Ephesians 2- Part 2

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Study and learn. Be changed.  Ephesians 2 Made Alive in Christ 1 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
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Misplaced trust during times of trouble

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I think I have a PHD in worry. Don't get me wrong; God has been working on this in me daily for over 3 years....and in a slow and painful process he is helping me to stop trying to help him. (I tend to try to get a Junior-god pin). I also instinctively want to trust myself and my own abilities instead of going to the one who created me. I used to stupidly and full of pride shake my fist at God. It is hard to fathom that I was stupid enough to do that....and do that for years. He has been so gracious and merciful to me.

So, my trust issues with people had spilled over to trust issues with God. I wanted to trust in no one to take care of me...other than myself. However, experience and God's gentle correction, I have learned to trust only in Him. I love how Psalm 25:3 says no one who's hope is in God is put to shame. I love how Psalm 37:25-26 says King David was young and now he is old and he had never seen the righteous forsaken. Those are the things that bring me comfort when I want to revert to old ways.

I also have been thinking about Philippians 2:14...Do everything without complaining. You know, complaining is like whistling for the devil. I Don't want to let Satan still my joy. When we choose to magnify the bad, it appears larger than it really is. However, when we choose to magnify God, we begin to get a clearer picture of reality. With confidence in God's goodness, we can approach life in a healthy balanced way that acknowledges the hearth aches and disappointments of life but still chooses to see God's redemptive power at work.

On a different note, John-Michael now has the dreaded bug that is going around. (Ickiness from front and back). I pray it is just a 24 hour thing like Russ, Noah, and Madeline. I am glad we had Zophran to stop the vomiting, glad he is resting, glad for a washing machine, and glad he likes resting while watching T.V. ..... can you see God's blessings around you?

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