“And you He
made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of
the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also
we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the
desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath,
just as the others.” (Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJ)
made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked
according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of
the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also
we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the
desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath,
just as the others.” (Ephesians 2:1-3 NKJ)
Once in a while, a
walk down memory lane is good for me. But when Paul the Apostle leads me, it is
inspiring. He tends to prod me further than I want to remember . . . to
forgotten and forgiven things. The upside is that it humbles me and redirects
my attitude about new believers who are just now shedding their old ways and
lifestyles.
walk down memory lane is good for me. But when Paul the Apostle leads me, it is
inspiring. He tends to prod me further than I want to remember . . . to
forgotten and forgiven things. The upside is that it humbles me and redirects
my attitude about new believers who are just now shedding their old ways and
lifestyles.
Mercy and grace are
easier to give away when we remember the mercy and grace we received. There is
no special group of human beings from which God chooses his followers . . . no
exclusive club for whom Jesus died. All believers were dead in trespasses and
sins before faith in Christ. All of us walked according to the world’s evil
spirit before repentance. All of us were driven by the prince of darkness
before confessing Christ as Savior and Lord. We were all driven by disobedience
and fleshly lusts — both physical and intellectual desires. We were all driven
by the nature of wrath like all un-redeemed humanity.
easier to give away when we remember the mercy and grace we received. There is
no special group of human beings from which God chooses his followers . . . no
exclusive club for whom Jesus died. All believers were dead in trespasses and
sins before faith in Christ. All of us walked according to the world’s evil
spirit before repentance. All of us were driven by the prince of darkness
before confessing Christ as Savior and Lord. We were all driven by disobedience
and fleshly lusts — both physical and intellectual desires. We were all driven
by the nature of wrath like all un-redeemed humanity.
Most of us are
humiliated by these memories. It shows us the worst side of our entire life and
personality. We don’t want our skeletons paraded before the world. We are so
glad that Christ redeemed us from that old lifestyle. We simply want to put it
behind us and move on.
humiliated by these memories. It shows us the worst side of our entire life and
personality. We don’t want our skeletons paraded before the world. We are so
glad that Christ redeemed us from that old lifestyle. We simply want to put it
behind us and move on.
Despite our
embarrassment, remembering our own past helps us be humble and
less pious. This is why memories must never be forgotten!
embarrassment, remembering our own past helps us be humble and
less pious. This is why memories must never be forgotten!
Dear Father, thank
you for the sacrifice you made on Calvary for us. Empower us with humility and
grace and mercy and peace. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for the sacrifice you made on Calvary for us. Empower us with humility and
grace and mercy and peace. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Remember and give
thanks today,
thanks today,