December 4th
Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1–4
Scripture Focus
“Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.”
— Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called.”
— Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
— Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
— Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)
Reflection
Coming fresh out of our retreat, the book of Ephesians hits differently — deeper, richer, more personal. Paul doesn’t begin by telling us what to do… he begins by reminding us of who we are.
Before God made the world, He loved us.
Before we did anything right or wrong, we were chosen.
Before we took our first breath, He prepared good works for us to walk in.
These chapters reveal a breathtaking truth:
In Christ, we are spiritually wealthy.
We have redemption, forgiveness, adoption, access, inheritance, the Holy Spirit, unity, purpose, and power — all because of Jesus.
And then Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts would be flooded with light — because if we don’t understand our riches, we will live like spiritual beggars.
Ephesians reminds us:
We are His masterpiece.
Not accidental.
Not unfinished.
Not worthless.
Crafted by the living God, shaped by His love, designed with purpose.
And because of who we are, we are called to live differently.
We reflect His worth by the way we walk, speak, forgive, love, and surrender.
We reflect His glory when we let the Spirit renew our thoughts, attitudes, and choices.
We reflect His heart when we walk worthy of the calling we have received.
Paul is saying:
“If you really understand who you are in Christ — if you understand these spiritual blessings — then your life will bring glory to God, not yourself.”
This is the beauty of Ephesians:
Identity first… then obedience.
Riches first… then responsibility.
Who we are in Christ… then how we live for Him.
Lesson for Me
My life should reflect the riches I’ve received.
I don’t earn His love — I respond to it.
I don’t work for acceptance — I work from acceptance.
I don’t strive to prove myself — I live as His masterpiece, created for good works.
Application Questions
Prayer 🙏
Lord Jesus, thank You for every spiritual blessing I have in You.
Thank You for choosing me, loving me, redeeming me, adopting me, and sealing me with Your Spirit.
Renew my thoughts today.
Shape my attitudes.
Help me walk worthy of the calling You placed on my life.
Let my life reflect Your worth, Your beauty, and Your glory.
Make me a living testimony of Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Takeaway
I am God’s masterpiece — loved, chosen, redeemed, and created for good works. When I remember the riches I have in Christ, my life naturally shifts to reflect His glory, not my own. Identity comes before obedience, and grace comes before the walk. Everything I do flows from who I am in Him.
Journaling Reminder
Before you close your Bible, sit quietly with Jesus.
Ask Him:
“Lord, what are You saying to me personally through Ephesians today?
What do You want to change in me?
What do You want to strengthen in me?”
Write down what He shows you — even if it’s just a sentence. Let His voice shape your steps.
Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1–4
Scripture Focus
“Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.”
— Ephesians 1:4 (NLT)
“I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope He has given to those He called.”
— Ephesians 1:18 (NLT)
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
— Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
“Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
— Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)
Reflection
Coming fresh out of our retreat, the book of Ephesians hits differently — deeper, richer, more personal. Paul doesn’t begin by telling us what to do… he begins by reminding us of who we are.
Before God made the world, He loved us.
Before we did anything right or wrong, we were chosen.
Before we took our first breath, He prepared good works for us to walk in.
These chapters reveal a breathtaking truth:
In Christ, we are spiritually wealthy.
We have redemption, forgiveness, adoption, access, inheritance, the Holy Spirit, unity, purpose, and power — all because of Jesus.
And then Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts would be flooded with light — because if we don’t understand our riches, we will live like spiritual beggars.
Ephesians reminds us:
We are His masterpiece.
Not accidental.
Not unfinished.
Not worthless.
Crafted by the living God, shaped by His love, designed with purpose.
And because of who we are, we are called to live differently.
We reflect His worth by the way we walk, speak, forgive, love, and surrender.
We reflect His glory when we let the Spirit renew our thoughts, attitudes, and choices.
We reflect His heart when we walk worthy of the calling we have received.
Paul is saying:
“If you really understand who you are in Christ — if you understand these spiritual blessings — then your life will bring glory to God, not yourself.”
This is the beauty of Ephesians:
Identity first… then obedience.
Riches first… then responsibility.
Who we are in Christ… then how we live for Him.
Lesson for Me
My life should reflect the riches I’ve received.
I don’t earn His love — I respond to it.
I don’t work for acceptance — I work from acceptance.
I don’t strive to prove myself — I live as His masterpiece, created for good works.
Application Questions
- Where do I see God’s “masterpiece work” in my life right now?
- What spiritual blessing in Christ do I need to walk in more confidently today?
- Are there attitudes or thoughts that the Holy Spirit wants to renew in me?
- How can my daily choices reflect the worth and glory of God?
- What good work has He placed before me that I’ve been avoiding or delaying?
Prayer 🙏
Lord Jesus, thank You for every spiritual blessing I have in You.
Thank You for choosing me, loving me, redeeming me, adopting me, and sealing me with Your Spirit.
Renew my thoughts today.
Shape my attitudes.
Help me walk worthy of the calling You placed on my life.
Let my life reflect Your worth, Your beauty, and Your glory.
Make me a living testimony of Your grace.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Takeaway
I am God’s masterpiece — loved, chosen, redeemed, and created for good works. When I remember the riches I have in Christ, my life naturally shifts to reflect His glory, not my own. Identity comes before obedience, and grace comes before the walk. Everything I do flows from who I am in Him.
Journaling Reminder
Before you close your Bible, sit quietly with Jesus.
Ask Him:
“Lord, what are You saying to me personally through Ephesians today?
What do You want to change in me?
What do You want to strengthen in me?”
Write down what He shows you — even if it’s just a sentence. Let His voice shape your steps.