2 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 by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:1-9
Questions for Reflection:
Name a time when you were shown extreme kindness .... the kind of kindness that makes a difference in your life. Is it hard to think of a time? Has God ever been that kind to you ..... that you can recall?
How does it change the way you view your life today (and new life in Jesus) if you view it as a gift given and received but not deserved?
How is living like life is an underserved gift different than living like life is less than I deserve? Which is ultimately more freeing?
Prayer of the Week:
Heavenly Father, I recognize your presence here with me right now and I invite you Father, Son and Holy Spirit into my life and this time of prayer. Holy Spirit, lead my prayer and show me how to pray.
Jesus I confess to you now that I have an unpayable debt that is larger than I can know. I confess to you that I have sinned against you and others in thought, word and deed. I have hurt you and others in ways that I don’t even know. I come to you now asking for your forgiveness. I ask that you apply to me the forgiveness that Jesus has won for me on the cross. I receive your complete forgiveness that covers all of my sins.
Father thank you for your generosity towards me and all people. I thank you for the grace that you have lavishly placed upon me. You are more generous than I can even imagine. You have daily provided for my every need. I thank you for blessings that I see and blessings that I pass by without even noticing. Help me see every day your generous gifts.
Holy Spirit I thank you for bringing true life. I receive you Holy Spirit now and I ask that through your power I am able to respond to the generosity shown to me and respond. Holy Spirit help me to be a river of grace not a pond. Help me to lavish grace upon those who have wronged me. Help me to forgive like you forgive.
Jesus help me to see and respond to all the different places where you have called me to be a contender for the Kingdom. Thank you Father for revealing yourself to me. I desperately desire to live the meaningful life Christ intends for me this day!
Amen
