Do You Need a Pick-Me-Up?

Do you need a "pick-me-up"?  Read Ephesians 1:7-10. These verses are so rich, so encouraging and full of everything we need: redemption, forgiveness and grace. Short on time? Read the following: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us,” (Ephesians 1:7-8a ESV). 

I have memory leaks. I always remember that Jesus died on the cross for me, that His blood was shed for me, that he paid the price for my sins. But, sometimes I’ll forget the extent, the fullness of His grace. I decided to do some research on the word lavished. According to the Oxford dictionary, lavished means “bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities”. Interestingly, one of the origins of the word lavish comes from the French word “laver” which means to wash. I continued my research by checking the synonyms for lavish: openhanded, unsparing, bountiful and heap (www.Thesaurus.com).  My research provided me with multiple ways to think about and hopefully remember Paul’s words: 

• Jesus is waiting, open handed to wash us clean every day!

• We are unsparingly, heaped with His grace!

• Grace is not dispensed in small doses. Redemption and grace are continually being repeated, occurring again and again.

Our passage this week should be read, reflected upon and shared. When you or a loved one needs a little "pick-me-up" read Ephesians 1:7-10.

-Brenda Wooff