Ephesians

The Added Power Of Prayer - Ephesians 6:18

10:00 AM


Ephesians 6:18

After telling Christians about each piece of the armor of God, Paul adds on another crucial part of our uniform. Prayer. And although it’s not something we wear, without it, winning any war is impossible. Why? Because prayer is our lifeline to the power of God. And as our great Commander, the instructions we receive through prayer can mean the difference success and failure. 


To be a victorious prayer warrior, Paul goes on to give us, the soldiers of God, practical applications when praying. First he tells us to pray in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit isn’t about the words we say. Instead it means praying according to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit then carries those petitions to our Heavenly Father and lays them at His feet. But praying in the Spirit can only happen when we have a close, personal, relationship with God. 


Next Paul tells us to stay alert. Being alert includes being sober minded and watchful. (1 Peter 5:8) For the Enemy’s attacks are never ending, and his deviousness knows no bounds. But nothing stops Satan faster in his tracks then when we drop to our knees in prayer. So just like soldiers who keep their guns at the ready, we are to be ready at a moments notice to go to God with all perseverance in constant and fervent prayer. 


Paul ends by telling us the the importance of praying for the needs of other believers. I once read that as prayer warriors, we are spiritual weapons in God's mighty hand. I love that! That means we have the honor and great privilege of being part of God’s master plan. And when we pray for others, we become important, intricate, parts of seeing that plan come to fruition. Both in the world, and in the lives of other Christians.


Today I challenge you to prepare for battle. The days are growing darker and shorter before the Lord’s return. But until that glorious day, we are to be powerful prayer warriors on the battlefield of a Satan ruled world. So pray! Pray in the Spirit, in all alertness, and for the needs of the world! 


And don't forget to head over to Facebook and join the discussion. just follow the link. https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2

2 Timothy

No More What If’s - {2 Timothy 1:7}

11:00 AM

 



Here we are finally! A new year overflowing with new possibilities! And that’s why we here at WitW, are so excited to be doing these monthly challenges. Each of us need encouragement, teaching, fellowship, and growth. And what better way to grow in our relationship with God and others, than to do it alongside fellow believers. So roll up your sleeves, get ready for change, and don’t forget to head over to https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenintheword2 to join in on the discussion! 


No More What if's! (2 Timothy 1:7)


God’s gift of emotions can be a double edged sword. For with one side we experience love, joy, and gratitude. Yet with the other, pain, fear, and doubt. And make no mistake. Satan wields the bitter side of that blade ferociously and without mercy. But get this. He can only attack if we let him. You heard me. The Enemy can only strike when we allow him a foothold into our hearts and minds. 


Paul makes it very clear in his letter to Timothy, that God fills our spirits with His strength, power and love. The very same power flowing through Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and walked on water, resides in us! And that power of God waits with an extended hand for us to grab hold. Because overcoming fear is a two person operation. God gives us the power, but we have to use our sound minds to practice self control. Meaning we are to actively, and intentionally take ahold of our thoughts. And filter those thoughts through the sieve of God’s truth instead of Satan’s lies. 


We are in a battle of a lifetime, for my sisters I truly believe we are living in the last days. So how am I going to spend the time remaining? One thing I know for sure, is that I’m done wasting it being afraid. I’m tired of running scared. I’m tired of letting Satan control my thoughts. And I’m tired of going down the rabbit hole of “what ifs.” I’m ready to go to war, with God as my Captain. And in honor of this challenge, I’ve printed off the quote, “If you think anybody is going to scare me, you don’t know me or my God!” I’ve put it on my refrigerator as a daily reminder to dress in the armor of God, (Ephesians 6:10-18) laying down fear and picking up the Lord's peace.


So the next time I find myself afraid, stuck, and unable to move, I’m  going yell out the word FEAR as a call to my Father, Emmanuel, Adonai, and Redeemer. Ruler and Creator of all things, “the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4)



And so I hope you will join me today as I step out in faith. Challenge yourself to take a step in courage with God leading the way. Maybe it’s trying something new. Or sharing your faith with a stranger. Whatever that step is, small or large, every one taken in overcoming fear is a great victory and testament of faith!


