Ephesians 1:1-14 "Paul, an Apostle of JESUS CHRIST by the will of GOD, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in CHRIST JESUS: grace be to you, and peace, from GOD our FATHER, and from the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Blessed be the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in CHRIST: according as HE hath chosen us in HIM before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children of JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of HIS will, to the praise of the glory of HIS grace, wherein HE hath made us accepted in the beloved.
In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace; wherein HE hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of HIS will, according to HIS good pleasure which HE hath purposed in HIMSELF: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times HE might gather together in one all things in CHRIST, both which are in Heaven, and which are on Earth; even in HIM: in WHOM also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of HIM WHO worketh all things after the counsel of HIS OWN will: that we should be to the praise of HIS glory, who first trusted in CHRIST. In WHOM ye also trusted, after that ye heard the WORD of truth, the Gospel of your salvation: in WHOM also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory."
Occasionally, as I do research on the internet, I cross paths with an advertisement that is worded something like this: "I have a retirement fund of X number of dollars - is that enough on with to comfortably retire ?" As we grow older, I suppose many of us begin to entertain thoughts along these lines, and obviously the Scriptures give direction as to the proper attitude toward and wise stewardship of our finances. Yet the LORD also warns us that, in the handling of this world's goods, we are to refrain from setting our love upon riches and, thereby, replacing GOD upon the throne of our heart by worshiping that which HE provides rather than WHO HE is.
We must daily remember that life - real life - does not consist in what we have according to our financial balance sheet but, rather what we have as the "bottom line" in GOD's spiritual investments. The Bible reminds us that riches can take wing and fly away. The rich man of whom JESUS spoke wanted to tear down his barns, build bigger ones, and let his soul take its ease, but GOD called him a "fool" whose soul would be required of him that very night - he would die and leave it all behind (Luke 12:16-21).
I am not suggesting that we should not plan for the financial well-being of ourselves and our loved ones while we live; rather, I challenge you to read Ephesians 1:1-14 again and claim, as a child of GOD, the spiritual blessings and riches that are yours right now in JESUS CHRIST. We are guaranteed a future inheritance of which the HOLY SPIRIT is GOD's down payment. Your investments in GOD's heavenly 401k will far outshine and outlast any earthly investment you could make, so spend your life with eternity in view. JED
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
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