scribbly notes on Ephesians 2:8-10

So today after work I headed to a local coffee/meeting place/building in which to gather and eat or drink and did some daily reading and journaling but my brain is all over the place today so this is incredibly fragmented...I still think there are some amazing things (I love Ephesians) to share so here we go :)

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"God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do good things he planned for us long ago."

Ephesians 2:8-10

[Also read - Romans 3:28 // 2 Timothy 1:9 // Titus 3:5]

"No action or work we do can help us obtain salvation; God's intention is that our salvation will result in acts of service." (NLT Study Bible)

Accepting Jesus as your savior is so much more than praying a prayer and reading your bible. It is fully embracing the Word of God (the Bible), His teachings, and also striving to be like him. The bible is a mirror where we get to see God and also see ourselves. It is incredible reading something that was written so many years ago and seeing how it applies to your life directly. With that being said, our salvation is the ultimate gift that we can use to serve others. By walking with Him everyday and being an example, we are lights in the world. When living in truth and by the Holy Spirit, we are guided and led to live better. 

[we are SAVED to SERVE]

How do we respond to salvation? [when we feel unworthy, etc.]

- When you get a gift you don't say, "Thank you! What do I owe you?" You say, "Thank you!" Yet we feel obligated as Christians (insecure and unable to comprehend His love for us) to try to work our way to God (or work to win his approval/grace/forgiveness. We already have that gift, and it's not to be won). 

- Because our salvation and even our faith are gifts, we should respond with gratitude, praise, and JOY.

- When I feel unable to comprehend God's love for me I'm not alone. It is quite impossible to understand how someone could have unending, relentless love for someone like me who has done to most stupid things and has pushed him out of my life for years and years. But the best thing ever is that he DOES love me no matter what. 

- We need to not only listen to the word of God but fully hear it and embrace it. Read the word and study it not because it's what you're "supposed to do" but because you really want to learn about God. The Bible is a gift in which we get to become closer to God and learn about ourselves. 

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Jesus Your name

Is more than a name

It’s given me hope

It’s given me life

Jesus Your name be lifted high

No other name but Jesus saves

Higher // Worth Dying For