Good morning, Divine Family:

I pray all is well and everyone was able to have an enjoyable holiday weekend. Even for those who spend the holiday alone, whether by choice or by life’s circumstances, I hope you were able to truly remember and reflect on the symbolism and meaning of Christmas. The ultimate gift is Jesus Christ, Yeshua the Messiah.

I’m not sure if anyone has noticed, in the last few devotionals, but I have been referencing the scripture passages from the The Complete Jewish Bible translation. The main reason is that it has led me to look up and study different Hebrew meanings, but it has also allowed me to see the different ways the names of God are used. As noted on the home page of this website, unless otherwise noted, all scripture passages are from the Bible Gateway website.

Ephesians 2:1-10 

Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)

2 You used to be dead because of your sins and acts of disobedience. ² You walked in the ways of the ‘olam hazeh and obeyed the Ruler of the Powers of the Air, who is still at work among the disobedient. ³ Indeed, we all once lived this way — we followed the passions of our old nature and obeyed the wishes of our old nature and our own thoughts. In our natural condition we were headed for God’s wrath, just like everyone else.

⁴ But God is so rich in mercy and loves us with such intense love ⁵ that, even when we were dead because of our acts of disobedience, he brought us to life along with the Messiah — it is by grace that you have been delivered. ⁶ That is, God raised us up with the Messiah Yeshua and seated us with him in heaven, ⁷ in order to exhibit in the ages to come how infinitely rich is his grace, how great is his kindness toward us who are united with the Messiah Yeshua. ⁸ For you have been delivered by grace through trusting, and even this is not your accomplishment but God’s gift. ⁹ You were not delivered by your own actions; therefore no one should boast. ¹⁰ For we are of God’s making, created in union with the Messiah Yeshua for a life of good actions already prepared by God for us to do.

Go in peace, my dear brothers and sisters, in Christ Jesus, Yeshua the Messiah. May everyone you meet prayerfully be able to see, feel and hear the love of God through you. 

Rev. Marcia Davis