If I were to ask you two of your favorite words what would you say? I’m going to share with you ten of my favorite two-word combinations. . .in no particular order.
1. Good morning.
2. Get ready.
3. Let’s eat.
4. Rich Thoughts
5. Act now.
6. Debt free.
7. Dream big.
8. Love you.
9. Jesus saves.
That’s nine. . .later in the teaching. . .I will share with you my favorite two word thoughts. But first, let’s lay a little ground work.
Last week, on our daily call Rich Thoughts for Breakfast call, Bev & I discussed finishing strong. That teaching ignited a defining moment in me.
Philippians 3:14-15 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition says:
“I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. 15 So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also.”
As I move toward the prize. . .the high calling. . .I’m more committed than ever before … to finishing the race strong.
As good as my life is, the deeper things of God are calling out to me.
I cannot remain where I am and be satisfied.
So, deeper I go.
Ephesians 2:1-3 in the New King James Version says:
“And youHe made alive,who were dead in trespasses and sins,2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.”
I wasn’t really a disobedient child but I did have my moments. . . a couple of which, I remember.
Yes, I still have time of struggling with some “stuff.”
Just like everyone else, the “prince of the power of the air” introduces confusing words into my atmosphere that I must sort through.
Thank God for the revelation gifts of the Holy Spirit which clarifies issues.
I am no longer a “child of wrath.”
I am living in peace.
Ephesians 2:4 in the New King James Version begins with the tenth and I think most amazing two word combination.
“But God. . .”
No matter what your circumstances look like. . .or the discouraging words uttered by others. . .you still have the promises in His Word.
And we can rejoice because God is not a man that He should lie (Numbers 23:19).
BUT GOD means. . .that I can know that I am and will be victorious.
Will the devil array things against my life?
Yes, he certainly will. “But God…”
Ephesians 2:4-6 in the New Living Translation says:
“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 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!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ. . .”
There is no question in my mind I am heading to heaven.
I was dead in sins and trespasses. This is no longer the case.
All believers have been raised up from the muck and mire of sin.
Ephesians 2:6 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition concludes by saying:
“. . . made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).”
Jesus is not wallowing in defeat today.
He is the manifestation of His own victory.
He is above all things…good, bad or average.
And we are seated in victory with Him. We are not waiting to win.
We are already winners. We have won because we are in Him and He is in us.
Ephesians 2:4-6 in the New Living Translation says:
“He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindnessand goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.”
Few people consider the kindness of Jesus.
Simply coming to earth was an unfathomable kindness. People who share the experience of going to heaven say they don’t want to come back.
His leaving the comfort and perfection of heaven is unimaginable to me.
Ephesians 2:8-10 in the New King James Version says:
“8 For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgmentand made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;
9 Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]
10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
A renewed mind gives, enables and empowers us to live the good life
Yes, I am saved.
But I did not save myself.
I was buried in sins and trespasses. . .that’s why Ephesians 2:10 is so important to us as believers.
Let’s summarize twelve power points from this one verse.
1. You are made in the image of God and after His likeness.
2. God has given you dominion over everything.
3. God knew you before you were formed in His mother’s womb.
4. You are a chosen instrument of God.
5. You are to continually praise God.
6. You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
7. You can do marvelous things through Him.
8. You were personally created by God.
9. You are born again through Christ.
10. God planned in advance for you to do good works.
11. You were created to enjoy the good life that God has prepared.
12. If God is saying all of this to you…then you’ve got to know you were not born by accident … He has a distinct plan for your life… He wants you here.
Write out these sentences . . . personalize them as a constant reminder of your worth to God.
<<Your name>> was fearfully and wonderfully created in the image and likeness of God who knew <<him, her>> before <he, she>> was ever formed in <<your mother’s name>>’s womb. God personally created <<your name>> to continually Praise Him as God gave <<your name>>, a born-again believer dominion over everything on planet earth and so <<he, she>> can do the marvelous things God planned in advance and <<your name>> can enjoy the good life.”
I strongly suggest that you put this scripture in your Smart Phone, tablet, iPad or other electronic gizmo. Otherwise, write this personalized scripture down on an index card and carry it around with you. . .until you have it memorized.
Personalizing the scripture makes it even more meaningful to you especially the last part of the verse which says “. . .living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for Harold and Bev [take out ours and add yours] to live.”
So no matter what you’re facing. . .no matter the intensity of the adversity or the seemingly hopelessness of the situation. . .remember two very powerful and life-changing, destiny-shaping, mountain-moving, faith-building words. . .
But God…
BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS
Harold Herring