As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us,God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved,through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:1-9


[Lyrics to the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” in bold and italics]


What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer…

A friend who hears the very moaning’s of our soul and consoles us.  Gently guides us with the quiet nudging’s of the Holy Spirit.

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer…

We were spiritually dead walking in the desires of the “world”. Following the values and standards that imprison us as in a fortress ruled by the prince of power of the air. Eph. 2: 1-3

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer…

Our Heavenly Father’s love for us is unconditional and perfect. Eph. 2:4. How his heart wants nothing more than to walk with us, eat with us, console us, provide all our needs…….free us from sin. His perfect love gave us Jesus! His perfect love gave us The Holy Spirit! His Perfect love gave us freedom! HA!! We are now seated in the heavenly places WITH Jesus! Eph. 2: 5-6. What a friend we have in Jesus! Hallelujah and Amen!

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Walk boldly in your gift of freedom. Listen to the gentle nudging’s of the Holy Spirit. Show that light of love when darkness comes knocking.  Call on the power in the name of Jesus and watch the Satan flee. We no longer belong to “that” world.  BUT, always remember these gifts were given to us from our Heavenly Father because of his perfect love for us and not by anything we have tried to accomplish.  Eph. 2: 8-9

Christmas Blessings to all!

Jesus,

Thank you for befriending me, claiming me as your sister, and showing me that only in You, imperfections can be made perfect through the Love, Grace and Mercy of You, our Lord and Savior.

Amen