Ephesians 2:1-10 New International Version (NIV)
Made Alive in Christ
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[a] 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.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE ~
You are not disqualified to entrust loving where you live. Are you called by God. We are here on purpose and placed right here for now.
Pastor Jordan did an amazing job sharing his heart. He can only share it and we can see ourselves the way God does. I walked away yesterday feeling refreshed from the word of God. It is good to be reminded that God is on our side and our own choices matter. We are God's handiwork for sure. Another version of verse 10 above says we are God's masterpiece. A masterpiece is one of a kind and is beautiful. I believe God has greater things for each of us and his plan continues to unfold.
I do love where I live. I find my home to be in a area of peace. Kids can play outside and I love hear laughter of little voices of neighbors. Today I walked in God's grace and I know that I am loved by family and friends. I carry the character of Jesus and I live what I teach. I am human and make mistakes but that's what makes me normal. Nobody in this life is perfect and we continue to learn daily. I hope you see yourself the way God does and you live in peace in where you live.
Philippians 4:7 English Standard Version (ESV)And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
There is another type of peace inside your heart and mind. Only God can give true peace of hearts and minds. We can hold tight to scriptures of hope and know that God is at work behind the scenes of our lives. It is good to recall good things God has already done in your life and continue to press forward. We might not always like the things we face, but we know we can face it with courage and God is able.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
Sparkie