Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
—Ephesians 2:19-20 (KJV)
"We belong!" That's what the apostle Paul is telling those of us who are not biologically children of Abraham but have come to the only true and living God through faith in Jesus. Paul said it this way:
El Shaddai, God of the mountains and LORD God Almighty, the covenant God of Israel, from age to age, your steadfast love has blessed your people with your promises, your grace, and your future. Thank you for bringing me into your family, into your people, by grace through faith in Jesus.* Thank you for making me a vital part of your house. Forgive me for the times that I have doubted my importance to your cause and awaken in me the realization that I belong to you and to your household. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.
* Emphasized by Paul earlier in Ephesians 2:1-10.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
—Ephesians 2:19-20 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
"We belong!" That's what the apostle Paul is telling those of us who are not biologically children of Abraham but have come to the only true and living God through faith in Jesus. Paul said it this way:
We're no longer outsiders or second-class citizens or a "Johnny come lately" disciples of Jesus! We are full children of God because Jesus tore down all barriers between us and God (Ephesians 2:14-18). Because of grace, we belong! We are part of God's household! The foundation of our house of Jesus is made up of the apostles and prophets. The cornerstone of that house is Jesus himself. We are also a part of this holy house of God. Praise God, because of Jesus, we belong as God's beloved children!But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
My Prayer...
El Shaddai, God of the mountains and LORD God Almighty, the covenant God of Israel, from age to age, your steadfast love has blessed your people with your promises, your grace, and your future. Thank you for bringing me into your family, into your people, by grace through faith in Jesus.* Thank you for making me a vital part of your house. Forgive me for the times that I have doubted my importance to your cause and awaken in me the realization that I belong to you and to your household. In Jesus' name, I thank you. Amen.
* Emphasized by Paul earlier in Ephesians 2:1-10.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
