blessed, accepted, adopted, chosen, redeemed, forgiven, loved

artwork by Tamara Peterson

This delightfully beautiful work of art by Tamara Peterson illustrates so well the joyous, loving, and encouraging Truth from God’s Word contained in the first chapter of Ephesians.

When I was recently asked to speak to a ladies Bible study group, I shared this Truth that encourages me on a daily basis. Because I have been so encouraged by the study of Ephesians Chapter One, I wrote a series of 12 word studies on that chapter here.

These Truths from God’s Word encourage me, and I pray they will be an encouragement to you, too!

You are who God says you are…

In Christ, you are...

BLESSED with every spiritual blessing, 
         ACCEPTED in the Beloved Son of God, 
                 ADOPTED as a child of the King, 
                         CHOSEN before the foundation of the world, 
                                 REDEEMED by His Blood, 

                                          FORGIVEN by His Grace, 
                                                   LOVED with an everlasting love, and
                                                   underneath are the everlasting arms.

When you feel betrayed, God says: You are BLESSED
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)

When you feel ignored, God says: You are ACCEPTED
"According to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:5-6)

When you feel abandoned, God says: You are ADOPTED
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Ephesians 1:4-5)

When you feel inadequate, God says: You are CHOSEN
“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4)

When you feel rejected, God says: You are REDEEMED
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)

When you feel condemned, God says: You are FORGIVEN
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us.” (Ephesians 1:7-8)

When you feel forgotten, God says: You are LOVED

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.” (Ephesians 1:4)  “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27)

Lord Jesus, Thank You for this encouraging Truth from Your Word, that in Christ, we are who You say we are. Thank You for the free gift of salvation, that we are justified on the basis of Your finished work on the Cross. Thank You that, right now, we are under the completely sufficient imputed righteousness of Christ. Because we have placed our trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ, we are redeemed by Your precious blood. The threat of failure, judgment, and condemnation has been removed. Knowing that God’s love for us and approval of us will never be determined by our performance is the most encouraging promise to which we cling—what great things You have done! We love You, Lord. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Look Up—meditate on Ephesians 1 …pray to see what it reveals about the character of God.

Look In—as you meditate on Ephesians 1 …pray to see how you might apply it to your life. Be propelled to ask galvanizing questions about your discoveries: "Because God is_________, I will_____________."

Look Out—as you meditate on Ephesians 1…pray to see how you might apply it to your relationships with others. Let the nature of God impact on every relationship, for your good, and for His glory.


* If you liked this post, you’ll love this book – Name Above All Names Devotional: Focusing on 26 Alphabetical Names of Christ


Weekly LinkUps…

if the Son has set you free, you are free indeed

Holley Gerth’s Coffee for Your Heart Encouragement Challenge for this week is simply, “Pour out a little love with your words…simply write an encouraging blog post and then link it up here with us.”

My Daddy, Eston Willis, was a wonderful Bible teacher. One year he led a small Bible study in our home. Each week, we would gather, open in prayer, open our Bibles, and he would begin by quoting the same Scripture, Romans 8:1, at least seven times before we began...
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Something about the repetition of those God-breathed words moved God’s Truth from my head to my heart.

The 1996 Steven Curtis Chapman song, “Free,” puts lyrics and music to this Truth…

“God’s grace has broken every chain and given us these wings...If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed!” (John 8:36)

From the first chapter of Ephesians, we know that we know that we know that in Christ, we are...

BLESSED with every spiritual blessing,
         ACCEPTED in the Beloved Son of God,
                 ADOPTED as a child of the King,
                         CHOSEN before the foundation of the world,
                                 REDEEMED by His Blood, 

                                          FORGIVEN by His Grace,
                                                   LOVED with an everlasting Love.

Are these words encouraging to you? Please feel free to leave your comments in the box below. I’d love to hear from you!

re-wallpapering my mind with Truth

As I pray God’s Word, fear, doubt, and discouragement leave and His peace renews my heart and mind. As I experience His peace, I recognize when I have been held captive by controlling thoughts. As I stand in agreement with God, saying the same thing God says about my specific thoughts, I see the lies I have believed as wallpaper in my mind.

I ask God to help me tear down the lies wallpapering my mind and re-wallpaper my mind with the Truth of God’s Word...to starve the flesh and feed the Spirit. I ask God to help me see situations in my life the way He sees them. The more I see the way God sees, I become saturated with the favor of God, seeing His view of me through the blood of Christ, I become favor-minded, re-wallpapering my mind with Truth...

