Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Song of Solomon 4-5; Ephesians 2
Devotional Thought:
In this chapter Paul deals with the entire scope of the believers battlefield. It is so sad that too many Christians live as though we are on a playground rather than on a battlefield. It is disturbing to watch so many people who are addicted to this life and living with priorities on the immediate and temporary. God has given us this life as a testimony of His grace, but we are left here with some very clear marching orders and responsibilities. Here in Ephesians 2, Paul addresses each area of temptation for the believer. “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” (vs. 2-3) As John teaches us, we fight against the world’s demanding directives, the flesh’s destructive desires, and the Devil’s deceitful doubts. (1 John 2:15-17) When we were dead in sins, Christ quickened us that we might show the riches of grace. What a responsibility we have to accurately reflect the person of Christ so that a lost world might understand the truth of His grace. It is by grace that we are saved and it is by grace that we perform good works for the Lord. We, who had no hope at all, were made to be partakers of His grace by the blood of Christ as we were reconciled unto God. As we have been challenged this weekend, may we help those around us have a right conclusion about who God is and what He is like. It is a testimony of God’s grace that we can even reflect glory that is due His name.
Personal Requests:
• Lord, please help me to accurately reflect your character in my attitude, actions, and the atmosphere I create.
• Lord, thank you for your grace that has saved me, and gives to me the privilege to help people draw a right conclusion about who you are and what you are like.
• Lord, please help me to stand against my flesh, the world, and the devil.