Ephesians 1. A passage I go back to often to be reminded of who am I in Christ. I took the time to memorize it last summer because it was so dear to me.
Read through and let the LORD sing it over you. Circle the verbs verses 1-14 and write them out in a list to be reminded of your identity in Christ. Read the last few verses and write out characteristics/promises of God and use that as a list to praise Him!
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Showing posts with label Ephesians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ephesians. Show all posts
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
In Times of Pain & Suffering . . . We Are
When going through trials, pain, suffering . . . who we are doesn't change. We are still in Christ. We are still His children, filled with His spirit, walking in the newness of life. This is our identity now, even in pain, hurt, and misery. The LORD promises these things to us, He speaks them over us, He fills us, loves us, chooses us, reassures us.
He IS still our Shepherd.
We are still His sheep.
Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
We are blessed.
Chosen.
Loved.
Predestined.
Holy & blameless.
Redeemed.
Forgiven.
Lavished.
Rich.
Purposed.
Heirs.
Sealed.
Guaranteed.
Oh Father that you will fill Jenn's mind and aching heart with these truths now! That you would reassure her of your presence, You are her Good Shepherd, the God of all comfort. That you would fill her with your peace, that she would rest in the words you've spoken here. That she would know she is chosen, loved, redeemed, and sealed. Thank you. You are the Healer of our wounds and the healer of our hearts.
He IS still our Shepherd.
We are still His sheep.
Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
We are blessed.
Chosen.
Loved.
Predestined.
Holy & blameless.
Redeemed.
Forgiven.
Lavished.
Rich.
Purposed.
Heirs.
Sealed.
Guaranteed.
Oh Father that you will fill Jenn's mind and aching heart with these truths now! That you would reassure her of your presence, You are her Good Shepherd, the God of all comfort. That you would fill her with your peace, that she would rest in the words you've spoken here. That she would know she is chosen, loved, redeemed, and sealed. Thank you. You are the Healer of our wounds and the healer of our hearts.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Scripture 14
Be Imitators, Walk in Love
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
I love how God’s word is not a mere rule book to “good” behavior, but a guide to changing our thinking, which renews our mind, then refines our hearts, which leads to changing our behavior. I really liked some of the exhortations Paul gives us in Ephesians 5. It’s not a just list of “do’s” and “don’ts”, but it’s full of admonitions to help us live in a way that would imitate God.
“Do not be deceived by empty words (v.6), walk as children of light (v.8), try to discern what is pleasing to the LORD (v.10), look carefully as to how you walk, not as unwise but wise (v.15), give thanks always and for everything (v.20), and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (v.21).
The LORD could give us a list of “good” behaviors and “bad" behaviors, He could simply say “don’t do this or that”. Instead, like the Good Shepherd he is, He leads us to think for ourselves, to consider, to try to discern, to look carefully, to figure out what is wise and unwise living.
So this week, as I meditate on Ephesians 5:1-2, I will ask the LORD to show me what it means to be an imitator of God, how I can better walk in love. I am asking Him for wisdom and discernment for my life, my choices, my relationships, etc. I will not simply try to do better at my life, but get to know the LORD better, the only One worthy of being imitated, the only One who can change me from the inside out.
What do you think it means to imitate God?
To walk in love?
To discern and be wise?
(Matthew 5-7, Romans 12, Exodus 20, Psalm 37, Micah 6:8, James 4:7-10, 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 4:8)
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
I love how God’s word is not a mere rule book to “good” behavior, but a guide to changing our thinking, which renews our mind, then refines our hearts, which leads to changing our behavior. I really liked some of the exhortations Paul gives us in Ephesians 5. It’s not a just list of “do’s” and “don’ts”, but it’s full of admonitions to help us live in a way that would imitate God.
“Do not be deceived by empty words (v.6), walk as children of light (v.8), try to discern what is pleasing to the LORD (v.10), look carefully as to how you walk, not as unwise but wise (v.15), give thanks always and for everything (v.20), and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (v.21).
The LORD could give us a list of “good” behaviors and “bad" behaviors, He could simply say “don’t do this or that”. Instead, like the Good Shepherd he is, He leads us to think for ourselves, to consider, to try to discern, to look carefully, to figure out what is wise and unwise living.
So this week, as I meditate on Ephesians 5:1-2, I will ask the LORD to show me what it means to be an imitator of God, how I can better walk in love. I am asking Him for wisdom and discernment for my life, my choices, my relationships, etc. I will not simply try to do better at my life, but get to know the LORD better, the only One worthy of being imitated, the only One who can change me from the inside out.
What do you think it means to imitate God?
To walk in love?
To discern and be wise?
