Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-5, NKJV- “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),”
The cares of this world can quickly distract us from God’s care and great love for us. Think about that for a second, we allow small tasks, requirements from others who do not care about us at all, to distract us from the greatest love of all.
Another great reason to rise early and spend time alone with God is to be reminded of His great love for us. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:2, we find grace and peace in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We do not find these blessings looking elsewhere.
Through the blood of Jesus, God’s love for Him was given to us. In this great love we can find and understand unity. When we choose to believe and receive this love, we receive God’s Holy Spirit. This Spirit of love guarantees a love this world does not know but needs desperately.
We can awaken and praise God who gives us wisdom and revelation. We will never find this in the world. As Ephesians 1:18 reminds us, the eyes of our hearts are enlightened to the hope of His calling, and the riches of His inheritance. God’s great love for us grants us His great power. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead raises us out of a dead life.
This world, outside of our God, lives in a different spirit. Looking to God’s Spirit we rise to live the lives He designed for us. Craving God over the cravings of our flesh and this world, grants us a heavenly hope. A hope this world is dying to know. Because of God’s great love for us we rise above and are made alive.
This is the hope you and I must share. A heavenly hope. By grace we have been saved. Out of the incomparable riches of God’s grace, we can show the kindness of Jesus Christ. As Ephesians 2:8 instructs us, this grace is a gift from God and not something we can do without Him. We are God’s workmanship.
We are masterpieces created by God. When we turn to and live for our maker, we can boldly share His great love. When we introduce God and His love into this world, we bring a hope not found elsewhere. True peace is found in living with God and having a faith only He can provide. Through the body of Christ this world can know unity. We can challenge the world to look around and look at the lack of unity a world without God represents.
We can preach peace because of God’s great love. Will you pause, ponder, and receive God’s great love for you now?
Today’s Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your great love for us. Thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ for us. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit Who brings us close LORD so we may share with those far from the knowledge of Your love. Help us to bring Your peace and unity into a lost world. May we be instruments of Your peace and grace so this and future generations may know You and live the lives You intend for all of us. In the name and blood of Jesus Christ I do pray. Amen.
Reprint of page 195 from “Every Affirmation you will ever need.” from Tom Raines, Jr. Available on Amazon. Audio book is coming soon.
So many words here echo the thoughts I have been having lately: awaken and masterpiece are two such words.
Our God is so good to speak and use others to confirm.
Yes He does.
Thank you Joseph!