Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 2, 2015
In accordance with his pleasure and will… In accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:5, 7
There is an ongoing tension I feel between God’s will and my will. As my Pastor Andy Stanley says, “Pay attention to the tension.” I question what is the Lord’s part and what is mine. Salvation in Jesus is a gift from God, but I still have to receive the gift of His son by faith. I want to grow in grace as a follower of Jesus—so I seek to apply Scripture to my life, worship with other believers at church, be accountable to other Christians in a community group and serve others. But ultimately—it is the work of the Spirit that transforms my life. God is sovereign over my life.
What does Paul mean by “in accordance to His pleasure and will”? Seekers of God were chosen by God, before the foundations of the world. We are chosen by God but we still have to choose God through trust in Jesus. It is the Lord’s will that none should perish—yet some perish for lack of faith in Christ. God is perfect in every way. He is holy. He is good. He is love. He is patient. It brings great pleasure to our heavenly Father for us to know Him and be known by Him. His will is in accordance to the riches of His grace. Almighty God is our benevolent sovereign King.
“Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36).
How do we respond when God’s Kingdom collides with the kingdom of men? One thing is for sure—God’s will is eventually done on earth as it is in heaven. We can fret over living in a post Christian culture or like the early followers of Jesus, we can see secular society as a field of souls in need of cultivation, care and a harvest of conversions to Christ. Far too long have cultural Christians (in name only) diluted what it really means to believe in Jesus and follow Him. Devotion is demanding. Apathy toward religion flushes out the unfaithful from the faithful.
The forces of hell will not prevail against the church—but the devil has become far too comfortable in some churches. Almighty God’s judgment begins with those of us who confess to know Christ. We who know better—must act better or face the fierce wrath of God. The Lord is patient, but His patience is so more souls might be saved. Capitalism works in a culture with people of character. It’s good to be an American when America is good. Thus, we bow to our King Jesus and pray His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We cry out for mercy and grace!
“All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering” (2 Thessalonians 1:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I bow to You as my Sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Related Readings: Isaiah 51:13; Luke 12:32; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:2
Post/Tweet this today: Apathy toward religion flushes out the unfaithful from the faithful. #sovereign #wisdomhunters
Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)
Additional Resource: 4 minute worship video- Jeremy Camp: King Jesus
Our partners at The Friends of the Good Samaritan are changing the lives of hundreds of children in the slums of India by providing education, medical care and nutrition. Learn how you can help.
Our free Apple app Our free Android app
© 2015 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
Wisdom Hunters Resources / A registered 501 c3 ministry info@mail.wisdomhunters.com