(Matthew 5-7, Romans 12, Exodus 20, Psalm 37, Micah 6:8, James 4:7-10, 1 Corinthians 13, Philippians 4:8)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Train Up . . .
I am heading back into my classroom today to start the new school year and my time with the LORD this morning was a perfect way to begin! I listened to another sermon by Chuck Swindoll from Ephesians 6:1-4, and Proverbs 22:6.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
I’m not a momma yet (LORD willing someday), but I do adopt these 20 or so students into my heart during the school year. I love them, pray for them, cry for them, give to them, guide them, teach them, shepherd them, counsel them, and discipline them. I remember reading during my first year of teaching that discipline means to “teach and train”, and I thought “great, I can do that”!
A couple of years ago I had a VERY difficult and challenging student. He was exposed to drugs in the womb, watched his father violently attack his mother when he was little, had night terrors, fits of rage, talked to himself, was diagnosed with depression . . . and more. Needless to say, every minute of the day was a challenge, not knowing which side of him I would see.
I soon realized that being “firm” with him just wasn’t going to cut it. I thought, well this guy has just never been “disciplined” before, so I’ll break him in, and it will be tough at first, but he’ll learn to “obey”. Little did I know that this type of an approach, with a child like this, was a recipe for disaster. I soon realized that my “firm hand of discipline” exasperated him.
I remember reading in Ephesians 6:4 one day “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” I realized what I had been doing. I wasn’t “bringing him up” I was "jerking him up", expecting him to “obey” me, and he looked to it as a fight! I was provoking him to fight with me, rather than nurturing him and pointing him in the right direction.
Listening to this sermon reminded me of my role as a shepherd for these children. A shepherd nurtures, guides, and protects. A shepherd doesn’t just stand over there sheep and whack them with the rod when they’re off the path! There is more to it than that. Chuck Swindoll reminded me that “training a child up” does not mean taking them to Sunday school, getting them around the right people, forcing them to memorize scripture, etc. It’s not about getting them to bend to your rules or forcing them to act a certain way. It is about creating and cultivating a thirst to obey God.
Bringing them up means nurturing them to be the people God intended them to be, and remembering as we do that, to point them in the proper direction (by teaching, training, and disciplining).
And while sometimes a shepherd does have to break a sheep’s leg to keep him from running off now and then, it is not without proper instruction of why he did it and pointing out the correct way so he doesn’t have to do it again. So as I prepare for my new school year, I meditate on this concept of shepherding, on training up a child, and on what it means to nurture, love, instruct, guide, and train.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4)
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
I’m not a momma yet (LORD willing someday), but I do adopt these 20 or so students into my heart during the school year. I love them, pray for them, cry for them, give to them, guide them, teach them, shepherd them, counsel them, and discipline them. I remember reading during my first year of teaching that discipline means to “teach and train”, and I thought “great, I can do that”!
A couple of years ago I had a VERY difficult and challenging student. He was exposed to drugs in the womb, watched his father violently attack his mother when he was little, had night terrors, fits of rage, talked to himself, was diagnosed with depression . . . and more. Needless to say, every minute of the day was a challenge, not knowing which side of him I would see.
I soon realized that being “firm” with him just wasn’t going to cut it. I thought, well this guy has just never been “disciplined” before, so I’ll break him in, and it will be tough at first, but he’ll learn to “obey”. Little did I know that this type of an approach, with a child like this, was a recipe for disaster. I soon realized that my “firm hand of discipline” exasperated him.
I remember reading in Ephesians 6:4 one day “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” I realized what I had been doing. I wasn’t “bringing him up” I was "jerking him up", expecting him to “obey” me, and he looked to it as a fight! I was provoking him to fight with me, rather than nurturing him and pointing him in the right direction.
Listening to this sermon reminded me of my role as a shepherd for these children. A shepherd nurtures, guides, and protects. A shepherd doesn’t just stand over there sheep and whack them with the rod when they’re off the path! There is more to it than that. Chuck Swindoll reminded me that “training a child up” does not mean taking them to Sunday school, getting them around the right people, forcing them to memorize scripture, etc. It’s not about getting them to bend to your rules or forcing them to act a certain way. It is about creating and cultivating a thirst to obey God.
Bringing them up means nurturing them to be the people God intended them to be, and remembering as we do that, to point them in the proper direction (by teaching, training, and disciplining).
And while sometimes a shepherd does have to break a sheep’s leg to keep him from running off now and then, it is not without proper instruction of why he did it and pointing out the correct way so he doesn’t have to do it again. So as I prepare for my new school year, I meditate on this concept of shepherding, on training up a child, and on what it means to nurture, love, instruct, guide, and train.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Scripture 13
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Last week in life group, we had to share the biggest thing we have prayed for and the greatest answer we received. I was so thankful to exalt His powerful name in sharing the day He answered my prayer far more abundantly than I could ever ask or think.