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I would like to encourage you to keep a journal as you go through these challenges. Each day write down the verse included with the post, along with your feelings, struggles, and victories. Look for “God winks”, the act of looking for God in your day and noticing or recognizing His work. And at the end, you can go back and see if you're not amazed at the work God has done in your life! 





Ephesians

The Gift {Ephesians 2}

9:00 AM

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2


"But God". Two of the most precious words found in the whole Bible!

Did you know that, "you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh... But God, being rich in mercy, [and]because of His great love with which He loved us,  even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—  and raised us up with him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 2:1-6)?

That really is a LOT to grab onto all at once, isn't it?

We were dead!? Yes, that's what His word says. (I once did a study on God's view of death and I'll add the link here if you're curious to understand His view.) Dead to God, and separated from Him because of our sins. We all were at one time running hard after our own passions and the courses of this world. The truth is, not one of us was running hard after Him!

But God!

And because of HIS great love for us, even while we were running the other way, He offered us the gift of LIFE!


These two verses here tell us almost everything we need to know about salvation.


  • What are we saved from? Death. "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
  • What will not save us? Our own efforts. We'll never be good enough. Titus 3:5 tells us that it was "not by works of righteousness (good works) we have done but according to His mercy He saved us."
  • If our efforts won't save us. If we were separated from God and running away, how then do we become saved? These verses above in Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly tell us that salvation is a gift! A gift offered to everyone.

Every Gift Has To Have Three Things


  1. A Giver - Salvation is "the gift of God" (Eph 2:9)
  2. A Cost - It has to be paid for. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16) “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10) Jesus paid the price we couldn't pay on the cross. 
  3. A Receiver- receiving His gift is as simple as admitting you need it! That you cannot save yourself and you are trusting Jesus and making Him Lord of your life! (No more running from God, you're running towards Him) And taking Him at His word when He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he that believes [has faith] in Me has eternal life." (John 6:47)


 It's as simple as that! And for everyone who accepted His gift, "He made us alive in Christ Jesus and seated us with Him in heaven. (v.6) Do you know what that means? It's a done deal... according to God. He counts you as one of His own and has already seated you at the table.

It's the greatest transformation ever! Death to Life - eternal life! Seated in heaven with Jesus! Not because of anything we did to deserve it, but because of all He did for each one of us!

To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Blessings,
sue


Colossians 3

Sing Loud, Sing Proud {Colossians 3}

1:00 AM




“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us.”.....Martin Luther

Colossians 3

It doesn’t get much better than driving in your car, the sun shining, windows down, and your favorite song blaring on the radio. Whether it be from the lyrics, the beat, or the melody, music has the amazing ability to bring forth a variety of physical responses. The perfect sad song can console a broken heart, whereas a love song can put into words all the feelings romance can bring. An anthem can inspire action, a sports chant unify, and an old familiar children’s song educate. Music is one of God’s most beautiful gifts, and I couldn’t imagine life without it. But meant for more than just entertainment, music is an important part of the Christian walk of faith.

In Colossians 3 the Apostle Paul gives us guidelines and characteristics we should practice as followers of Jesus. And music is included in his list of instructions. “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (vs. 16) Knowing the capacity music has to change both hearts and lives, here Paul tells us to use the songs we sing to both teach the Word of God, and to gently advise those who may need correcting. And we should do so with hearts of thanksgiving and with the goals of helping each other in our walk of faith, and most of all to glorify God.

The greatest purpose music can serve is when we use it as God intended, as a means to worship Him. When the music we play and the songs we sing declare our devotion, thankfulness, and appreciation, we show both God, and world around us, that we have hearts abounding in love for the Lord. “While the word of Christ enables us to worship God in truth, singing allows us to worship Him in spirit. While to worship rightly we must know God as revealed in His Word of truth, if that truth doesn’t move our hearts, something is wrong.Singing is one way to express our love for God and gratitude for what He’s done for us in Christ. It’s no accident that the longest book in the Bible is a song book and God called its main author a man after His heart. Throughout history, whenever the hearts of  God’s people have been right before Him, there has been joyful singing and the writing of new songs of praise”....Steven J. Cole

