Today’s Devotional Theme
The God of Second Chances
Daily Scripture
Ephesians 2:1-10
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Encouragement
We have all heard stories of people given up as dead or dying, but who were somehow miraculously given a second chance at life. In Ephesians 2:4, we learn how God, because of His great love and mercy, gives second chances. We were dead in our sins, but are now made alive in Jesus. What are you doing with your second chance? You have been seated in the heavenly realms in Jesus, so your perspective should be different now that you have “risen from the dead”. In verse 10, we find that God has planned beforehand good works for us to do. We who were so far away are now near to God through the blood of the Messiah. We have direct access to the Father by the Holy Spirit who lives in us. Every minute of every day of our lives, we are being built into a dwelling where God lives through his Holy Spirit. While growing up in Southern Illinois where there are several kinds of snakes, many of which are poisonous, I was a witness to many snakes being killed. You may not be aware of this, but a snake’s body will continue to move after death, even if the head is detached from the body! Let’s compare that in the spiritual sense to GOD’s judgment on the serpent (satan) after he tricked the first man and woman into disobeying GOD. GOD said that satan would strike the heel of the woman’s offspring, fulfilled by Jesus dying on the cross. BUT He said that satan’s head would be crushed! That’s a death blow!
Take Action!
Are you spiritually aware of the opportunities God presents to you every day? Are you living as someone who was raised from the dead and given a second chance? Make a vow today to begin that kind of life. Treasure every opportunity to share the good things God has done and is doing in your life with those who are discouraged, or who are still dead in sin.
Come into His Presence
Dear God our Father, open our eyes to the heavenly dimensions that are present right here and now. Make us more aware every day, that Jesus purchased us with His precious blood and made us alive in Him. Above all, help us to take every opportunity to do those good works You have already planned for us beforehand, so we continually become the dwelling place in which You live by Your Spirit. All honor and glory we give to You! Thank You for rescuing us from death and giving us a second chance! In Jesus’ name, amen.
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