Today's Scripture
"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 2:10 NLT
Thoughts for Today
God's masterpiece. Did you know you are God's masterpiece? If you have received Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, God has created you anew!
God loves you, his masterpiece, unconditionally. And he has a good plan for your life. Today's scriptures talks about "the good things he planned for us long ago." God's agenda. A perfect plan. His plan does not include things we do to please others or to earn God's approval. His plan is so much better.
God gives us a choice. Will we insist on following our own agenda--or will we follow his?
Consider this …
If we choose God's plan, we will produce much fruit--not because of our own cleverness or ability but because we have faith in our connection to God through Jesus Christ.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5 NIV
We might work hard to succeed in a relationship, a career, even a ministry. And maybe we see some results. But often that hard work produces frustration, stress, exhaustion. Maybe that's because we are striving in our own strength and with our own agenda, leaving Jesus out of the equation. What does Jesus say we can do apart from him? Nothing!
God has a good plan for your life. He wants to help you follow that plan. But first you must choose to follow his agenda, not your own. You must choose to trust in his strength, not your own ability. Only then will you produce fruit that is meaningful and makes an eternal difference.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the good plan you have made for my life. Forgive me for straying off the path you've prepared for me. For allowing myself to be distracted by my own ambitions, my desire to do things my way. Help me to abide in Jesus. Help me to live the plan you have for me and produce much fruit. In Jesus name ...
These thoughts were drawn from …Where is the Image of God in You? by Brad Rymer. The purpose of this study is for us to see how some of the different character traits we have can be used in constructive rather than destructive ways in our lives and relationships so that we are operating more and more in the image of God according to the way He created us. Also, this study can help us better understand others as we build godly relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to [email protected].
