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.
Ephesians 2:1-2 NLT
Dear Fellow Followers of Christ,
As we pause to remember the glorious fulfillment of prophecy that was witnessed the night of Our Savior’s birth, I want to encourage you with a few words that the Lord has laid upon my heart this morning for the Body of Christ at large.
Remember who you are.
You are no longer a child of the evil one. You have been adopted. Get to know your Heavenly Father.
Maturity is the goal.
For whatever reason, we fear death and growing old. Death is a gift from God to end our suffering. Everyone dies. No one gets out alive. Accept that. Jesus was born to die. He demonstrated for us how to live and die as God intended.
Love is the measure of maturity.
The purpose of this world is to refine us. It provides the resistance that lets the light shine. Without darkness, you wouldn’t be able to distinguish the light.
We celebrate the Light coming into the world at the darkest time of the year. Hope will sustain you through the trying times. More trying times are ahead.
Do not despair. Do not lose hope. There will be times that make no sense and you’ll wonder if you’re even saved. Trust God. No matter what. He will lead you through the storms. Wait for His voice to lead you. Trust God, not the traditions of man.
Time will tell who the true children of God are. They resemble their Father. They bear His image and likeness. Who is their Father? Their Father is Love.
We are God’s love in this world.
Represent.
Father, forgive us for not loving others the way that You commanded us to. Teach us to love like You do. Show us how, day by day. Help us to be good role models in case others are looking for an example to follow until they learn to be led by Your Spirit. We choose, as an act of our own free will, to forgive everyone who has ever sinned against us. May they all come to know and experience the love of God. May the Church of God be united, whole and one. Amen.
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.
Ephesians 2:9-10 NLT
Igniter Ministries 