Today's reading — Ephesians 1:1-14
Two phrases stuck out in today's Bible reading.
One is the word "adopted." I circled it. I thought of all the loving families I know who have adopted, not out of selfish gain, but with a Christ-like love. They adopted older children, special needs children, HIV+ children. They didn't view them as "damaged" as our world often labels them but as children of God — loved by Him, precious and beautiful and full of promise and destiny with a mighty plan of God's to fulfill. That's how God sees you, Mighty Strong Girl!
No matter your brokenness; no matter your sins or sorrows; no matter your regrets or misdeeds. When you accept Jesus as your Savior, you are adopted by God. There is so much love in His arms, and indeed, is there a better parent than one with this kind of unconditional love. It doesn't come with condemnation and criticism. There is no label. He would never think of you as damaged. Ever. He meets you right where you are — no matter how messy you think you are — and offers this love to you. It's a choice — much like the one adoptive parents make when they pick the child rejected by the world. I cannot think of a better word than "adoption" to encapsulate this kind of love! We are chosen, Mighty Strong Girls! Hallelujah!
The second phrase that I noticed (and underlined) is "you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit." It made me think of the expression "sealed with a kiss." Instead, this seal of the Holy Spirit carries the promise found in verse 14: "...who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance."
No kiss comes with this kind of power! The promise of a Holy Spirit — God's daily presence with us. Wow! No inheritance on earth could bring such riches! And, Mighty Strong Girl, He wants to mark you with that seal!
Will you let Him today? Will you accept Jesus as your Savior? Will your read this passage today and join us here tomorrow?
{Hugs}
Amy
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