A minister once said that music is a way to give voice to the overflowing joy and deep adoration we feel in our hearts for God. And again in Ephesians 5:19 Paul instructs us to speak to one another, “in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” When I think of all God has done and continues to do for me each and every day, I can’t help but have a melody in my heart and a song of joy on my lips. And although the voice God gave me may not be able to carry a tune to save my life, I will sing just the same. I will sing loud, I will sing proud, and I will sing a song of God’s greatness! 





contentment

The Secret to Contentment {Ephesians 1}

10:00 PM


What kind of life do you think brings contentment? Is it one with few troubles and great successes? Perhaps it’s one that comes with good health, financial security, and a loving family. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul didn’t have any of these particular qualities in his life, yet he wrote to the Philippians that he had learned the secret of being content (Philippians 4:12).

There were several times in my life when I battled with being content. In fact, I was far from being content! I was miserable! The problem was, I could justify my lack of contentment or longing for something I didn’t have at the moment. 

The first time I needed a larger house. Despite the fact that larger homes come with larger mortgages and the money would have to come from somewhere, in my mind it was a necessity! We had outgrown our current house even though it was adequate and in a nice neighborhood and the rest of the family was content to remain right where we were.
The second time, I wanted me children back. One was out of college and living on her own and the other was in college. Both, were thousands of miles away; much too far for me! I wanted them to at least be close, if not under my roof. And each time the spoiled brat became evident in me! (I know this may come as a shock to you, but I’ll always claim to be the bratty sister in the family, and often wonder how the Lord puts up with me at times.) 
The Lord did eventually fulfill both of these longing far better than my finite mind could have dreamed, but it wasn’t until He helped me to discover what Paul’s secret to contentment was! His secret, that He had been trying to tell me for years! Oh sure, I had read over it many times before until I finally saw it for myself and truly understood. Take a look,
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” (Eph 1:3)

Did you catch it? The secret Paul discovered was to focus on his position in the Lord, not on what this world offers us.
I know finding and holding onto contentment in our media-driven world can sometimes be hard! There will always be something bigger or better to buy and someone else who has all we desire.
But think about this a moment:
·        We were chosen (hand-picked by God) before the world began to be holy and blameless! (1:4)
·        Predestined to be adopted into His family. Given all the rights of son-ship. (1:5)
·        We’ve been accepted into the beloved by His grace that He lavishes upon us. (1:6)
·        And through Jesus we’ve been forgiven and redeemed (bought by His blood, so that nothing can change our standing in God’s family. (1;7)
·        We’ve received not only His grace, which He lavishes on us, but His wisdom and understanding as well! (1:8)
·        He has also made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure. (1:9)
·        AND when you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,  who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance (1:13b-14a)

There is so much more if time would only allow me to tell it all! Suffice it to say, Ephesians chapter 1-3, are a wonderful place to sit when we’re dealing with a longing for more, for the truth is, we deserved hell and received mercy! Not because of anything we had done, but purely because of all Christ Jesus did for us, and because we never did anything to earn it, our position in God’s family can never be taken away!
Jesus took care of our greatest problem and drank the cup of condemnation so that we could drink of the cup of blessings! Blessings already bestowed to us! We don’t even have to earn all those blessings; they’re ours already. “Every spiritual blessing in Christ” is ours!
When I think of all this, I can’t help NOT feeling blessed beyond measure.

I also can not lie to you, there are still times when I catch myself longing for something more, but I’ve honestly, like Paul, have learned the secret that brings me back to being perfectly content in Christ Jesus and all He has already done for me.



Anger

Dealing with Anger Over Lemonade! {Ephesians 4:17-32}

8:30 PM


 ~ Ephesians 4:17-32

Aaaaaaah done!! I looked up at the clock just as I finished washing the kitchen floor and saw that I still had a few minutes to get everything ready for my guests that were due to arrive in about 10 minutes or so.

