Let those who GOD has gathered from their countries of exile — from the east and west, north and south — praise him for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for all people.
EPHESIANS 2:12-13 (NLT)
In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.
THE ESSENCE
As we are united with Christ Jesus we settle into our true home with God.
DAILY FODDER
Practically speaking, how is someone united with Christ Jesus? You might want to read the rest of Ephesians 2 to find out.
PRAYER
Gracious God, thank you for sending Christ Jesus into our world to unite us with you. This is a true gift beyond our abilities as sinful mortals. Show me how to live in solidarity with you so that your ways become my ways. I'm looking forward to the time when all of Jesus' followers — all who have allowed his life, death, and resurrection to transform their lives — will gather to praise you for your great love and all the wonderful things you've done for everyone. Amen.
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.