Devotionals for April 19, 2023
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READ
Ephesians 2:1-7
2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
REFLECT
When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God, it caused all of us to be born spiritually dead and separated from God due to our sinful nature. There is nothing within us that can fix that apart from the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Our original purpose of being image bearers of God can only be recognized through Jesus in us. Jesus is a gift available to all. We don’t do anything to earn His grace. We must believe in Him and receive Him to be united with Him. God does not desire for any of us to be separated from Him so He made salvation, the gift of spiritual life, so simple for us to receive. Romans 10:9-10 explains it so well: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
APPLY
Q: In His mercy, what has God done for you?
Q: Have you received Jesus through belief and confession of faith in Him? If so, take some time this week to write out your salvation experience. If you have never declared Jesus as Lord, will you do that now?
Q: Who will you share your salvation story with this week?
SING
Echoes
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, you have said that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of your mouth. As I read your word, Lord, speak to me personally. Illuminate my path so I am following your way and not my own.
READ
Ephesians 2:1-7
2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
REFLECT
When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God, it caused all of us to be born spiritually dead and separated from God due to our sinful nature. There is nothing within us that can fix that apart from the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Our original purpose of being image bearers of God can only be recognized through Jesus in us. Jesus is a gift available to all. We don’t do anything to earn His grace. We must believe in Him and receive Him to be united with Him. God does not desire for any of us to be separated from Him so He made salvation, the gift of spiritual life, so simple for us to receive. Romans 10:9-10 explains it so well: If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
APPLY
Q: In His mercy, what has God done for you?
Q: Have you received Jesus through belief and confession of faith in Him? If so, take some time this week to write out your salvation experience. If you have never declared Jesus as Lord, will you do that now?
Q: Who will you share your salvation story with this week?
SING
Echoes
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, you have said that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes out of your mouth. As I read your word, Lord, speak to me personally. Illuminate my path so I am following your way and not my own.