I immediately started to put the last finishing touches on the luncheon I was hosting when my children, seizing the moment, ran into the kitchen looking for refreshments! (They knew that at this moment I’d consent to just about anything just to get them to cooperate while I was busy with friends)

JD was thirsty so I told him he could have a glass of the lemonade I had just made that was still sitting in the pitcher on the counter. Too busy to pour it myself, I went ahead and allowed him to pour it. My daughter was also looking around for something to snack on. We were lighthearted and laughing about something when suddenly I turned around only to catch JD continuing to pour lemonade from the pitcher into an overflowing cup that was now not only running all over the counter, but down onto the floor! The FLOOR I HAD JUST CLEANED!! And it was the syrupy sticky kind of lemonade from concentrate!!  

For a moment I stood there in shocked silence! I stood there motionless and stared at all the lemonade running onto my floor while JD sat there laughing at his sister and not even paying any attention to what he was doing!!

Until finally something from waaaay down within me came spewing out, “JD!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!?” He finally turned his attention back to his cup and stopped pouring, but it was too late!

I read him the riot act! Up one side and down the other! I chopped him down to peanut size until finally he stood there trying desperately to hold back his tears and said quietly, “I’m going to my room.”

And I lifted my arm with my pointer finger erect, just in case he had forgotten in which direction his bedroom was, and shouted, “GOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

JD slowly turned and walked out of the kitchen heading for the stairs and his sister silently followed right behind him. I guess she feared my wrath at that moment too and wanted to make a quick, silent exit.

I instantly felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. I not only broke my son’s heart, I’d ripped it out and crushed it to pieces!! I felt a moment of remorse, but my eyes quickly glanced back to the clock and to the sticky mess all over my clean kitchen and I immediately set to work cleaning everything up, for my guests would be arriving any minute now.

 And when they did, I slapped on my best hostess smile and went along as if nothing had happened!

Except I felt like a crumb on the inside. The Lord wasn’t going to allow me to get away with it that easily. My little ones remained quiet as little mice. I doubt my company even knew they were home, but my heart and ears were tuned into the silence coming from upstairs, and I couldn’t wait for my company to leave so I could climb those stairs and wrap my babies in my arms and beg them to forgive me.

I honestly can’t remember who came over that day, but as soon as I read, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil… Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.  And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”  (Ephesians 4:26-27, 29-32) my mind instantly flashes a picture of those minutes in my kitchen when I crushed my son’s heart to bits. It will always be available for me to press "instant replay" in my brain.

Both of my children now have children of their own; some even older than what they were at the time. I believe they are both far better parents than I was while they were growing up! They would make any momma proud. I don’t know if they even remember that day or that incident, but I know I will never forget it; especially now after almost 30 years!

What I wonder most is:
  • What if I hadn’t run up the stairs after my last guest departed? 
  • What if I hadn’t scooped them up and begged their forgiveness? (Little ones always seem to forgive more readily than us, adults). 
  • What if I had allowed the enemy to indulge my pride and self-righteous anger and never did ask forgiveness? 
  • What if I allowed my little ones to think my guests and what they thought of me was far more important than they were and what they thought of their momma?

Our actions have rippling effects. What if I had allowed a root of bitterness to begin to form in my children? These kind of things happen, and the Bible assume that there will be times when we grow angry, (Be angry and do not sin) but it’s what we do with our anger that can make all the difference. And when and if we do become angry, we need to go as quickly as possible to make it right.

Though I don’t believe it’s ever too late. If your conscience still bothers you about something... if you have a scenario that still plays in your mind at times, stop what you’re doing and go and make it right, for it still matters to God.

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,  leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)




Ephesians

Scripture Saturday~Grace

12:00 AM

Saturday, November 17, 2018




Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

This coming week's memory verse is Ephesians 2:8-10...

 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (NIV)

 Have a blessed and precious day and week everyone!

Abba-Father

Take Hold & Allow Him to Take Charge {Ephesians 5}

12:00 AM



The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:24, that we are created anew to be like God in true righteousness and holiness which is why Paul goes on to say in chapter 5, “Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (5:1) I think everyone can relate to mimicking our parents, for like it or not, I believe all of us have caught ourselves saying something that sounds exactly like our parents sometime in our adult life! OR as parents, we’ve caught our children mimicking us while playing and wondered, “Do I really sound like that?” But what exactly does it mean to be like God? And  imitate Him?

