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 Ephesians 1 - Without Fault - In His Eyes - Holy People

God sees us in a way that frankly we can’t even see ourselves.  I know all too well that I’m a sinner.  I shock myself at how fast I get full of myself, how I can hold onto bitterness, and speak with caustic cynicism rather than humble thankfulness from a heart that knows God’s grace.  

Yet God chose to purchase our freedom with the blood of Christ Messiah.  And God sees us without fault in his eyes (1:4).  May we be the holy people that God wants us to be.

But don’t mistake God for a pansy.  He is the author and perfector of justice.  He does and will unleash his powerful justice in His good timing (Psalm 74:11).

Just like 2,000 years ago in Ephesus, God has holy people on this planet today.  Even right here in Lynchburg up in Carrot River.  It may seem hard to believe.  God’s holy people are faithful followers of Jesus Christ.  Christ’s men.  Churchmen.  Men and women of the Most High.  They have learned the truth and thrown off their old sinful nature by God’s grace.  Sinners saved by Grace.

The American church appears not to be dominated by such men and women.  Our churches seem too often to be led by braggarts.  Their favorite topic is themselves.  They have closed minds and they have hardened their hearts against the loving God.  They read themselves into the roles of Moses and Joshua.  Self-declared heroes.  They have no sense of shame.  May God give us the courage to hold them accountable as Scripture says we must.  We know they are overpaid and yet they cry out, “more, more.’  They live for lustful pleasure and with a false front of religiosity, they practice every kind of impurity, greed, and selfish ambition.  They brag and lie as easily as opening their eyelids.  Anger controls these evil rulers.  They are abusive, mean, nasty, and revengeful.  They bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way they live.

        May God's church give Him honor, not shame.  And may it start with personal responsibility and righteousness for each of us.

And yet God sees it all, just as He saw the false teachers 2,000 years ago.  His good purposes will prevail and His Kingdom will advance despite these wicked monsters.  For God’s holy people are here in the churches today - often it seems out of sight.  Out of the positions of power.  They know the potential treachery of their hearts and the need for God’s grace and peace.  They are servant leaders, servants of Jesus.  God is with you and will give you the courage to stand for God’s way as preached in the Book of Ephesians.

        May we truly be that people.  May we know God’s grace and how He looks at us - without fault in His eyes.  And may we oppose the wicked and expose their evil ways (Psalm 101).

Oh Lord God Almighty please give us your grace and peace today.  We need your courage to live as children of the Most High.  Amen.


Glacier National Park


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