Thursday, September 18, 2008

iTrain30

Reading for Day 18
September 18

Eph. 5:22-33
Psalm 16:1-11
Prov. 3:27-32

As I read Ephesians today I am struck by the active role God plays in the church and in our lives subsequently. This passage gives us amazing insight into the heart of God regarding the church. I don't read that Christ scolds the church, tolerates the church, is disappointed by the church. What I do read is that Christ loved the Church. He gave Himself for her so that He could sanctify and cleanse her. Christ is actively working to remove any spot or wrinkle so that we can be presented holy and without blemish. So God is working in us. He takes great interest in His Church. He works to purify and cleanse the church - admittedly a big and ongoing job. But because of His love for the Church, He is willing to do this. I also read that the Lord nourishes and cherishes the church. He considers us part of His body and flesh and bones. What a commitment to the church. Sometimes we can grow the believe that church is all about what we are doing and we pray for God to bless it. Really, it is more about what God is doing.

  • So Christ loves the Church.
  • Christ is not turned away by the spots and wrinkles. These blemishes do not cause Him to turn away. They actually move Him to action. He is very committed to making us presentable.
  • Christ nourishes - or gives us what we need to grow.
  • We are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.
We are in a dynamic and hope-filled relationship with Christ. He loves His Church. We can expect God to be at work our of His great love and that is great news.


Reading for Day 19
September 19

Eph. 6:1-9
Psalm 17:1-15
Prov. 3:33-35

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I liked the verse in Psalm asking God to keep us as the apple of the eye.

Mick

amay said...

Thank you

amay said...

Thank you

Malorie said...

I am amazed by the amount of simple easy-to-follow instruction in the Bible. To the that the God of the universe not only became flesh to atone for our sins, but also left us His Word to live by full of direction and blessings for those who follow Him. I am humbled by how much he loves and cares for us both individually & as a whole.

Anonymous said...

I like what David says," I have set the Lord always before me.." Psalm 16:8 David wanted to filter everything in his life, all his ways, thoughts, actions, etc. to God through prayer and through His word. David set God "before" him, not next to him, or behind him--but in front! I have to daily remind myself that the the Lord is in front! Seek Him first; take everything to Him and he will provide the wisdom, peace, council, etc.! (Math. 6:33; Phil. 4:6-7.

Anonymous said...

God will not abandon us....we will be with him for eternity. David

Bionic Man said...

day 19 complete,
excellent instruction
-miles