Today's reading was still Eph 1 - 3 Step 5 included looking at the word riches - and writing down everything that I learned from it.
(My paraphrases)
2:4 - God is rich is mercy because He loves us.
2:7 He died so that He could come to us - this many years later - to show us the riches of his grace and kindness
- What have I done - that will benefit anyone in 2000 years? I think that possibly, if the Lord tarries, praying for my students, and their lives - and the lives of those that come afterwords, might have some effect?
When I think of a rich person - it appears that they have everything they need to live comfortable, happy lives. From our perspective (those of us not on the rich side of finances) being made rich - solves our problems. It doesn't mean that rich people don't have hurdles to hop over - illnesses - death - that affects us all - regardless of our eternal heritage - or our earthly financial status.... BUT - because I am rich in Christ - or because HE has made me rich in Him - I have EVERYTHING I need to live a loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, gentle, self-controlled life. EVERYTHING....
/Formerly/
How did I live before salvation?
2:1 Dead in transgression and sin - the prince of power, of the air works in the sons of disobedience. I lived under his power - as exhibited by lusts of flesh and lusts of the mind. I was a child of wrath, separated from Christ, a stranger to the covenant of promise, without hope and without God. I was far off, a stranger and an alien.
After I am saved - I live under the blood of Jesus. I am alive, an heir, hopeful, made rich in him. I have bold and confident access through faith in Him. Every family on earth derives their name from God - every family - including mine. Including my kids and my brother and nephew.
Reading chapter 2, in light of how we live before salvation, seems to me, a great way to pray for non believers.
Heavenly Father - I lift up to you those that are dead in sin. Father, I pray that you bind the prince of the power of the air, that he may not be able to work in the lives of my children - or Tony and Alan. Father, I think you for loving them, and giving them their name, long ago. Father, I also lived the same way, indulging the desires of my flesh and mind. Forgive me when I continue to do so. Thank you Lord for your blood, the your mercy and grace. Thank you Lord, that you've changed my heart. I thank you for your word Lord.