My first year of teaching, the teacher next to me became a very good friend. Her name was Rachael and we she was so helpful, funny, and kind. She was so gracious to me. I was a new teacher, a new bride, and new to Pleasanton. She gave me so many fun ideas for teaching and invited Santino and me over for dinners and parties, making my transition into a new city and a new career so much easier.
I can remember talking with her about God and religion and her philosophy was “That’s fine if that’s what you believe; just don’t try to push it on me.” She was very open, respected others beliefs, etc. She had been trying to get pregnant for a few years, and soon she was! Sadly, a few weeks later, she told us she had a miscarriage. This was her third miscarriage in two years. I was so sad for her. I remember just sitting on my couch weeping for her pain and so sad for her heart that longed to be a mother.
All I could do was tell her “I’m sorry, and I will be praying for you.” And I did. I remember praying for her, through tears, asking the LORD to heal her broken heart, and LORD willing, to bless her womb in the future and show her His love and power. I prayed for her here and there over the next few months, as the LORD would put her on my heart, continuing to ask Him to bless her womb and draw her near to Him.
A few months later, she announced she was pregnant again! This time she waited until she was 20 weeks along to share the news! She said but wait, that’s not all . . . I’m pregnant with twins! I can remember rejoicing, and feeling like the LORD has just answered my prayer in a huge way, beyond what I asked! So I continued to pray for those babies to grow healthy and full term.
They were due on December 16th that year. Soon, it was Halloween. She was still working, the babies were still growing. The next day, she did not show up at work. She had 6 weeks left in her pregnancy, and we were all waiting to hear if she and the babies were okay. At around 10:00 that morning, November 1st, there was an announcement that the babies were born, and both were doing just fine. I can remember standing there, filled with joy, because the day after Halloween, November 1st, is my birthday!
I felt overjoyed and so humbled! The LORD not only answered my prayer for Rachael to get pregnant, he blessed her with twins, and she delivered them on my birthday! I wanted to fall on my face and just praise the LORD. He led me to this scripture . . .
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” He answered my prayer in ways I couldn’t think or imagine. God is beyond our expectation!
I talked to Rachael after she came home from the hospital and told her how I had been praying for her and how amazing it was that her babies would share my birthday! She thanked me for her prayers, and told me she named her baby boy Tobias. She asked if I knew what his name means . . . The Hebrew meaning for the name Tobias is “God is good”. Yes He is!
From that day forward, I decided to pray for anything and everything, knowing that He is able to do far more than I would ever ask or think, according to the power at work within me.
Last week in life group, we had to share the biggest thing we have prayed for and the greatest answer we received. I was so thankful to exalt His powerful name in sharing the day He answered my prayer far more abundantly than I could ever ask or think.
My first year of teaching, the teacher next to me became a very good friend. Her name was Rachael and we she was so helpful, funny, and kind. She was so gracious to me. I was a new teacher, a new bride, and new to Pleasanton. She gave me so many fun ideas for teaching and invited Santino and me over for dinners and parties, making my transition into a new city and a new career so much easier.
I can remember talking with her about God and religion and her philosophy was “That’s fine if that’s what you believe; just don’t try to push it on me.” She was very open, respected others beliefs, etc. She had been trying to get pregnant for a few years, and soon she was! Sadly, a few weeks later, she told us she had a miscarriage. This was her third miscarriage in two years. I was so sad for her. I remember just sitting on my couch weeping for her pain and so sad for her heart that longed to be a mother.
All I could do was tell her “I’m sorry, and I will be praying for you.” And I did. I remember praying for her, through tears, asking the LORD to heal her broken heart, and LORD willing, to bless her womb in the future and show her His love and power. I prayed for her here and there over the next few months, as the LORD would put her on my heart, continuing to ask Him to bless her womb and draw her near to Him.
A few months later, she announced she was pregnant again! This time she waited until she was 20 weeks along to share the news! She said but wait, that’s not all . . . I’m pregnant with twins! I can remember rejoicing, and feeling like the LORD has just answered my prayer in a huge way, beyond what I asked! So I continued to pray for those babies to grow healthy and full term.
They were due on December 16th that year. Soon, it was Halloween. She was still working, the babies were still growing. The next day, she did not show up at work. She had 6 weeks left in her pregnancy, and we were all waiting to hear if she and the babies were okay. At around 10:00 that morning, November 1st, there was an announcement that the babies were born, and both were doing just fine. I can remember standing there, filled with joy, because the day after Halloween, November 1st, is my birthday!