Did you ever hold an infant in your arms and watch how they study your features? All their senses are in tune to you!  I remember as a brand new mom in the hospital being encouraged not to wear any perfume or fragrance, for my child would be seeking to become familiar with my scent! It’s the same with us as God’s children; we need to consume ourselves with God. We must somehow find the times to shut out the world throughout our day and focus on our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to list a few ways we should be like Him.

Imitate His love towards others:
In verse 2 Paul writes, “Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.”
If we want to know what God is like, we have to study Jesus, for Scripture says He, “...is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance...” (Hebrews 1:3) So, if we are going to be like God and imitate His love, we will act as Jesus did. Paul also tells us that the “sweet-smelling fragrance” of love will be evident in giving of ourselves. (I like that.)

Imitate God by allowing His light to shine through you:
Beginning in verse 8 Paul writes, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light  (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)  and find out what pleases the Lord.” Do you remember studying your parents so well that you knew what would please them and what would cause their err? Can you remember just the tone of their voice would instantly cause you to wondered, “O no! What did I do!?”
Scripture tells us that, “...God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) It follows, then, that if we are to be like God, His light will shine through us. Jesus also told His disciples, “You are the light of the world... Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Paul also reminds us that the fruit of God’s light is goodness, righteousness and truth. All three of these virtues flow from the attributes of God, for God is good (Psalm 25:8, Nahum 1:7), He is righteous (Romans 3:26) and He is true (Numbers 23:19, Psalm 31:5, Hebrews 6:18). It’s this light which makes things visible, and expose the deeds of darkness around us.

Imitate God’s Love, Reflect God’s Light and Walk in His Wisdom:
Beginning in verse 15 and following Paul tell us that we need to, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.  Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,” (5:15-18). I believe Paul gives us the secret here in verse 18 on how all this can be possible for all of us! He tells us to “be filled with the Spirit”. Allowing Him to come take control.

I remember going for a walk with my dad as a young girl and trying to keep up with his long, quick strides. I was forced to take two to three steps for his one, and he seemed to be walking so briskly! I even tried to stretch my legs to equal his strides, but I couldn’t keep that up for very long either. Until finally, I think my father caught onto what I was trying to do, and he reached down and took my hand and slowed his pace just a bit, which made it so much easier for me to keep up and the rest of our walk became so much easier and enjoyable! I believe our heavenly Father does the same for us! He knows left on our own, it will be challenging to keep up, so He reaches down and gives us His Spirit to help us keep up with Him. Take hold and let Him take charge and I can pretty much guarantee that the rest of your journey will be better than before!

Ephesians

Unity {Ephesians 4}

12:30 AM



I have been in a season that looks like a deep rut.  And I can’t seem to find my way out.  Unfortunately, I’ve tried to reach out to those who do not wish to join me down here.  I’ve been trying to understand why I’m here and at the same time, I’ve been fighting to get out!

I have to say though, that in what has seemed to be a lonely place, I’ve noticed that I’m really not alone.  Yes, I am a prisoner, but I’ve come to realize that my imprisonment is a choice.  I’ve chained myself to guilt, shame and a less than glamourous past.  I’ve also noticed that the reason I am so lonely is that I don’t notice anyone else around me.  It is so difficult to see through the cloud of self-absorption.

Even in this self-absorbed state, the Lord has never left me.  His Word is perfect.  Just read, “(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens in order to fill the whole universe.)  So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  (vs. 9-13) (emphasis mine)

My first thought was “Super Hero”.  Christ left His heavenly kingdom and came to this dirty earth to love, teach and serve us.  He even descended to hell to show His mighty power.  And then ascended back to heaven.  Who else could do that? 


 Image result for ephesians 4:3


Let me share with you what I’ve learned while being in a rut.  The Lord has forgiven me for all the times I have not walked worthy of the calling I’ve been called to, all while teaching me humility, gentleness and patience.

