Reading Plan:
Ephesians 2


Our Thoughts:
I’ll be honest, memorizing scripture has never been a strong discipline for me. I grew up in church and spent plenty of time in programs and ministries that taught “key verses.” I have had every opportunity, but I know it is a thing I am not good at. Let me be clear, the fact that it is a struggle for me is not an excuse to not try. Difficulty simply indicates it is a habit I need to be more intentional about. I’m also not good at any cardio-based exercise. Moving heavy things is fun, running is not. Still, it wouldn’t be healthy for me to never walk or run. I just know my struggle in that area means I need to pay more attention to things that don’t come as naturally to me. When I succeed at running a mile, or "storing God’s word in my heart”, it stands out in my mind more as a celebration because those are harder achievements for me.

Ephesians 2:8-10 is one of those places in scripture that has been stored away. I don’t remember the moment of sitting down and intentionally committing it to memory, but it’s there locked away deep in my mind. In all likelihood, the words of Paul here are rooted in me because of the number of times I have found myself back at this truth. In seasons of pressure, struggle, confusion, and wondering, these words sustained me. When I’m not sure where to go or what to do next, the truth of Ephesians 2 often serves as a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalms 119:105).

“For by grace, you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God not a result of works, so that no one may boast” Ephesians 2:8-9.

Faith is the door, when opened in your life allows for the gift of grace to come in. I love that idea! Salvation, eternal rescue, is given by God freely out of the overflowing of His grace. Not because you earned it, not because I deserve it, not because we abstain from the right things, but simply because God is overwhelmingly good. His grace always outweighs our struggles. While the gift is freely given there are still requirements to experience the gift fully. Before a gift is truly enjoyed on Christmas morning; somebody has to give it and another has to receive it. Faith, or trust in the goodness of God, is how we receive God’s good gift of grace.

Why would God freely give such a valuable gift that cost His Son’s life?

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10.

You are not an accident or a happenstance. The things you see in the mirror as mistakes are a part of God’s design. You have been intentionally designed to live out a good purpose in Jesus. You are a picture of God’s wonderful creativity and craftmanship.

Sin has distorted God’s beautiful creation. What was perfect is now flawed, but only temporarily. He is actively buying back His workmanship by His free gift of grace in you.


More Questions:
• Have you ever considered that God designed you with intentionality and purpose? Does that change the way you view yourself?
• Do you have faith (trust) in God? Have you received the free gift of salvation? If you want to talk more about that reach out to hello@venturechurch.org.



Prayer:
God, we have nothing to offer you in return other than our thanksgiving. You alone are good and worthy to be praised because of the power of your enduring grace. Help us today to live out the purpose and good works that you have created and designed us for.



Author: Kyle Warren