The Walking Dead - Eph 2:1-10
"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5
"But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." Ephesians 2:4-5
I have to admit, I am so thankful creepy beings like Zombies are not real, or at least like in movies and TV shows. But Paul makes some interesting comments in our passage today. He says that you and I were dead in our transgressions and sins. We used to follow the ways of this world, gratifying our own desires and so we were dead. Yes, see where I'm going? We were the walking dead.
So what changed? You and I know we didn't just spring to life on our own, it was God! And why was it God? Because of His great love for us, His rich mercy, and His incomparable grace. We see these fully and completely in Christ's life, death and resurrection - if God did nothing other than save us through Christ, He would still be the greatest. But He goes above and beyond, to not only give us a new heart and mind, but to make us new for a purpose: "to do good works, which God prepared in advance" (v.10).
Pray:
Father, we praise You for Your rich mercy, great love, and incomparable grace. You are greater than we will ever comprehend. Thank You for giving us new life in Christ and for preparing good works for us to do. Please give us Your power, the power we learned about yesterday, to do those good works. Amen.
Challenge:
Meditate or reflect on God's character shown here: His great love, rich mercy and incomparable grace in Christ. Then consider, since Paul says this zombie problem is everybody's problem, what good works has God prepared for you regarding the unbelievers you encounter this week?
CLIMB DAY 3
Although the team will not start climbing today, it is certainly an important day. Orientation! Today our team will meet those they have hired to help them climb Kilimanjaro. There will be plenty of information, recommendations and procedures being given, and it is important for our team to pay close attention and learn all they can. There will be much excitement, but the weight of the difficulty and reality of coming hardships will be felt.
Our team has been planning. They've been exercising and preparing their bodies for months, but no matter how much preparation, there is no knowing exactly how their bodies will respond to the challenges of the mountain. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world. The summit, Uhuru Point (which our team will reach in 8 days), peaks at 19,341 feet. Altitude, steep ridges, and narrow passages are only a few of the challenges to be faced.
Tens of thousands attempt to climb "Kili" every year and many do not make it. So many attempt the climb because it is not considered a "technically difficult" hike - there are no walls to be scaled and the terrain is walkable. Altitude causes many to turn back without reaching the summit. Our team needs to be willing to go slow and take time to acclimatize. Some on the team have medical training and all guides are trained to use the medical equipment they may need, so the team is in the best position possible to summit. Be thankful our team has such experienced guides and porters to help bear the load.
Pray for the team to pay attention today. Pray for them to prepare their minds for the climb. Pray for them to prepare their hearts as they will be studying Ephesians while climbing Kili. Pray for rest tonight. Finally, begin praying specifically for Cheryl's lungs as the team hikes. Because of her battle with cancer, her lungs do not function at full capacity, and the fight against altitude sickness will be very difficult for her.
So what changed? You and I know we didn't just spring to life on our own, it was God! And why was it God? Because of His great love for us, His rich mercy, and His incomparable grace. We see these fully and completely in Christ's life, death and resurrection - if God did nothing other than save us through Christ, He would still be the greatest. But He goes above and beyond, to not only give us a new heart and mind, but to make us new for a purpose: "to do good works, which God prepared in advance" (v.10).
Pray:
Father, we praise You for Your rich mercy, great love, and incomparable grace. You are greater than we will ever comprehend. Thank You for giving us new life in Christ and for preparing good works for us to do. Please give us Your power, the power we learned about yesterday, to do those good works. Amen.
Challenge:
Meditate or reflect on God's character shown here: His great love, rich mercy and incomparable grace in Christ. Then consider, since Paul says this zombie problem is everybody's problem, what good works has God prepared for you regarding the unbelievers you encounter this week?
CLIMB DAY 3
Although the team will not start climbing today, it is certainly an important day. Orientation! Today our team will meet those they have hired to help them climb Kilimanjaro. There will be plenty of information, recommendations and procedures being given, and it is important for our team to pay close attention and learn all they can. There will be much excitement, but the weight of the difficulty and reality of coming hardships will be felt.
Our team has been planning. They've been exercising and preparing their bodies for months, but no matter how much preparation, there is no knowing exactly how their bodies will respond to the challenges of the mountain. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world. The summit, Uhuru Point (which our team will reach in 8 days), peaks at 19,341 feet. Altitude, steep ridges, and narrow passages are only a few of the challenges to be faced.
Tens of thousands attempt to climb "Kili" every year and many do not make it. So many attempt the climb because it is not considered a "technically difficult" hike - there are no walls to be scaled and the terrain is walkable. Altitude causes many to turn back without reaching the summit. Our team needs to be willing to go slow and take time to acclimatize. Some on the team have medical training and all guides are trained to use the medical equipment they may need, so the team is in the best position possible to summit. Be thankful our team has such experienced guides and porters to help bear the load.
Pray for the team to pay attention today. Pray for them to prepare their minds for the climb. Pray for them to prepare their hearts as they will be studying Ephesians while climbing Kili. Pray for rest tonight. Finally, begin praying specifically for Cheryl's lungs as the team hikes. Because of her battle with cancer, her lungs do not function at full capacity, and the fight against altitude sickness will be very difficult for her.