT TO GOD JESUS is the only solution.

 

Becoming a new creature means I give myself to JESUS and follow HIM no matter the consequence of the world. When I live for HIM, HE gives me peace and mercy that I do not understand. I am thankful for HIS intervention in my life.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer mentions how he wrote the letter?
• Can you feel the compassion and passion of the writer?
• If you are facing persecution over worldly matters, will you accept GOD’s gift of peace  and mercy today so you can sleep with a clean conscience?