Without Prejudice - Eph 2:11-22
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..." Ephesians 2:14
"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility..." Ephesians 2:14
Remember the zombies walking around you every day? Well, are there ever any that you think are too far gone? Although you would never say it out loud, they either really don't deserve God's grace or seem to love sin too much to love Jesus? Paul makes it clear we all begin on the same page - completely dead without Christ; and we are all made right the exact same way - through Christ's death and resurrection.
Who could claim that they were God's chosen people? Jews! But when Christ came He destroyed the barrier and hostility between Jews and Gentiles (everybody else). It is only through Christ that BOTH are reconciled and have access to the Father. Let's be honest, there are times when we act like the Jews mentioned in this letter - we think more highly of ourselves, that we are more deserving or worthy of our salvation. But in light of the clear fact that our salvation has nothing to do with who we are or what we do, we should humble ourselves and realize we are no more deserving than the most wretched person alive.
Paul finished by stating that all believers are being joined together. We do not stand alone, but together with all believers. The reason? Together we "become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (v.22).
Pray:
Father, I praise You for desiring to make all people Your own. You offer Your free gift without prejudice. Please help us see all people through Your eyes - Your creation made in Your image. Amen.
Challenge:
Prayerfully consider, are there others (poor, rich, addicts, government system abusers) that you secretly deem unreachable? If so, ask for forgiveness. Seek out wise believers who can help you work on this through Christ's strength. Finally, take time to rejoice in who God says you are, "No longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of His household" (v. 19).
CLIMB DAY 4
Today's the day the real adventure begins! Flutterings of emotions run through the group. Everybody has their own strategy as they face the mountain, but today they all start the same. It will be a great hike today, but first breakfast at the hotel and then a 2-3 hour drive to the Londorossi gate for registration. Every person who hikes must have their paperwork in order and pay park fees. While they're waiting, the team will get their first glimpse of local wildlife, maybe even monkeys. Once they receive the word, they take a short ride to the trail starting point, swallow down a quick lunch, and head out.
The trail begins in the rainforest with thin trees towering overhead. The trail is clear but narrow, only 1 1/2-2 feet wide, surrounded by a sea of green foliage. The team treks through this part of the trail mostly in single-file fashion. Excitement and a bounce in their step, they radiate a determined optimism. They could potentially encounter buffalo, elephants, monkeys and smaller animals. The climb will be difficult overall, but today holds promise for all. They gently ascend approximately 1500 feet over 3 miles, taking 3-4 hours.
Tonight they will camp under the canopy of trees. Their faces smile, knowing they've accomplished the first steps, more encouraged than ever that they can do this! They haven't encountered altitude issues yet and this will be the easiest portion of the mountain, but one day in the books is always an accomplishment. They eat and meet together as a team. They'll sleep as well as possible tonight, their bodies tired but filled with a steady excitement.Pray for a good day's hike and a good night's sleep. Pray for safe footing and for everybody to hike at their own pace, not to be rushed by excitement but to be wise with caution.
Who could claim that they were God's chosen people? Jews! But when Christ came He destroyed the barrier and hostility between Jews and Gentiles (everybody else). It is only through Christ that BOTH are reconciled and have access to the Father. Let's be honest, there are times when we act like the Jews mentioned in this letter - we think more highly of ourselves, that we are more deserving or worthy of our salvation. But in light of the clear fact that our salvation has nothing to do with who we are or what we do, we should humble ourselves and realize we are no more deserving than the most wretched person alive.
Paul finished by stating that all believers are being joined together. We do not stand alone, but together with all believers. The reason? Together we "become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (v.22).
Pray:
Father, I praise You for desiring to make all people Your own. You offer Your free gift without prejudice. Please help us see all people through Your eyes - Your creation made in Your image. Amen.
Challenge:
Prayerfully consider, are there others (poor, rich, addicts, government system abusers) that you secretly deem unreachable? If so, ask for forgiveness. Seek out wise believers who can help you work on this through Christ's strength. Finally, take time to rejoice in who God says you are, "No longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of His household" (v. 19).
CLIMB DAY 4
Today's the day the real adventure begins! Flutterings of emotions run through the group. Everybody has their own strategy as they face the mountain, but today they all start the same. It will be a great hike today, but first breakfast at the hotel and then a 2-3 hour drive to the Londorossi gate for registration. Every person who hikes must have their paperwork in order and pay park fees. While they're waiting, the team will get their first glimpse of local wildlife, maybe even monkeys. Once they receive the word, they take a short ride to the trail starting point, swallow down a quick lunch, and head out.
The trail begins in the rainforest with thin trees towering overhead. The trail is clear but narrow, only 1 1/2-2 feet wide, surrounded by a sea of green foliage. The team treks through this part of the trail mostly in single-file fashion. Excitement and a bounce in their step, they radiate a determined optimism. They could potentially encounter buffalo, elephants, monkeys and smaller animals. The climb will be difficult overall, but today holds promise for all. They gently ascend approximately 1500 feet over 3 miles, taking 3-4 hours.
Tonight they will camp under the canopy of trees. Their faces smile, knowing they've accomplished the first steps, more encouraged than ever that they can do this! They haven't encountered altitude issues yet and this will be the easiest portion of the mountain, but one day in the books is always an accomplishment. They eat and meet together as a team. They'll sleep as well as possible tonight, their bodies tired but filled with a steady excitement.Pray for a good day's hike and a good night's sleep. Pray for safe footing and for everybody to hike at their own pace, not to be rushed by excitement but to be wise with caution.