– Scripture: 

‘It’s in Christ that we discover who we are and what we live for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us and had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This down payment from God is the first installment of what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us: a praising and glorious life. That’s why, when I heard of your solid trust in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you, and give thanks. But I do more than thank you. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!’

                                  Ephesians 1:11,13,15

– Reflection:

                   God of Glory

Our 7th and 8th graders on our basketball teams ask questions every year about their games and the levels they are at. However, it’s important to note that God’s plan for their lives has nothing to do with sports. Does God know who they will become? Does God know what college they will attend and who they will marry? The game they play may make them some money, or it may not; as their coaches and mentors, it is up to us to honor their commitment and young people. Be mentors that help them become the people that GOD created them to be. As people of God, we live in the mystery of God’s will a will, purpose, and plan that calls for us to love and be loved. We can see this call in the letter from Paul to the Ephesians. In this letter, Paul encourages us to express gratitude to God through our lives by loving and being loved.

Where do we go from here?

“As people destined by God, we express gratitude with our lives not because we are exceptional, but because we are capable of doing so. Through the grace of God, we are able to love and be loved. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is evident through the love we extend to our family, neighbors, and even our enemies. It all starts with God’s love for us. In return, let us live our lives with love.”

Our Prayer for Today

Father, we are thankful for your unconditional love and amazing grace and feel honored to be chosen for your plans. Please help us become more loving toward those around us, both those we know and those we have yet to meet. Let us be a reflection of your love. We pray in the name of Christ. Amen.