Mindy Lee Hopman

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)

Feeling Discouraged? 

While we know God is for us, the enemy comes against us, and with all of this pressure of today, it’s easy to feel discouraged. 

Discouragement on my heart leads me to the God’s Word – the place where truth and encouragement are found.

Run to God’s Word

In God’s Word, I’m reminded how He created each of us with a holy purpose in mind. We are His workmanship. We are His thought-out and filled masterpieces — sealed with the gift of grace and filled with the Holy Spirit’s power.

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. Ephesians 4:1-4 (NLT) 

God Gives Grace

The more time I spend in God’s Word getting to know Him, He transforms my heart. He meets me in my mess, covers me with His grace, and creates a wellspring of grace to share! 

God gives grace to extend grace. Jesus set the perfect example. Even when Jesus knew He would be betrayed, He gave grace away. 

Eucharisteo is giving thanks for grace. But in the breaking and giving of bread, in the washing of feet, Jesus makes it clear that eucharisteo is, yes, more: it is giving grace away. – Ann VosKamp

20/20 Vision 

What the adversary tries to divide, the Holy Spirit unites as one. 

And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. Ephesians 4:10 (NLT) 

The Greatest Gift (Jesus) came back down to this earth, to teach us how to live with love, mercy, justice, forgiveness, and grace, so He could overcome death and send the Holy Spirit to fill the universe. 

…and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind. Ephesians 4:23 (NASB)  

The Holy Spirit came to our hearts so we may think differently. Transformed hearts see life through the lens of the Word.  

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) 

Over the years I have learned, transformed hearts have 20/20 vision. 

…and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:24 (NASB) 

The World vs. The Word

In the world, you believe in yourself. 
In the Word, you believe in God. (John 5:5)

In the world, your identity comes from what you own.
In the Word, the Creator owns all of creation. (Genesis 1:1)

In the world, you are praised for your outward appearance. 
In the Word, God sees your heart. (1 Samuel 16:7) 

In the world, you live as you want.
In the Word, you live with accountability to a Heavenly Father. (Romans 14:12) 

In the world, fear abounds because death is uncertain. 
In the Word, faith gives us an eternal, Living Hope. (1 Peter 1:3) 

In the world, we hate our enemies. 
In the Word, Jesus says, love your enemies. (Matthew 5:44) 

In the world, you speak freely. 
In the Word, you speak from a wellspring of grace. (Hebrews 4:16) 

In the world, you need someone else to complete you. 
In the Word, Christ completes you. (Colossians 2:9-10) 

The world says, “Follow your heart.” 
God’s Word says, “Follow God’s heart.” (Psalm 119: 2-3) 

In the world, your life is in your own hands. 
In the Word, your life is in God’s hands. (Ephesians 2:10) 

Give Grace Away

The Word turns the world’s perspective upside down and gives us new 20/20 heart vision.

The Word allows for us to give grace away so we may move forward with the mission.

• Remember who you are. 
• Work the mission God has called you to complete 100% today. 
• You are not alone!
• Let’s go! 

Heavenly Father, May You transform our hearts today by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your amazing grace and for equipping us today with the power of the Holy Spirit. May we draw from Your wellspring of grace as we love each person in the space You have placed us.
In the Precious Name of Jesus, Amen