When you feel rejected, God says: You are ACCEPTED

"According to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Eph. 1:5-6)

When you feel abandoned, God says: You are ADOPTED

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. (Eph. 1:4-5)

When you feel betrayed, God says: You are BLESSED

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Eph. 1:3) 

When you feel inadequate, God says: You are CHOSEN

“You are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he” (Isa. 43:10). “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him.” (Eph. 1:4)

When you feel afraid, God says: You are REDEEMED

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isa. 43:1).

When you feel condemned, God says: You are FORGIVEN
 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” (Eph. 1:7-8)

When you feel forgotten, God says: You are REMEMBERED

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” (Isa. 49:15-16)

When you feel insecure, God says: You are SECURE

“Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders” (Deut. 33:12).

When you feel worthless, God says: You are CALLED

“You are a chosen [woman], a royal [priest], a holy [daughter], God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Pet. 2:9)

When you feel unloved, God says: You are PRECIOUS and I love you

“You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you” (Isa. 43:4). "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

When you feel unable or unstable, God says: You are ABLE

“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army; He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and will make me to walk [not to stand still in terror, but to walk] and make [spiritual] progress upon my high places [of trouble, suffering, or responsibility]!” (Hab. 3:19). "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

When you feel it’s impossible, God says: All things are possiblE

"Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27)

When you feel exhausted, God says: I will give you rest
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

When you feel you can’t go on, God says: My grace is sufficient
"But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

When you feel you don’t know what to do, God says: I will direct your steps
"Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

When you feel you can’t go on, God says: You can do all things
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13)

When you feel it’s not worth it, God says: IT WILL BE WORTH IT
"We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Romans 8:28)

When you feel you can’t forgive yourself, God says: I FORGIVE YOU
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

When you feel you can’t manage, God says: I WILL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEEDS

"God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:19)

When you feel worried and frustrated, God says: CAST YOUR CARE ON ME
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”(1 Peter 5:7)

When you don’t know what to do, God says: I WILL GIVE YOU WISDOM
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

When you feel all alone, God says: I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut.31:6)

Here's a wonderful new song to re-wallpaper your mind with God's Truth from Matthew West ... Hello, My Name Is...

 How about you? In what ways do you re-wallpaper your mind with God's Truth?

we have the past to look forward to

“We cannot, Lord, Thy purpose see, but all is well that’s done by Thee.” –William Lister (1867)
"All your sins were future when Jesus died."
"All that will be is not now yet."
"Faith is being able to visualize as true and real already what God is yet to do."
"Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees."

The Lord Jesus Christ has used a simple timeline document to help me gain a wide-angle view of life…a little glimpse of what it will be like when we step out of time and into eternity and see the panorama of the past, the present, and the future all-at-once…

Beginning at the beginning…

One way of doing this is begin to document a timeline of your life. I have shared the first 10 years of my life timeline in the photo on this blog. You can do it too. Take a look at your life in 10 year segments, asking God to reveal to you all the spiritual mile markers in your life…broken places, hurts, disappointments, accomplishments, and joyful times…to help you see that God had been there all along…His name is Emmanuel—God with us…His grace is sufficient. 

To accomplish this task, I discovered a very helpful tool for a “Timeline Template” through Microsoft. It’s free, and it’s very easy to use, the text boxes expand to whatever size you need, and the arrows on the boxes can be moved to any location on the timeline.  You can duplicate the timeline, and save as a new page for each decade of your life. The link for this “Timeline Template” really helped me to get my thoughts on paper, and God has used it to heal me in so many ways…http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/timeline-TC001016265.aspx

The Hebrew concept of time is like a person rowing a boat. We see where we have been, we back into the future. I can clearly see that God has been there with me all along. I am not stuck in the past, I am rowing into the future, moving forward, proactive, with my focus, my mindset, on God, who is sovereign. He sees the past, the present, and the future all-at-once. 

Morning after morning in my quiet time, I bring myself back to the Cross of Christ…as I bow before Him, I experience anew His forgiveness, redemption, mercy, and grace, as I sense His blood dripping over the Crown of Thorns pressed into His brow, onto my heart, covering my sin, and I get up from my knees wearing His Robe of righteousness as I face the day ahead…rowing into the future. 

What are your thoughts? 

