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How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth. It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free - signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. (Ephesians 1:3-14 The Message)
Good day dear Friend! Praying that this devotional bless and fuel your life for a marvelous day in the Lord! Focus on Christ Jesus and His love for you; set aside any worry or doubt, anxiety or pain you feel in your spirit, and let Him bless you. As we pray this day, please remember those who are hurting, in pain, needing health, and hope. I ask prayers for the family of Jack Todd, a member of my former church, FUMC-Harlingen, who at 51 died of a massive heart attack. He leaves behind his wife and three daughters. May God's comfort be with them is our prayer.
We are on the mind of God! Thanks for reading; have a great day! What more could I possibly add to this powerful verse? Well, the rest of the verse might be nice, "the focus of His love, to be made whole and holy by His love." And this, through our adoption by God into His family. We also need to read that we're "free people - free of penalties and punishments chalked up by our misdeeds." And we add, "And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!" Wow! We matter to God so much that we are on His mind, and He loves us so much we are on His heart. And through that love we have found freedom from penalties and punishments. What a great adoptive parent we have! As we explore that, stop to read again the title of today's devotion, and to reflect on who we are in Jesus Christ; that will help us understand what we are living for. Jesus freed us from our sin, and from that life that goes with sin, and He opened the prison doors to a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities to serve God and God's people. Our mission team just got back from Costa Rica and they have returned home with much more than they gave. That always happens; we think we're going to bless someone and we end up leaving that person or site with more blessings than we thought were possible. As an intern minister many years ago, I had a hesitation to visit nursing homes. In those days, they reeked to high heaven of foul odors, and were not really inviting places. But, I had church members in those places and I wanted/needed/was ordered to visit them. Almost every one of those people blessed me more than I thought I was going to bless them. I went with hesitation and reservation, and left with blessings and motivation; to see more people and share more the love of God.
What we have received from God is only the tiny beginning of a huge blessing that awaits us. This version says, it's a "signet from God," a "first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life." Share what you have, and share it with joy. And do it not for what you will get back, but the blessing that comes with sharing! Someone is waiting for you.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have already shared with me. Let me use that which I have from You to bless others and make them aware of the great gifts You have for them and me. Give me strength and courage, give me the words. In Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Make someone's day by smiling and sharing with them.
Eradio Valverde