And oh, how His grace that saved me and is still sustaining me and keeps me walking upright daily.  He is teaching me to have a humble heart.  While here in this rut, He is teaching me gentleness and He’s removing all my harsh attitudes.   He’s teaching me patience, especially when I want things done ‘right now’!  He’s showing me that the condition of my heart isn’t always perfect, but HE is and so is HIS timing.  He’s helping me to wait in the silence.  He’s helping me to trust and hope in HIM alone.

And while down here in this rut, the Lord is showing me how to bear the burdens of others in LOVE.  He has forgiven me for the times I have not prayed or interceded for my brothers and sisters.  He’s teaching me how to reach out in love to help bear their burdens and to serve quickly and with a joyful heart.
  
I am so thankful for all those who have gone before me, the apostles, the saints, and the teachers.  I am also thankful for the desire for unity, for it is unity that drives me to keep on getting up every day and practice, to read God’s word and study.  Unity has driven me to put on righteousness.  Unity has driven me to reach up and take His hand and walk up the mountain, over and over, so when I come back down I will bear His love and His strength to serve others. 
  
I have learned while in this rut to hold tightly to the truth revealed in the scriptures.  To open the door when the Lord knocks (the knob is on my side of the door).  I have learned that just as children and plants grow, so must I and I have to bury the old self and leave her there!  The weight of death and the past are too heavy a burden for me alone. 


Image result for ephesians 4:32But oh, the freedom in walking in trust – unified with the Lord.  He has not only crucified my past and I have been set free, but He has an amazing plan for me.  And the joy and freedom I have experienced to see a glimpse into His wonderful plan, I just can’t help but want to fly right alongside my super hero.  Truly grasping His desire for unity just makes me want to grab others along the way.  There’s so much freedom to walk in humility and love for others, with compassion and forgiveness, unified with Christ.

Ephesians

God's Mystery Revealed { Ephesians 3}

12:00 AM

"God's Mystery Revealed" { Ephesians 3 }


While Paul was imprisoned in Rome because of his missionary efforts on behalf of the Gentiles, he continued his ministry by writing letters to several churches. These letters became known as Paul's "prison epistles". One of these letters was to the church at Ephesus in which Paul beautifully explains who we are and all that we have as a result of God's grace.

Paul begins by revealing the divine mystery of Christ. A mystery not previously revealed, now made known through "His holy apostles and prophets in the spirit". (v 5) And what is this mystery? "...that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power." (vs. 6-7) What a wonderful revelation! No longer are believing Jews and Gentiles separated before God, but instead we are joined together into one church. Both now share equally the promises of God, promises previously reserved for Jews alone. And most importantly this could only happen through the gospel, "in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him." (vs. 11-12)

How amazing is our God who loves each and everyone of us so much and, "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" ( 2 Tim. 2:4), that He provided the way to reconciliation through His Son Christ Jesus. Not only does loves us, He wants to bless us in unimaginable ways. A realization that humbles even Paul who says, "To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ." (v 8) Paul, a man who once tried to destroy God's people, was not only forgiven by God but given the great privilege of spreading His message and building His church. And in love and obedience, that's just what Paul did. He went about preaching and writing about the inexhaustible riches and generosity of Jesus. His task being to bring out into the open and make plain the secret plan of God, which was executed perfectly through Jesus and His sacrifice on the Cross. A task Paul performed proudly saying, "Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations, for they are your glory." Paul didn't want the Ephesians to feel sorry for him, for he was being used in a way greater than he could ever imagine.


In response to the revealing of this great mystery, Paul falls to his knees in prayer before the Father, the Creator of all things in Heaven and earth. He prays the most beautiful prayer of love and strength for all believers. A prayer that, "He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to the fullness of God." (vs. 16-19) Paul wants for every believer not only to be strengthened by God's Spirit, but to experience fully His unconditional love and all the unfathomable riches that He has to offer.  

Paul ends this chapter by saying, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen." (vs. 20-21) God is able to answers our prayers in ways that are beyond anything we could ever hope for. "The Lord has wonderful plans for your life, so do not be discouraged by disappointments along the way. Keep following Him faithfully, and continue believing that He will answer your prayers in a manner that is better than anything you have ever dreamed or envisioned. Remember, when you fight your battles on your knees, you'll win every time." (Dr. Charles Stanley)