16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Ephesians 2:16-22
God places babies in families, and it takes many years for a person to grow up and integrated into the community. The basic needs of a person are not only food, clothing, housing, and transportation, but more importantly, a person needs a home, and he/she needs love, acceptance, a sense of belonging, and affirmation of value and identity!
Do you know that you are not a coincidence! You are not an orphan, not a homeless! God created you, created me, to be God’s beloved! God wants us to be united in His family where he loves to dwell! And God shapes us intentionally with a special plan in His heart, Christ Jesus paid the ransom to redeem us. He joined us perfectly into a most beautiful spiritual temple! He loves to dwell among us, and we are the beloved children of our Heavenly Father! We are also brothers and sisters who have a spiritual relationship with each other. We share the same Heavenly Father, the same Lord, and the same Holy Spirit! We are bonded in God’s family that no one can destroy!
Prayer:
Lord, thank you! Your name is Immanuel, and you love to dwell among us! Please let us pay attention to you, draw close to you, let you be our Lord, let you dwell comfortably among us, and let you, I, and every brother and sister deeply enjoy the love & relationship of the family of God! Let the glory and riches of God’s grace be manifested in the church!
Raisins & Apples Bible Devotional & more 