January 10, 2025 - Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:5‬-‭10

“he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” Ephesians 1:5-10 NIV

Jesus, you predestined us for adoption. When you created us, you knew that we would choose to disobey you. Knowing we would cause you pain, you created us anyway. You had a perfect plan to make a way for us to be restored to you. Again, you knew from the beginning what that plan would cost you, and you chose to create us. Then you carried the plan out and gave your life for us. Wow, your love for us is so amazing. Your love is so great that it longs for relationship with us so much that you willingly accept the pain you know we will cause you for the chance to have us walk in unity with you. It is a love that seems beyond our human comprehension. The only way we can begin to grasp it is to experience it.

We ask today for a greater outpouring of your love in our lives. Let your love draw us closer to you and drive out the lies that try to keep us away. Let it push out our desire for selfishness and sin. We praise you for the blood that you shed to purchase our forgiveness. Help us not take it for granted, but to honor your love and the price that you paid. Increase our desire to walk in righteousness. Increase our desire to know you. Make known to us your mysteries and draw us into unity with you.

In Jesus name, amen.