Encouragement for Today - Apr. 27, 2009

April 27, 2009

God's Masterpiece...Who Me?

"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

Devotion:

You've got to be kidding me? If I didn't see it for myself in God's Word, I wouldn't believe it. Ephesians 2:10 says "…we are God's masterpiece."

Wait a minute, this cannot be right. I don't feel like a masterpiece. I certainly don't look like a masterpiece. But God’s Word says that I am a masterpiece. And not just anyone's masterpiece; I am God's masterpiece.

According to Merriam-Webster's online thesaurus, synonyms of masterpiece are: showpiece, blockbuster, success, gem, jewel, prize, treasure, and piece of the master. Insert any of these words into today's verse in place of masterpiece.

Doesn't it just take your breath away to know that there is Someone that feels this way about you?

God loves what He created, so shouldn't we too? I struggle not to get down on myself. Often I focus on what I do wrong more than what I do right. I look in the mirror, compare myself to someone else and I just feel blah. That's right, blah.

I wonder, “What's special about me?”

It is very hard for me to believe that I am God's masterpiece. Do you have thoughts like these? If so, stop right there! Don’t let those lies penetrate any deeper. That's not what our Creator thinks.

When I listen to the Truth, which is His Word, not my thoughts, then I hear Him saying things like, "Oh Melissa, you don't always get it right, that's true, but I love you so much. Look in My mirror and see what I see, My beautiful creation, My treasure, My masterpiece.

The sooner you see yourself for who you really are, the sooner you can take your reign as My priceless princess with a purpose - My masterpiece. You were created in My image and you are indeed a piece of the Master."

Dear Lord, thank You for creating me in Your image and calling me Your masterpiece. Please help me to live like the one You created me to be. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Related Resources:

Listen to Today’s Radio Show for more on the Father’s love

The Wonder of His Love: A Journey into the Heart of God by Nancy Stafford

My Princess: Love Letters from Your King by Sheri Rose Sheppard

Visit Melissa's blog

Application Steps:

Take note of the way you think about yourself today. If you notice a lot of negative thoughts occupying your mind, intentionally choose to think about what God says about you. Remind yourself that you are a masterpiece of our almighty God.

Reflections:

Do I believe that I am God's masterpiece?

How do I view true beauty?

What can I do to remind others and myself that we are true treasures of God?

Power Verses:

2 Corinthians 1:21-22, "Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (NIV)

Ephesians 1:4, "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

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Matthews, NC 28105