Focus

Let yourself become open to God and the knowledge that comes from the Word. Ask God for peace at this time.

---

Read

Ephesians 2:1-10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else. But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

---

Reflect

How incredible is it that we are God’s handiwork? Fashioned by God’s hand to be exactly who we are – with all our amazing attributes, skills, and character.

Babies often get our undivided attention as we marvel over the amazing creation they are. Fragile and dependent on us for everything. Besides how cute they are, we are amazed at their little toes, and fingers. They even have the tiniest little voices.

Looking into a baby’s little eyes and watching them smile, I can only get a glimpse of what God must see in us. Feeling the love in my heart for these little humans who now have grown into young adults, I can only begin to feel the least little bit of the love that God feels for us.
Why is it we don’t have that same awe for each other that we have for babies? It is easier to love someone who has never misbehaved, lied, cheated or posted an opinion. Certainly it is easier to lose respect for those who do things that are hurtful to others. I’m not sure that loving God with all your heart, mind and strength as well as loving your neighbor as yourself will ever qualify as the easiest thing to do.

---

Pray

Thank You God for making us with your own hands and fashioning us into a people. Help us to have the love and grace for others that you have shown us. Help us to be in awe of the beautiful people around us, loving them with the deepest most sincere love just as you love us! Help us to have your eyes and ears just as we are your hands and feet in this world! Amen

Go with God!