Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Weekly Devotional "Once-Were Thoughts" 4/2/2013



from Lenae, GEMS Training Manger
 
Once-Were Thoughts

              But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:13

What’s the first thing that popped into your mind this morning? Morning thoughts can be telling, can’t they? Think about the initial thoughts of grief that Mary Magdalene and the other women must’ve had on that first Easter morning. Yes, on Easter morning. They woke up very early that morning to take spices they had prepared and went to the tomb (Luke 24:2). Tombs are for the dead, and they went expecting to see the dead.

But when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus (Luke 24:3). Angels shared the glorious news asking why they came looking for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! (Luke 24:5).

The next morning, think about how radically different their morning thoughts must’ve been. He’s alive! He’s alive! This changes everything! Jesus is alive!

Sisters, that’s our Monday morning story. He once was dead, but now He’s alive. It’s the great reversal! It’s the joyous news of what once was and what is today! Think on His Word. Focus on the difference between what once was and what is now for you and me today.

For now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). The cross bridged the distance between God and us!

For you were once darkness, but now you are the light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Ephesians 5:8). The cross gives us purpose and guides our living. Shine your light!

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (Colossians 1:21-22). The cross transforms our minds and lives. We’re no longer His enemies; we’re reconciled, holy, forgiven, and free!

Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God (1 Peter 2:10a). The cross gives us our identity, and binds us to the Father and to one another as His family!

What unspeakable joy! We don’t live in the once was. That was then, this is now. We serve a risen Savior!

Think on it: Is there anything in your life today that belongs in the once was space in your life? For example: I once was a grumbler, but now I’m grateful. I once was a worrier, but now I trust Him in all things.

I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
John Newton