"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."  Ephesians 1:7–8

Hi Friends,

So sorry that I haven’t written you this week until now. I haven’t been feeling well. But in my readings this week I came across a story that I wanted to share with you because of how it applies to our spiritual life.

Here’s the story: (with a quick copy and paste, yep there it is...)

“William Randolph Hearst invested a fortune in collecting works of art for his fabled home, Hearst Castle. The story goes that one day he read about some valuable pieces of art he just had to have. So he sent his art agent to Europe to find them. The agent looks high and low. Months go by. Finally he returns to California and reports to Hearst that the items have at last been found – but that Hearst absolutely cannot purchase them. Hearst is furious. “Name the price!” he says, “I must buy them!” “I am sorry sir,” the agent answers, “but that is impossible!”

Hearst is confused until the agent explains why: They’re already stored in his own warehouse. Hearst had purchased them years before!  He’d owned them all along but was still seeking them, because they were hidden away, out of sight.”

Crazy right?

What a parallel to the way many Christians live! We have the riches of every blessing from God already “lavished on us” as Paul says in today’s reading, but many of us are still out looking for them!

That’s because our riches, like Hearst’s art, are often hidden away, out of sight.

It’s not that we don’t have God’s blessings — it’s just that we have forgotten! We need to frame them and display them — remind ourselves daily of our spiritual wealth!

Some of the riches you already own…

• You have every spiritual blessing already (Ephesians 1:3) Will you believe this or keep trying to earn what is already yours?
• You’re holy and forgiven in God’s sight (Ephesians 1:4) I can’t count the times I prayed “Please forgive me!” forgetting that I had this treasure already!
• You’ve been chosen by God (Ephesians 1:4,11) Forget the debate over the words “chosen” and “predestined” for a minute and realize Paul’s pastoral point: You are part of a people with a destiny. Will you believe this
• You’re God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10) You’re a work of art! You have a purpose: to do great things God has already lined up for you to do! Will you believe this or keep looking for approval and validation elsewhere?

This is just the tip of the iceberg! And don’t forget it’s all ““to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One he loves.”” (Ephesians 1:6)

That’s why Paul says, “I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know …the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” (Ephesians 1:18)

See, it’s when you understand the lavish grace you already have that you stop vainly trying to justify yourself, and begin to really change from the inside-out.

Why do we Christians forget about the treasure we already have?

Which of the bullet points is most difficult for you to believe? Easiest? Why?

Go through Ephesians 1 and thank God specifically for the many things that are true of you — by His grace!

Grace ~ Peace,

Pastor Jeff