It’s a family thing
Ephesians 1 is a superb encouragement to everyone, regardless of where your faith levels might be right now.
Sometimes we may feel super close to God, whereas at other times we may feel like He won’t want to be anywhere near us because of our actions, words, thoughts, stuff-ups, etc.
Regardless of how you feel, your feelings do not hinder the clear fact that He loves you and His ultimate plan, from the very beginning, is that you were with Him as His fave son and daughter.
In the opening 3 sentences of his letter to the crew at Ephesus, Paul reiterates the fact that God, in addition to His power, prestige, majesty and authority, is our loving Father. It is always important to take note of when things are repeated in scripture - there’s a clear message of emphasis there!
Despite how you may feel about your earthly biological, adopted, step or proxy father, know that God is a good, good Father.
How so?
He chose you.
Despite my failings, my errors, the ugliness of my sin and broken promises, He still chose me . . . and He does the same for you.
Ephesians 1:4
He lavishly pours out a heap of good all over you
He has given us every spiritual blessing
Spiritural blessings to overcome anger, lust, bitterness, unforgiveness, fear and the list goes on
He loves you so much that He pours out His goodness on you
Ephesians 1:3
He has taken us in, not as slaves, but as sons and daughters
This is a significant point because it highlights the value He places on us, taking us from where we were to a place of authority, responsibility and blessing
Ephesians 1:5
Whanau, let me remind you of your value in His eyes.
He gave up His one and only Son . . . FOR YOU.
That can’t be belittled or re-written any other way - that is how great His love is for you.
I encourage you today to receive the fact that, should you accept it, you are in His family and it is a done deal.
The question is, “Will you accept His offer of full and complete adoption into His family?”
You see, the issue is not whether God loves you or not. He does. Full stop.
The issue is whether or not you are willing to turn around and turn to Him and accept His free gift of family.
He stands at the door of your heart today and knocks - let Him in.
Action point:
Pray (talk to God in faith) this prayer:
Father God, thank You for loving me. Thank You for accepting me and doing everything possible to have me i your family. I receive your gift of salvation today. Forgive me for all of my sin; I turn from those things and receive your full forgiveness right now. I love You Lord and choose You and Your ways from now on. I declare all of this in the name of Jesus’ the One who died in my place . . . so that I may live. Thank You Lord.
See you Sunday whanau!