Derek Smith, Lead Pastor LHBC

 Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places

Recently I purchased a toy for my one of my children’s birthdays, and it was one of those large toys that needed to be put together. I opened the box, pulled out the instructions, and got ready to assemble it, but suddenly there was a problem. All the pieces to assemble the toy were there, but one of the essential tools needed to put the pieces in place was missing. The instructions said the tool was provided in the parts packet, but sadly the tool wasn’t there and I didn’t have the specially sized tool in my toolbox to match. It’s a sad day to a kid when the birthday present you bought isn’t functional!

I’ve got some great news. Every tool you need to piece together an effective Christian life you have! Everything we need to live the Christian life we received when we got saved. See, when you turn from sin and trust in Christ, scripture says we are born again of the Spirit of God. God Himself comes to live in our hearts! Now, the wisdom, the power, the peace, the provision, and whatever else is needed to fulfill God’s commands we have through the Holy Spirit. The power to love when it’s hard you have through Christ. The peace to rest in the Lord through incredibly tough circumstances you have through His Spirit. The provision needed to give to that mission effort, your church, or that person in need is at your disposal in the Lord. The wisdom to know what decision to make in that complex situation is available to you in Jesus when you ask.

As we start this new devotional emphasis, know that everything you need to successfully complete this you already have, and everything you need to obey God and live victoriously for Him is already yours through salvation!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord, thank you for saving me. I rejoice in knowing today that everything I need is in you. You have given me peace, power, protection, provision, and wisdom through your Spirit. Help me rest in your love and grace as I seek to do your will. In Jesus name, amen.

 MEMORY VERSE FOR THE WEEK:
Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.