This Month’s Theme:
Loved Before Creation
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Ephesians 1:4-7
Reflection
At the start of a new year, some of us might be a little bit unsure about what goals we should make, or maybe a little bit confused about what goals to set.
When we are confused and don’t know where to start, let’s continue to remember God’s words in Ephesians 1:4-7. It’s time for us to re-examine who we are before God, that we’re chosen by Him before the foundation of the world to be His children. We’re not here by chance or accident, we’re His heirs, and our self-worth is not determined by the worldly things we have or by the acceptance of others.
Hopefully with God’s help we will continue to live this word out, and always hope in God.
– Clara Mengko
Join in the Conversation
When we were only a twinkle in our parents’ eyes, even before they thought of adding us to their fold, God had already thought of and chosen us to be a part of His family (Ephesians 1:5).
Here is the king of the universe, who put everything together, calling us to be part of His royal lineage. How amazing, that with all our different nationalities, accents, and languages, we come together under the banner of heaven as His children.
Even if our biological families may think we’re an “accident” or a “mistake”, God doesn’t make any mistakes, and our existence on this earth isn’t an accident. He knows everything about us, and paid for our “adoption fees” by sending Jesus to die for our sins so we have redemption and forgiveness through Him (v.7). We’re a part of God’s plan and He wants us involved in His work.
And the best bit is that we don’t have to write long cover letters explaining why we should be chosen as His sons and daughters, or spend hours projecting our best selves before Him. It’s an open invitation for all of us, regardless of our backgrounds and social statuses. Isn’t it time to take up this invite?
Reflect
- How does it feel, knowing God has specifically chosen you for something special even before He created the universe?
- Ephesians 1:4 says God has chosen us to be “holy and blameless”. What do you think a “holy and blameless” life looks like?
- If you’re on the fence about joining God’s family, what do you think is hindering you from fully accepting this gift of eternal life?
Topics to Explore
- Why did God make me this way (with a disability, weakness, ailment) / Learning to see myself as fearfully and wonderfully made
- Why being chosen by God is better than being chosen by a significant other
- When being in a relationship/landing my dream job didn’t complete me
- The struggles of living as a Christian that the world doesn’t see
- How the gospel brought me hope for the times I was overlooked/rejected/had failed
- New year, old me: Why I’ll continue working on current goals instead of creating new ones
- X ways to slow down in the new year
- X creative ways to spend time with God
Need encouragement? Here are a few articles to help you reflect:
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