Passage of the Day:
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved., Ephesians 2:1-5.
Reflection:
Sin is one of those topics which tend to shut down most conversations. While human beings are experts in this area due to cable television and the internet, few have the guts to open up and share about their own personal addictions. In a letter to the Church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul is drawing a contrast between a life prior to entering into a personal relationship with Christ and God’s expectations afterward. Paul’s call for individuals falling back into bad habits of their sinful past is to purge your live from these sinful behaviors.
Prayerful Action:
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with,[a] that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, Romans 6:6-8.
Working Out Your Salvation:
Remember that salvation is received by grace through faith in Christ, Ephesians 2:8. However, from a spiritual discipline standpoint, there are boundaries that need to be set to avoid falling back into past sinful tendencies. Just as God set one boundary in the Garden of Eden, don’t place yourself into compromising and or tempting situations, James 1:14-15. The more Christians eliminate and remove the things in their homes and lives that separate them from spending time from God, the closer you’ll get to completing this purging.
Song of the Day:
The attached song does a play on words. Rather than walking away from Jesus, the lyrics of this Send the Beggar song calls Christians to take Jesus with you wherever you go in life. Instead of getting caught up in the legalism of purging sin from your life, focus on making an impact on the kingdom of God by replacing sin with the love of Jesus. This type of commitment will transform your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 