July 2006

Eph 1:4 Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love.
Eph 1:5 Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)
Eph 1:6 He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Eph 1:7 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people--free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!

What glorious news!! We are the focus of His love and He had us in mind long before He had even created this earth. You can take courage in the fact that He has adopted you, made you holy by His love and set you free! And all of this not by our doing but by His Beloved Son Jesus. He is the sacrifice for our sins and has taken the punishment that we so gravely deserved, oh, the riches of His love and mercy. He has declared we are free from every penalty and punishment even though we are the guilty ones. His love and mercy is what sets us free as we realize His immense and passionate love for us, that He has done all that was needed so we could never mess up His plan of redemption.

You and I are truly the apple of His eye and He has accomplished what was needed that we can know and experience His extravagant love. Have you ever felt someone staring at you in a room, well His eyes are on you and you are the focus of His attention. Not only is He watching over you but he is also working on your behalf. Open your heart and allow Him to love you.