Thought for 22 September

 Ephesians 2: 3-5 NIVUK

All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.

Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.

When I see or read about things happening in the world now, I cannot help thinking that the presence of Satan is becoming more obvious by the day. So much violence and abuse increasing everywhere. People trying to change what scripture says so it will match what suits them. Parents abusing and killing their children, which makes me think of the followers of Malek in the bible, sacrificing their children on alters dedicated to him.

How many of us have stopped reading and listening to the stories we encounter each day about worse and worse things being presented as if they were nothing more than sensationalism?

Of course, there are still those who are willing to admit they are appalled by what is happening in the world, but they are getting fewer and fewer. People are losing their faith but there is no definitive answer to why they are changing their attitudes. Could it be that we are getting weaker in the face of the temptations of the evil one, the father of lies, who is an expert manipulator of thoughts?

Fortunately, if we remain constant in our trust in God, who is the Father of truth we will be safe in the knowledge that God has us in His protecting hands. We can be sure of this because we know God sent His Son to give us that assurance by dying for us.

As we read in this passage from Ephesians, we received God’s saving grace by the power of Jesus’ death on that barbaric cross. We can be sure that we will be safe from the wiles of Satan if we cling to the promise of God’s Grace.

Prayer

Gracious Father, we offer You our grateful thanks for Your grace and mercy, granted to us freely through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Please grant us also the strength to hold fast to Your gift in the face of opposition in today’s world. We ask in Jesus mighty name. Amen.