He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Today, I am pausing in my study of 1 Corinthians to dig deeper into studies provided by my church - Bay Leaf Baptist Church as part of its Multiply initiative - from my study booklet, my focus this morning for reading is Ephesians 2:1-10, and 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 for memorization. Ephesians 2:1-10 emphasizes the grace of God and this grace is core to the gospel. Verses 1-3 remind believers that before we were saved we were all spiritually dead, and slaves to our sin. Of course it's important to remember that everyone sins (Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8), including believers, and this sin is present every day of our lives until glorification (for believers). In vv4-9, Paul then gets to the heart of the matter - which is that despite our sin, and not because of anything we (believers) have done, God saved us, gave us both new life in Christ and eternity in heaven with Him. God's grace is important for us to keep at the forefront of our daily living - hence Paul shares twice in the text (v5, 8) how it is God's grace alone that saved us. Paul concludes the text by sharing how, although all of the universe and its inhabitants are part of His creation, believers were created, elected, justified, sanctified for "good works...that we should walk in them."
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is full of grace and compassion for me - saving me when I was dead in my sin and giving me both new life but also eternal life. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
