Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
March 30, 2023
Read Ephesians 1:11-14
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Good Morning, We are forgiven and redeemed in Christ!
God chose us and has prepared a plan for us. Paul begins by reminding the people of Ephesus of the words from the prophet Jeremiah. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 29:11 Paul doesn’t stop with these thoughts.
Beginning with verse 13, he explains how not only have we been forgiven and redeemed, but we have been chosen by God to be adopted as His sons and daughters. When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we are sealed (filled) with the Holy Spirit, identifying or marking us as belonging to Christ. The receiving of the Holy Spirit through Christ is a down payment of our eternal inheritance.
Jesus paid the price in full so that we might be free. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NIV). Jesus did not pay for our sins only in part: he paid for all our sins. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36, NIV).
I hear the Savior say, "Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all." Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
We are forgiven, redeemed, and free. How should we respond to this? We should allow God’s love to ooze from us as we work to serve others. We should soar with the wings of eagles and not grow weary. Accept the gift and be transformed.
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. You bless us and wait for us to partake of the gift. Open our hearts so that we may choose to receive You. Thank you for finding us. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God will fulfill a divine calling for our lives.
Accept God’s gift joyfully! Pastor Liz
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