Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living - WordAction - The Nazarene Publishing House [The Foundry Publishing House] in Kansas City, Missouri, United States - The Global Church of the Nazarene for Saturday, 22 July 2017 - "Grace—Just Because!" by Cynthia Stiverson - Ephesians 2:1-10

Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living - WordAction - The Nazarene 

Publishing House [The Foundry Publishing House] in Kansas City, Missouri, United States - The Global Church of the Nazarene for Saturday, 22 July 2017 - "Grace—Just Because!" by Cynthia Stiverson - Ephesians 2:1-10

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Ephesians 2:1 You used to be dead because of your sins and acts of disobedience. 2 You walked in the ways of the ‘olam hazeh and obeyed the Ruler of the Powers of the Air, who is still at work among the disobedient. 3 Indeed, we all once lived this way — we followed the passions of our old nature and obeyed the wishes of our old nature and our own thoughts. In our natural condition we were headed for God’s wrath, just like everyone else.

4 But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love 5 that, even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, he brought us to life along with the Messiah — it is by grace that you have been delivered. 6 That is, God raised us up with the Messiah Yeshua and seated us with him in heaven, 7 in order to exhibit in the ages to come how infinitely rich is his grace, how great is his kindness toward us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. 8 For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift. 9 You were not delivered by your own actions; therefore no one should boast. 10 For we are of God’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.

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Raising a child is a learning experience, especially when they begin talking. The basic questions exhaust us: Why? Who? What? Where? When? How? They challenge us to critically analyze the simple things we take for granted.
My daughter was having a bedtime conversation with her 5-year-old and his brother Isaac, who had just turned four. Did he believe? Isaac asked the right questions, but hesitated. Big brother coaxed, “But we want you to come to heaven with us!” Isaac asked them both, “Do you believe?” They affirmed their faith. Then he said, “Wait—does Daddy believe?” “Yes,” they assured him. It was unanimous! Isaac prayed and accepted Christ. He couldn’t go to sleep without celebrating the good news with Daddy. Isaac celebrated his second birthday that year: the first of his life on earth, the second eternal life with Christ: the biggest decision he will ever make!
The child in us asks, “Why? Why would God save me?” The answer seems too simple, “Because of his great love for us” (Ephesians 2:4a). That’s grace: the undeserved favor of a Father who loves beyond measure. Just because! He heals our soul, adopts us, and gives us a forever home. Just because!
"I Know Whom I Have Believed" by Daniel W. Whittle 

1. I know not why God’s wondrous grace

To me He hath made known,

Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love

Redeemed me for His own.

Refrain:

But I know whom I have believèd,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.

2. I know not how this saving faith

To me He did impart,

Nor how believing in His Word

Wrought peace within my heart.

Refrain:

But I know whom I have believèd,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.

3. I know not how the Spirit moves,

Convincing us of sin,

Revealing Jesus through the Word,

Creating faith in Him.

Refrain:

But I know whom I have believèd,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.

4. I know not what of good or ill

May be reserved for me,

Of weary ways or golden days,

Before His face I see.

Refrain:

But I know whom I have believèd,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.

5. I know not when my Lord may come,

At night or noonday fair,

Nor if I walk the vale with Him,

Or meet Him in the air.

Refrain:

But I know whom I have believèd,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.

Thought for Today:

The living, the living — they can thank you,

as I do today;

fathers will make their children know

about your faithfulness.(Isaiah 38:19).

Please pray:

That many people in Nigeria will come to know Yeshua the Messiah and receive the fullness of the Ruach HaKodesh.
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