Ephesians 2- Part 2

-
Image
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
Post a Comment

In a room with razor walls?

-

Do you sometimes just feel like you have put yourself in a room with razors for walls? If you have ever dealt with anger, unforgiveness, or bitterness, you know this feeling. But, how do you get rid of it? Alot of it is focusing on what is true..NOW. We can't live in the past. Didn't someone famous once say that? :)
Anyway, one book that is so helpful for not wasting your energy and life on such negative emotions is a book called Life is a Vapor by John Piper. Here are some nuggets out of it. James 1:19-20 Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God required. Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath...ang anger and clamor..and slander be put away from you. 1. Ponder the right of Christ to be anger, but how He endured the cross, as an example of long suffering (1Peter 2:21). 2. Ponder how much you have been forgiven, and how much mercy you have been shown (eph 4:32)/ 3. Ponder your own sinfulness and take the beam out of your own eye (Matt 7:3-5). 4. Ponder how harbored anger gives place to the devil ( Eph 4:26-27) 5. Ponder the folly of your own self-immolation, that is, the numerous detrimental effects of anger to the one who is anger- some spiritual, some mental, some physical, and some relational (Pro 3:7-8) 6. Confess your sin of anger to some trusted friend and if possible to the offender (James 5:16). 7. Let your anger bye the key to unlock the dungeons of pride and self-pity in your heart and replace them with love. (I corn. 13:4-7). 8. Remember that God is going to work all your frustrating circumstances for your good as you trust in His future grace. (Rom 8:28) (James 1:2-4) 9. Remember that God will vindicate your just cause and settle ALL accounts better than YOU could. (Rom 12:19/ 1 Peter 2:23).

Life is short. Make the most of it, for God, others, and yourself.
Enjoying the day,
Rachel

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Why does God call us sheep?

-
Image
Before you jump to the conclusion that I am saying Christian are "brainless" sheep, read this post completely.  If you still aren't sure, read this post:  Are Christians brainless? Why does He call us SHEEP? ( The Bible makes reference to sheep no less than 220 times).   A few of the more notable passages that come to mind are the 23 rd Psalm, Isa. 53:6 and John 10.  There are many references to His People being sheep. So why not something more powerful, like a ram or horse? Why not something more graceful and valued, like a prized bird? Well, God chose to use the word sheep to identify His followers, as we are "His sheep." Our shepherd, Jesus, is leading the way, so let's look at the facts about sheep-the  nature of  sheep.  Let's look at the facts about sheep- *Sheep aren’t intelligent . Sheep are not known to be smart or cunning animals when it comes to safety; rather, they are susceptible and tend to wander away from the prote
Read more

Lessons learned the first 50 years

-
Image
I hit a milestone. I turned 50 years old. I am thankful that I don't feel 50.   I am thankful for things God has taught me throughout those 50 years. .  I have learned that God loves mercy and when I feel a sense that justice needs to happen over mercy, all I need to do is remember that I am thankful for when God gives me mercy instead of a just punishment.   (Micah 6:8 8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.) ( Luke 6: 36  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. ) I have learned that hurt people end up hurting people.   When I am able to see that I didn't hurt them but I am bearing the results of that persons hurt inflicted by other people, it helps me forgive whatever hurt they pushed onto me and move on.  (Romans 12 : 18  If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. )  I have learned that anyone who thinks they have God
Read more

Rayman Rabbids Cake- 1/2 Birthday celebration

-
Image
At a certain age... I suppose 18 or so... half-birthdays are no longer as important to you as when you are young.  Right now, the kids love having their 1/2 birthdays celebrated.  We don't do much. We tell them "Happy half-birthday!"... and they are allowed to choose what we have for dinner (within reason... no  super expensive choices .. like crab legs or sushi).  And, they do get to have a  cake.   John-Michael is 8 1/2 today. I haven't had any of my children ask for a character-cake in quite some time...until last night.  We were out very late watching the laser light show at Stone Mountain Park.  A few hours before... John-Michael springs on me that he wants a Rayman Rabbids cake for his half-birthday.  Now, I have church in the morning and knew I wouldn't get home before midnight last night... not much time to figure our how to make that kind of cake.  So, like most things...I just went for it.   I bought Twinkies ...pretty sure the first Twinkies ,,,. th
Read more