Cousin PJ3 8/20/19

I'm pleased to have voiced a devotion by my cousin, Perry Johnston III.

As the Creekside Weekly Devotional Program is in it's final months, I'd like to thank George Bragg for the incredible work he's done to bring devotions to the world over 150 times per year, since the program's inception in 2000.  His encouragement, wisdom, and knowledge will be treasured by us all.  And to his dear wife Mary, thank you for allowing George to give us the devotional program.  We have learned, grown, and shared. Truly, we are blessed.

Now What? Part 1

First Published May 10, 2019

Whether you have recently confessed Christ as Lord of your life, you have been a Seasoned Saint for decades, or you are somewhere in between, we need to address the issue of what comes after a person accepts Christ. As a new convert, you are vulnerable to many of the same challenges and trials of life. Standing up and saying, “I’m a Christian!” will not make troubles go away. For some, challenges are intensified.  Just read about the Apostles.

Also, you are not going to instantly understand the entire Bible. Sometimes spiritual maturity takes an entire lifetime to achieve. But, take heart, God has not left us empty-handed!

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But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),… Ephesians 2:4-5

Is = ων (being; present active) means now; always now.  You are in God’s mercy. Period. And God made us alive through Christ. So… you are spiritually alive and healthy!

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For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,

Which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

You have purpose in growing spiritually. And God has a path to make that happen.

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But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off

Have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13

All of this is possible through the blood of our Savior, Jesus the Christ. We have hope!

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…And that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross,

There by putting to death the enmity. Ephesians 2:16

We can now approach the throne of God in prayer.  He will hear our requests. We have peace.

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Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord… Ephesians 2:19-21

If we keep our focus on the corner stone, setting our actions, decisions, and attitudes, in reference to Christ the Head of the Church, the Kingdom of God will stay strong.  Our personal lives will also reflect the solid and strong faith we continue to develop.

Copyright 2019 by Karen Vaughn