Ephesians 1:4-6, NIV
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

Think about the words – before the creation of the world. It was before God said ‘Let there be light’, and before anything that was made was made. Do you find this scripture too big to get your understanding round it? Let’s close our eyes for a moment and think about it. Before God created the world – there was nothing – except God. That’s when He chose us to belong to Him.

God chose us before anything else. This was priority to God! We aren’t some sort of afterthought. I was reading the Genesis story this week and the way God created the world in six days. The pinnacle of God’s creation is man, when God breathed His spirit into man. He didn’t just go along creating and whoops! Out came man. No. We’re God’s forethought; and not just that, but He foreknew what would happen.

We’re adopted. What does that mean? It was in the plan of God right from the beginning and it pre-dates creation. It will outlast this world as we know it. It’s rooted in God’s own nature. Adoption is a legal status. If you adopt a child, then legally that child is yours. You take over the responsibility for caring for that child completely as a parent of the child, just as much as if you had biologically given birth to the child.

Maybe we should consider afresh the wonder of our adoption into God’s family through the One He loves – Jesus Christ. Adoption was always part of God’s plan for you and me. God didn’t just wake up one day to find that man had failed through sin, humanity had orphaned themselves in the world, and He then came up with the idea of adopting us into His family. No. God planned it before the very beginning! God looked at us in our need and formed His plan for His only begotten Son, the perfect spotless lamb of God, to be crucified and risen. What did God choose us to be? We’re adopted as sons.

He chose us to be sons – to be holy and blameless. The truth is we didn’t choose God. Our adoption as sons is not based on our fitness for it. He adopted us whilst we were enemies in rebellion to Him (Romans 5:10)! So our adoption is nothing to do with how good we are –it’s based on the sovereign will and free grace of God. That means that our adoption is not fragile. It’s not uncertain, meaning it could change tomorrow! Whenever you feel wobbly or doubtful about your assurance of salvation, or where you are in God, be absolutely sure about this. Your adoption is eternal. It pre-dates this world. And it post-dates this world!

Prayer: Father God, we thank You that You’ve always had a plan for us to be in intimate relationship with You. Thank You for choosing us to be Your sons and daughters. We’re so grateful that we’re in a covenant relationship with You, and that You don’t change Your mind about adopting us into Your family through our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s too marvellous for us to grasp. Please seal this truth deep in our spirit by the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to try a FREE TRIAL of Ellel 365 Continue reading →

1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to try a FREE TRIAL of Ellel 365 Continue reading →

1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to try a FREE TRIAL of Ellel 365 Continue reading →

1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to try a FREE TRIAL of Ellel 365 Continue reading →

1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to try a FREE TRIAL of Ellel 365 Continue reading →

1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to try a FREE TRIAL of Ellel 365 Continue reading →

1 Corinthians 16:13, NIV
“Be on our guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything on love.”

In this Scripture Paul hands us a key ring, from which five keys are hanging. They are keys which have been given to us by the Lord to use on our journey of faith. They are keys to successful living – not success as measured by the very materialistic world in which we are living, but success as seen from the perspectives of the spiritual realms and eternity.

Paul was a great teacher. He had the wonderful gift of being able to encapsulate profound principles in just a few words. If followed, these principles will enable believers to not just live out their days on planet Earth, but to live well, in harmony with our Creator and in anticipation of enjoying eternity in fellowship with other believers with Him.

The first key helps us to recognise that we are living in a world where Satan has been given authority by man as the god of this world. As such Paul warns us to be on our guard against everything that the enemy can throw at us to try and take us off course. Secondly he urges us to stand firm in the faith – that means in what we know to be the truth from the Word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul tells Timothy “to watch his life and doctrine closely”, knowing that if we get off course and finish up in deception the consequences for the believer are serious.

The third and the fourth keys urge us to be courageous and strong – in much the same way as Joshua spoke to the children of Israel as they entered their Promised Land, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The final key reinforces the message of that wonderful 1 Corinthians chapter 13 – do everything in love. For without love in our hearts even the good things we do are of little value.

So, as you press on to make a success of everything you do for the rest of your days, keep this key ring in your spiritual pocket – and never forget to use the keys on a daily basis!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for these wonderful keys to living the Christian life. Help me, Lord, to always remember that they are intended for daily use and I pray that you will strengthen me day by day with Your Holy Spirit to live for You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Click here to try a FREE TRIAL of Ellel 365 Continue reading →