Devotionals for July 5, 2023
Our next Water Baptisms and Baby Dedications will be on July 30th. CLICK HERE for more info!
READ
EPHESIANS 2:1-7
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
REFLECT
Incomparable riches. Grace. Kindness. Mercy. Alive with Christ. The Apostle Paul is explaining what Jesus has accomplished and the grace given to us through Him. But Paul wasn’t always filled with this measure of faith. When he was known as ‘Saul,’ he persecuted and condemned Christians. But fast forward years later, and Saul has become Paul, an impactful missionary writing this letter to the church at Ephesus. The Gospel transforms hearts and straightens crooked paths in people and places you’d never expect.
APPLY
Q: How does Paul describe your life before knowing Christ?
Q: How do you focus on the incomparable riches of God each day?
Q: Your friends, coworkers, and family members need Jesus desperately. Pray for God to use you, like Paul, to be a reflection of Jesus and the Gospel today.
SING
“No One” by Elevation Worship
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, you are the transformer of hearts and giver of all grace! Thank you for your Son, Jesus, our Bread of Life. Through you we have all we need. Amen.
READ
EPHESIANS 2:1-7
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
REFLECT
Incomparable riches. Grace. Kindness. Mercy. Alive with Christ. The Apostle Paul is explaining what Jesus has accomplished and the grace given to us through Him. But Paul wasn’t always filled with this measure of faith. When he was known as ‘Saul,’ he persecuted and condemned Christians. But fast forward years later, and Saul has become Paul, an impactful missionary writing this letter to the church at Ephesus. The Gospel transforms hearts and straightens crooked paths in people and places you’d never expect.
APPLY
Q: How does Paul describe your life before knowing Christ?
Q: How do you focus on the incomparable riches of God each day?
Q: Your friends, coworkers, and family members need Jesus desperately. Pray for God to use you, like Paul, to be a reflection of Jesus and the Gospel today.
SING
“No One” by Elevation Worship
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, you are the transformer of hearts and giver of all grace! Thank you for your Son, Jesus, our Bread of Life. Through you we have all we need. Amen.