Enote From Pastor Eva

Hello dear family of Eastridge!

This week I was meditating on the beautiful book of Ephesians and although I had already read it before, this time I experienced something different. Every word, every verse, every chapter has captivated me in a very special way. Today I am sharing a part of chapter 1 that has touched my heart:

Ephesians 1:3-8 “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. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 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. With all wisdom and understanding,”

Ephesian 1:11-14 “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession- to the praise of His glory.”

I have bolded the words that give praise to God and those that stated that we have been rescued, redeemed to praise the glory of God. Hallelujah! Paul refers three times that our purpose for which we were predestined, chosen and saved is to praise the glory of God. What a privilege that you and I by the grace, mercy and incomparable love of God have been chosen to praise Him!

Generally, every time we think of praise, we relate it to singing songs only. And of course, we praise God by singing praises, hymns or Psalms, but that is one of many ways we can praise Him. The Bible teaches us that He chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and spotless before Him… to praise His glory! When I decide to live in obedience and holiness, my life is a praise for His glory because I reflect His love and His compassion, therefore people believe in God. As a result, I accomplish God’s mission that he has entrusted me with: “go and make disciples...”

I invite you to meditate on the following questions: Am I living my life to praise God? Does everything I do daily with my family, in my work/business, in my school or college, praise God? If you don’t have an answer, I invite you to pray and read the Bible in a humble and sincere attitude before God and listen to Him teaching you how to live in a praise of Him.

I make Paul’s first sentences in chapter 3 of Ephesians verse 14 my prayer; “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. I asked that, through the Spirit and with the power that comes from his glorious riches” : Help us to live with the sole purpose of living every second of our life praising God in everything we do with our life, gifts, family, money- everything we think, everything we say and everything we want. Amen!

With the love of Christ, pastor Eva!

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OPPORTUNITIES TO PRAISE GOD IN OUR COMMUNITY

*Fall Cleaning: Tomorrow Saturday October 12^th from 9am to 12 pm. Come and enjoy the blessing of taking part in the privilege of cleaning the house of God.   We hope to see you!

*Financial Training: Yes, brother Todd is teaching free classes of how to manage the money you receive from God and how you can praise Him with the way you use it. The training consists of four classes on Saturdays at 7pm to 8:30pm at the fellowship hall. He started the first session last Saturday, but if you, like me, couldn’t attended, we have good news: Brother Todd is willing to make-up the session of the first class tomorrow at 6pm.

*Another way to praise God is by helping to bring cleaning items to clean the temple. You could also help by bringing paper plates, cups and cutlery, trash bags, toilet paper, etc. As we know our church’s finances are not in good condition, so we will greatly help if you can donate some things that are needed for the work of God’s work here at Eastridge. The stewards have worked on an inventory of cleaning and disposable items to know exactly what is needed at this time. This Sunday at the entrance of the church on a table will be some examples of some cleaning supplies and other needed materials to help us know exactly what to donate and there will be a sign-up sheet as well. In addition, next to the table will be a box where you can place your donation.  Thank you very much for your cheerful contribution!