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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Never put to shame..

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Does anyone else feel like our world is going crazy?  The last few days have been bad national news, bad local news, and bad personal news (not that I have been looking for any of it).  It all can make a person try to thing what is God doing? Is He sleeping?  Does He know?  Those are all old thoughts... that can sneak in there.  That's when I have to count my blessings, see what is real..not what might be... and get in His word.

I was talking to a friend that other day ..that God seems to have woven the theme of Trust into my life.  I haven't wanted to trust in anyone but me.  However, thought 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.

Philippians 2:14...Do everything without complaining. You know, complaining is like whistling for the devil. I don't want to let Satan steal my joy. When we choose to magnify the bad, it appears larger than it really is.   Who doesn't have problems?     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.  Look for His loving hand.  Have faith in HIS character.

So.. the daily.... playing at the Horse Farm... meeting new friends at my house... working in the garden... play dates with friends.. (chores ... least favorite laundry)...  painting....and just being with my family.  





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  1. Lisa M.June 1, 2012 at 10:54 AM

    Hi Rachel! I happenned to see your comment when I visited my blog (after months!) My sweet husband got a tablet for me, and I haven't really learned how to post to my blog yet "/---I'll try, but life has been VERY busy! Expecting our 1st grandchild, second son getting married (at OUR place!!), and lots of other stuff. It's mostly good though, not complaining. I appreciate your post! Thanx for the reminder " )

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  2. Vicki MillerJune 2, 2012 at 9:18 AM

    Wow! When I read your words, "Complaining is like whistling for the devil" I thought, "Interesting!" I've never looked at it that way.
    Love those verses! And the paintings are so lovely.

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