Ephesians 1:12-14: He loved me right away, before I did one thing

Good morning from New York City. I flew in Wednesday for a quick trip here and am now at the airport, awaiting my flight back home. It may have been a short trip, but it was action-packed with great meetings and even a little bit of Christmas shopping.

You m ay remember from Wednesday that I am joining Candace’s reading plan over at His Mercy is New for the next few weeks. We are reading and praying our way through Ephesians. Today’s reading plan is Ephesians 1:12-14.

I have to admit that I am having a hard time slooooowwwing down and reading such a short portion of His Word each day. I am used to applying SOAP to a much larger chunk. Thanks for hanging in here with me as I make my way through. I sure hope you are enjoying it.

Here’s what I heard in Ephesians 1:12-14 using SOAP:

Scripture: Ephesians 1:12-13

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

Observation:

When you heard His message, you were included in Christ. Then, when you believed, you were marked.

Application:

I love that it was when I first heard his message that I was included in Him and that His mark was upon me when I believed. He claimed me. I am His. He loves me and claimed me just for listening and believing. Really. I think that is super nice of Him, and it also shows His trust in me to truly follow Him. He believed in my to do so before I performed even one act in His name.

Prayer:

Father God, thank you for your reassuring Word. Thank you for including me in your Son when I heard Your message of truth, the true gospel. Thank you for marking me with a seal of the Holy Spirit so that I may be for the praise of your glory. Thank you for guaranteeing my inheritance which will come from You.

Thank you for this gift and for our faith in me.

Please, Lord, guide me in remembering that gift, that love. It’s pretty powerful that you loved me that much before I even did one thing for you. Please, Lord, help me to remember that as I look toward others and model your grace and love.

Please also help me remember that as I plan and carry out my daily my actions, remembering that you loved me before I did one thing, and me doing more or better things is not going to change that love.

Thank you, Father.

Tomorrow’s reading plan is Ephesians 1:15-21.