TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Read: Ephesians 2:10
Listen: Ephesians 2
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Pastor Jeff Manion talked this weekend about the many home and restoration project shows. They almost always begin with walking with the prospective family into a home that is in disrepair. The team starts to cast vision, not just what is there but what could be—a new kitchen, patio or living room where a cluttered, messy or outdated one currently sits.
Similarly to these fixer-upper shows, God is at work in each of our lives to help us look like all we could be. Ephesians 2:10 tells us we were created to do good works and that God prepared these things in advance for us. Before we even called out to God, God looked into the wreck and mess of our lives and saw what could be. God saw how he could use us in the world and what it was supposed to look like.
God wants to do a restoration project on each of our hearts. A restoration project where we are transformed by the gospel message and begin to reflect the character of Jesus to the world. Because if we truly understand what Jesus has done for us, we will live out of that and reflect him in our life. This week, we look at four areas where the gospel changes our hearts and, in turn, how we live.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As we begin this week, pray with openness for God to work in a specific space in your life that needs to be renovated. Feel free to use the following model prayer and replace the bolded words with whatever applies to your life. “Father God, thank you for all you have done for me. You know that the room in my life that needs to be restored is my words. God help me see that you call me your child, and I don’t need to use my words to bring attention or honor to myself. Being your child is enough for me.”
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
February is SABBATH. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE TIP Sabbath involves trusting the Lord and ceasing ordinary behavior. It’s a rhythm of work punctuated by rest. Pastor Jeff Manion said it’s not a reward for getting the work done but rest in the work. Ask God to help you see if there is an activity you need to stop doing on your Sabbath days in order to increase rest.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
