God's Great Love

God's Great Love

Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."

When I read these verses, I cannot help but think about where God has brought us from and where He is taking us.

Earlier in Ephesians 2:1-3, Paul reminds us that we were once dead in our sins and lived according to the ways of this world under the influence of "the prince of the power of the air." We were spiritually blind and unable to save ourselves. But then come two of the most hope-filled words in all of Scripture: "But God."

Because of His great love and abundant mercy, God made us alive together with Christ. We were not saved because we deserved it or because we earned it. We were saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

As we think about those who do not yet know Christ, we should not be surprised that they are spiritually blind. Scripture tells us that those apart from Christ are under the influence of the evil one. Yet we should never lose hope.

If God could open our eyes to the truth of the gospel, He can open their eyes as well. So let us continue to love them, share the good news of Jesus with them, and faithfully pray for their salvation. There is always hope because of God's great love.

May God's great love encourage you today to keep trusting Him and praying for those who have not yet come to faith in Jesus Christ.

When Jesus Cleanses the Temple

“When Jesus Cleanses the Temple.”

Listen to the Word of God from Luke: 
"He entered into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it,"
---Luke 19:45

When Jesus entered the temple, He did not overlook what did not belong there. He drove it out. He cleansed what had been corrupted. He acted with holy authority because the temple was meant to be a place that honored God.

There is something deeply personal for us in that picture. For those who belong to Christ, the Lord is not content to leave us as we are. He loves His people too much to let sin, compromise, and harmful influences settle comfortably in our lives. Because He is holy, He works to cleanse us. Because He is loving, He removes what is harmful to our souls.

Sometimes Jesus drives out things we have tolerated for too long—habits that dull our love for Him, attitudes that harden our hearts, influences that pull us toward the world, or sins we have tried to excuse. And when He does, it may be uncomfortable, but it is never unkind. His cleansing is an act of mercy.

The Lord knows what does not belong in the life of His people. He knows what hinders prayer, weakens faith, disrupts peace, and steals our joy in Him. And in His faithfulness, He goes to work. He convicts, corrects, and calls us to repentance so that our lives may be more fully yielded to Him.

So if the Lord is putting His finger on something in your life today, do not resist Him. Open your heart to His Word. Turn from sin. Trust His wisdom. The same Jesus who cleanses is the Jesus who restores. He does not tear down His people to destroy them. He cleanses them so they may walk more closely with Him.

May the Lord Answer All Your Prayers

May the Lord Answer All Your Prayers

Psalm 20:4-5 NLT

"May he grant your heart's desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers."

I love the encouragement we find in these verses. They remind me that our Heavenly Father cares about what is on our hearts. He invites us to come to Him in prayer and trust Him with every part of our lives.

Is there something you have been praying about? A burden you have been carrying? A decision you need to make? Bring it to the Lord. He knows your heart, and He delights in hearing from His children.

As you seek Him, ask Him to guide your steps and establish the plans that honor Him. Whatever you are facing today, remember that the Lord is able to give you victory. Nothing is too difficult for Him.

And when God answers your prayers, don't keep His goodness to yourself. Share what He has done. Your testimony may encourage someone else to trust the Lord. The good news of God's faithfulness causes hearts to rejoice with you and give God all the glory.

As wonderful as God's daily blessings are, His greatest gift is His Son, Jesus Christ. God sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sins and rise again so that everyone who believes in Him can receive forgiveness, eternal life, and a personal relationship with God. There is no greater blessing than knowing Jesus.

Today, I encourage you to keep bringing your prayers to the Lord. Rest in His promises, and leave the results in His hands. May the Lord answer your prayers according to His perfect will, and may your life bring glory to His name.

Forget Not His Benefits

Forget Not His Benefits

Psalm 103:2–5 (NIV)

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."

How pleasant it is to sit back and take a few quiet moments to thank our Heavenly Father for His benefits. As we look around us, we can consider the many blessings from His hand: the privilege of walking with Jesus, the knowledge that God's love and mercy are like a crown upon our heads, and the provision of a home, a job, and an eternal future in paradise.

It is truly blessing upon blessing—forgiven sin, divine healing, and a life redeemed from the pit. As you rest in His goodness today, what comes to your mind?

What is one specific "benefit" from God you've taken for granted lately that you can thank Him for right now?

Let's pray: Father, thank You for Your endless mercy, forgiveness, and provision. Help me slow down today and remember every good gift that comes from Your hand. Amen.