In what ways might the Lord use a timeline to help you gain a wide-angle view of life?

Where Do You Come From?

After reading this wonderful blog, I was inspired to write my own. Once you start writing, anything that comes to your mind, the memories come flooding back and you are taken back. It’s such a great exercise in thankfulness...why not give it a try?

I come from Ellis Island where the ship, Princess Irene, brought my maternal birth grandparents from Scontrone, Italy, to Chicago in 1906.

I come from an illegal abortionist who refused to abort me at 4 months gestation in 1952.

I come from the Salvation Army hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, where my birthmother placed me for adoption on Friday the 13th of February in 1953.

I come from loving Christian parents who adopted me and took me to church and Sunday School.

I come from chocolate milk before bedtime made with love by my daddy.

I come from cookies and milk after school with my stay-at-home mom.

I come from chocolate milk shakes at the drug store during Sunday afternoon drives.

I come from moving to nine different houses in ten years between 1st grade and 10th grade.

I come from six years of home economics in junior high and high school.

I come from being elected president of the Future Homemakers of America in 9th grade.

I come from being chosen as editor-in-chief of my junior high newspaper.

I come from being honored as “Miss Responsibility” by my junior high principal.

I come from being elected as the first female president of my high school student body.

I come from summer vacations at Indian Shores Beach and Gatlinburg.

But more importantly…

I come from adoptive parents who loved me enough to introduce me to Jesus Christ.

I come from Sunday School and G.A.’s mission groups every week from the cradle roll.

I come from a mom and dad who made sure that we were in the pews every Sunday.

I come from youth pastors who gave all of their time to help me find my way.

I come from Young Life inner city retreats where I learned to see God in unlikely places.

I come from summer G.A. camps where I learned to make s’mores.

I come from singing His praise in the inspirational musical, “Tell It Like It Is.”

I come from His grace and mercies that are new every morning, praise Him.

I come from His Word, which is alive and active in me.

I come from a Heavenly Father who knows what my future holds.

I come from desiring to know Him better and to walk more closely.

This is where I come from. It made me who I am today. It is molding and shaping every choice that I make now, and in the days to come. Thank God He has been with me all along.

Where do you come from?

(c) 2011 beth willis miller

Many Memorial Days

Memorial Day 2010 my Mom, Frances Mae Carson Willis, went home to be with Jesus...

Memorial Day 2009 my cousin, Patti Ann Brower Hatcher, went home to be with Jesus...

Memorial Day 1989 my Daddy, Eston Franklin Willis, went home to be with Jesus...

Memorial Day 1952 I was knit together in my birthmother's womb by El Shaddai, my all-sufficient Heavenly Father...

I re-wallpaper my mind with the Truth of God's Word...all my days were ordained for me before one of them came to be...He knows the plans, the hope, and the future He has for me, the best is yet to be...God is Who He Says He is...God can do what He says He can do--nothing is impossible for Him...I am who God says I am--in Christ, I am blessed with every spiritual blessing, accepted in the Beloved Son of God, adopted as a child of the King, chosen before the foundation of the world, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, forgiven by His Grace and Mercy, and loved with an everlasting love and underneath are the everlasting arms, a love that will not let me go...I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength--His grace is sufficient...His Word is alive and active in me...I am believing God...

...praying continually for a circumcised heart which seeks to know Him and believe Him more, turning away from unbelief, doubt, worry, fear and insecurity...

...seeking to Glorify God, turning away from pride, which is self-absorption...

...seeking to find my satisfaction in Him, turning away from idolatry, which is putting anything ahead of or instead of God...

...seeking to experience His Peace through prayer, turning away from prayerlessness...

...to enjoy His Presence through my relationship with Him moment-by-moment, turning away legalism...

...praying that the Spirit of Christ Who dwells in the innermost part of me will take authority over my soul--the seat of my emotions, and my body--my fleshly desires and appetites...

...praying, Lord Jesus, Bless us indeed...

...do something so big in our lives that it is obviously from You...

...increase our influence and opportunities to make a difference for You...

...give us a continual sense of Your Presence and direction as we make decisions...

...protect us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and relationally...

...keep us from falling into satan's evil traps...

...praying Heavenly Father, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as a pathway to peace; taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that You will make all things right if I surrender to Your will; so that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with You forever in the next...

...praying the prayer that never fails...Thy will be done...

(c) 2010 beth willis miller