September 22

Isaiah 39:1-41:16; Ephesians 1:1-23; Psalm 66:1-20; Proverbs 23:25-28

We are called to be different. Isaiah exhorts Israel to not be like everyone else. Those around them worship idols made of gold or wood, but Israel is called to worship the living, true God. They do not worship something their hands made; rather the One who made them. They are to be unique because of all that God has done for them.

Paul provides us with an abundance of reminders of what God has done for us in Ephesians 1. If we are struggling to remember who we are in Christ, this chapter is the place for us. Here is the list of what Paul points out about what God has done for us.

He has: - blessed us with "every spiritual blessing in Christ"

• chosen us, predestined us
• adopted us
• given us grace
• provided redemption
• revealed to us the mystery of his will
• sealed us through the Holy Spirit

So when we find ourselves tempted to conform to the pattern of our culture, whether in materialism, hopelessness, anger, sex, or any number of things, we need to remember that God has made us different. Therefore we need to live differently.

God my Father, thank you for all the ways you have worked in my life. Thank you that all these works reflect your grace and love. Help me to always remember what you have accomplished for me and live out of these realities. Praise to you God. Amen.

Question of the day: According to Ephesians 1, which aspect of what God has done for you calls you to live differently today?