[Faith-talk] Fwd: Morning Thoughts for Tuesday, May 31, 2011

[Amy Ragain]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Stephen Smith <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Date: May 31, 2011 7:13:51 AM CDT
> To: Morning Thoughts 1 <stevesmith1943 at me.com>
> Subject: Morning Thoughts for Tuesday, May 31, 2011
> 
> Ephesians 2:1-10 (NASB)
> Made Alive in Christ
> [2:1] And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, [2] in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. [3] Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. [4] But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, [5] even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together *with Christ (by grace you have been saved), [6] and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, [7] so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; [9] not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
> 
> Good morning family!!  Another day awaits, by the Grace of God, to live for Him and to love one another as He first loved us.  What an awesome joy and responsibility!!  It seems like only yesterday that April transitioned into May, and now June is tomorrow!  It's appropriate that we pause today, if even only for a minute, and reflect on what God has done for us, to us, or allowed us to experience these past 30 days.  How many times did we take the opportunity to express love for one another?  How many times did we testify about the Love, Grace and Mercy that God showed to us and to our loved ones?  How many times did we visit someone in prison and share God's love?  What about those who are sick, housebound, in hospital?  When did we last invite a lonely person into our homes for a meal, or buy a meal for a homeless person?  How many times did we confront a brother or sister with the truth of God's Word, or correct an error with love and kindness and compassion?  I'll bet that as you reflect on these questions, many more events spring into mind than you were thinking of when you started reading.  Every one of those events builds your personal testimony of life with Jesus.
> 
> Today is the 31st, tomorrow is the 1st of June, a new, bright, warm month with new opportunities to live the life Christ desires for us.  Will you be ready to capitalize on your testimony of this month?  Some of you lead more public lives, others, very private ones.  Whatever your comfort zone, seek God's will for you and just do it!!  My life is so much brighter because of the things you report!!  Keep on doing!!  Keep on reporting!!  I thank God at every remembrance of you!!
> 
> With love, hope, and the knowledge that God is in control,
> 
> <3Steve:-))