To piggyback the topic of yesterday, I wanted to read the scriptures in Ephesians that follow the ones from yesterday.
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. 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. God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:6-10
God saved us for a purpose. To be examples of His grace and kindness. Isn’t that wonderful?!
Instead of becoming “better” than others, in our minds, we are to simply serve as an example of HIS grace and kindness. That’s so beautiful. That means when we have success, He has success. When we show kindness and humility, He is shown to be kind and humble. When we grow and mature in our faith, He is shown as a good Father.
Instead of our lives becoming about our superiority, they should always point to the fact that none of it is ever possible apart from God.
Think about that for a moment. Let it sink in.
By simply living a holy and successful life, we showcase the grace and kindness of God. Not because we deserve it, but because it’s what He saved us for. It’s to draw others to Him.
If we become successful, and lose sight of God in the process, then we misuse this gift. If we become arrogant and selfish, then we are misusing His grace in our lives.
We are to be examples of HIS grace and kindness.
The whole world needs to reset. The entire church needs to reset. Oh, how far we have all strayed.
Once upon a time, living a holy life only pointed to God. Now, many use it to cash in and become famous. Oh Lord, please have mercy on our corrupt generations. The Bible said that at the end people would become lovers of themselves. He didn’t just mean in the world, He also meant within the church.
That day appears to have been here for quite a while.
This only propels me forward in my home-based lifestyle. Living quietly. Working hard. Remembering why I’m here. Devoted to the God and ministering to my family. We could all use a reset.
I encourage you to ask God to show you any ways that you have fallen to the compromise of the age. Self-centeredness, self-promotion, self-love, self-aggrandizing. Ask Him to forgive you and reset your entire life. Reset your priorities. Reset your heart. Renew your mind. It’s crucial for us to do this now. Then we can begin again with pure hearts and innocent motives. It’s not too late.
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away form people like that! 2 Timothy 3:1-5
365 Days in the Presence 