February 23, 2026

THE GREAT PIVOT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 2:4-7 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

In these two words—"But God"—the entire trajectory of human history changes. Paul has just finished describing our state as "dead men walking," trapped in a cycle of disobedience. Then, he pivots. He moves from our bankruptcy to God’s abundance.

Here are the three declarations that change everything for you today:

1. Mercy is the "No," Grace is the "Yes"

We often confuse these two, but they are the twin pillars of our salvation.

• Mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve (judgment and death).

• Grace is God giving us what we don’t deserve (forgiveness and favor).

God isn't a "big, bad judge" looking for a reason to condemn you. He is "rich in mercy." He isn't just merciful; He is wealthy in it. He has a surplus of forgiveness that your mistakes cannot exhaust.

2. The Reserved Seat

Paul makes a staggering claim: We aren't just forgiven; we are "seated with him in the heavenly realms."

When Jesus ascended to the Father, He took a seat of honor and authority. Because you are "united with Christ," you have a seat there, too. This isn't just a future promise for when you die; it is a current spiritual reality. You are operating from a position of victory, not a position of defeat. You aren't fighting for a win; you are living from His win.

3. God’s "Refrigerator" Photos

Most of us have a wall in our homes dedicated to family photos, or a refrigerator covered in pictures of grandchildren. We display them because we are proud of them.

Paul says that God intends to "point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace."

You are God’s trophy. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. He isn't hiding you in the back of the closet because of your past; He is putting you on display to show the universe how incredible His kindness is. Your life is evidence that His grace works.

Stop Looking at the Grave

Don’t allow your past mistakes to distract you from your current seat. You are precious, you are chosen, and you are the "Exhibit A" of God's love.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for the "But God" moment in my life. Thank You for the mercy that held back judgment and the grace that gave me life. Help me to live today from my "seated position" of authority and peace, knowing that I am a living example of Your kindness. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”