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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Spiritual Toddlers
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In this video, this daddy (the toddler calls him "papa") is lovingly playing hide and seek with his two-year old daughter.. all while she has a camera strapped to her head. It is so sweet to see things from her point of view. After watching this video, my mind moved to this morning's sermon that I heard at Grace Fellowship Church. As I mediated on the sermon .........that we need not focus on morality or a list of do and do nots..as much as we should elevate..dwell on.. be in constant awe of the gospel..., ...remembering/ acknowledging that Christ's love compels us..and the Holy Spirit changes us. I thought this video is a good picture of how people usually think. .... We think we can comprehend our Heavenly Father. We think we can fully comprehend the gospel. We need to daily be amazed by it. We think we can .....in our own power... be "junior gods" , able to control our own sin natures. This is seen when we try to solve problems or just live life without praying, without seeking Him through His word and without time spent in fellowship with His people. How does our Heavenly Father react when we do these foolish things? Does God get angry and frustrated? Like this daddy, He knows our limitations. He knows the whole picture..what we only know in part. I think He knows we are only dust... He knows we are sinful, yet He knows that we are HIS. He knows that He loves us, not based upon what we do, but based upon the love He has choosen to give.... He knows that He isn't done with us. So, when we think incorrectly about Him... or think we can figure Him out...I think He lovingly laughs at us..because God knows we lack knowledge ...just like this 2 year old. .. For example, look how after she has "found" her daddy in one spot...the next time she goes to "seek" Him again..... she goes to the same spot, thinking her Daddy will be there. Look how she thinks she can figure out her daddy's moves and thinks she can figure out what her daddy should be doing next. How much is that like us? We think if God did something one way,... He certainly will do the same thing over again. We forget to live like.. "His ways are not our ways"... (Isaiah 55:8- “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.) I am so thankful for the patience of the LORD. ... so thankful that He isn't done with us. ..so thankful for His loving direction. So thankful for His example of humility..and kindness. May we pass that on to other mere mortals. In Him, Rachel
Great analogy! Just as you emphasized yesterday, "God's Thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways". I'm so thankful God knows so much more than me and yet still desires to parent me. :)
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
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
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
Great analogy! Just as you emphasized yesterday, "God's Thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways". I'm so thankful God knows so much more than me and yet still desires to parent me. :)
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