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 Ephesians 1 - You Are A Masterpiece

Our oldest son, Sam, at the Scottish Festival in Northern Virginia

You may think you are a piece of work, but you are much more than that.  Yes, God knows your failures; He knows the human heart all too well.  A work in progress, yes, you are that indeed.  But much more.  We are God’s masterpiece.  He loves us beyond measure.  

Our unity with Christ enables us to grow as Christians and to make God happy and proud of us.  Unity with Christ allows us to keep our promises, serve God, and do the good work that God provides for His blood-bought family.

If you think earth, animals, weather, systems, and engineered eyeballs are something, then think about this.  Even before God created the world He loved His church and designed, nay, chose His church in Christ to be His holy people.  God made a choice to love us.  He does so no matter what.

           God planned for his family in Christ before day one.  God’s church is His prized possession.  It is not that God does not care about creation and animals.  He does.  Every beautiful bird and every butterfly belongs to Him.  He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.  Everything.  But it is you, your faith in Him, your prayers, your dependence on Him, and your love for God and for his family that gives God great joy, and holy pleasure.  

        But God’s love is not for you or me alone.  God loves all people and calls every person to hear His Grace.  He will save every person who believes in Christ.  Every person.  No matter where on the globe you are. 

        The future is bright indeed, because of Jesus Christ.  You are a masterpiece, because of Jesus Christ.  The Psalms tell us to make our vows to the LORD your God, and to keep them (76:11).  Do that today.  Tell God how thankful you are for saving you and bring tribute to the Awesome One!  Don't believe the false teachers, the doom and gloom artists.  The Bible says that God will break the strength of the wicked and that He alone will increase the power of the godly (Psalm 75:10).  May we be godly.  May the Church increase with God's power.

        Hear what scripture says and trust it.  God requires that you believe in Christ to be saved (1:13).  If you don’t He will not identify you as His own.  May we grow in Christ, and may we desire purity, wisdom, and holiness.  We are the church.  It is God’s carefully designed body, full and complete in our King, Jesus Christ.  May we function as He wills today.

        Thankfully we hear that God put his son Jesus Christ in authority over all things.  All things.  This is for the benefit of his people - His Church.  Nothing is above Jesus or has authority over Jesus.  No historical figure.  No political leader.  No country.  No spiritual power.  No bossman or religious leader.  Everything in heaven and on earth is under the authority of Christ.  Pontius Pilate found that out.  So did Ananias and Caiaphus.

        It is senseless and futile to put your faith and hope in anything but Christ.  If you are superstitious, stop it.  If you are bitter and resentful put it at the Cross of Christ right now.  Crucify it there.

        Only God is faithful.  No curse can come upon you with the protection of Jesus.  God’s always had a plan.  He has a good, nay, perfect plan for you.  It is based on His character.  God is love.  And it gave God great pleasure to have a family of people who know Him and love Him.

        Dear Lord Jesus, Commander, and Supreme Authority over everything in heaven and on earth.  Please give us as much understanding and wisdom as we are capable of handling.  Please bless us with your protection and guidance today and your grace peace, and love.  May your children be strong and courageous for you today.  Amen.



Arch


Colt and Sam

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