I felt overjoyed and so humbled! The LORD not only answered my prayer for Rachael to get pregnant, he blessed her with twins, and she delivered them on my birthday! I wanted to fall on my face and just praise the LORD. He led me to this scripture . . .
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” He answered my prayer in ways I couldn’t think or imagine. God is beyond our expectation!
I talked to Rachael after she came home from the hospital and told her how I had been praying for her and how amazing it was that her babies would share my birthday! She thanked me for her prayers, and told me she named her baby boy Tobias. She asked if I knew what his name means . . . The Hebrew meaning for the name Tobias is “God is good”. Yes He is!
From that day forward, I decided to pray for anything and everything, knowing that He is able to do far more than I would ever ask or think, according to the power at work within me.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Do Not Lose Heart
I don’t know what it was but for the past week or so I just felt so different in my spiritual life. For some reason, I had this overwhelming feeling that what I did was of no value. My service on the ministry team didn’t really matter. I felt so discouraged in my leadership in our life group. I felt drained when I would go to pray, distant from the Father, couldn’t get myself to the Word. It was a strange feeling, not sad or depressed or anything, just sort of foggy. I couldn’t really tell you why. No horrific circumstances or major trials. Just sort of out of nowhere, somewhat subtle, just a little heaviness on my heart. What’s really weird is that I didn’t quite recognize it in the moment. Not until now did I realize I was feeling . . . discouraged.
A sweet friend emailed me with words of encouragement in the midst of this. She didn’t know at the time I was feeling this way, I could barely even put words to it! The LORD spoke to me through her email, lifted me up and reminded me that my service and worship does matter to Him! I can’t believe what Satan was whispering in my ear . . . at one point last week I felt like quitting it all, life group, writing, prayer team, etc. He was whispering that these things are of no value for the Kingdom, and the more I let him whisper, the louder his voice became.
I started to talk about it a little and everyone was shocked and thought I was so ridiculous for feeling this way (not in a condemning way, but surprised at what I was feeling). That made me feel like I need to shake my head around a little and get with it! And you know what, I really needed to just tell Satan to “knock it off” and “get behind me”!! So I did!! I read my friend’s email like 40 times. I thanked the LORD for speaking to me, even when I never spoke to Him about this. He knew what I was feeling, and answered a prayer that was in my heart before it was even in my head!
I listened to another sermon from Chuck Swindoll out of Ephesians 3 today. He was reading Paul’s prayer at the end of the chapter. I love what he had to say about this verse “that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” (Eph 3:16). He said Paul prayed this for the Ephesians because they were losing heart. They were feeling discouraged. He said Satan loves to use discouragement because it is subtle, he can get us to quit working for the LORD by making us feel useless and of no value. He said when you’re discouraged it effects you physically-you lose energy, emotionally-you feel useless, mentally-you lose memory (of what God’s done for you), and spiritually-you lose heart(strength in your inner being).
I was so encouraged by Chuck Swindoll’s words and Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians! I felt like that’s what I needed, strength for my inner being! He said when we’re discouraged we should 1) claim His strength, and 2) remember we’re loved. So that’s what I’m doing today. Going back to reread Ephesians 1, pray Psalm 100 and Psalm 145, and lean on Him. I’m plugging my ears to the enemy and looking to Jesus!
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
A sweet friend emailed me with words of encouragement in the midst of this. She didn’t know at the time I was feeling this way, I could barely even put words to it! The LORD spoke to me through her email, lifted me up and reminded me that my service and worship does matter to Him! I can’t believe what Satan was whispering in my ear . . . at one point last week I felt like quitting it all, life group, writing, prayer team, etc. He was whispering that these things are of no value for the Kingdom, and the more I let him whisper, the louder his voice became.
I started to talk about it a little and everyone was shocked and thought I was so ridiculous for feeling this way (not in a condemning way, but surprised at what I was feeling). That made me feel like I need to shake my head around a little and get with it! And you know what, I really needed to just tell Satan to “knock it off” and “get behind me”!! So I did!! I read my friend’s email like 40 times. I thanked the LORD for speaking to me, even when I never spoke to Him about this. He knew what I was feeling, and answered a prayer that was in my heart before it was even in my head!
I listened to another sermon from Chuck Swindoll out of Ephesians 3 today. He was reading Paul’s prayer at the end of the chapter. I love what he had to say about this verse “that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” (Eph 3:16). He said Paul prayed this for the Ephesians because they were losing heart. They were feeling discouraged. He said Satan loves to use discouragement because it is subtle, he can get us to quit working for the LORD by making us feel useless and of no value. He said when you’re discouraged it effects you physically-you lose energy, emotionally-you feel useless, mentally-you lose memory (of what God’s done for you), and spiritually-you lose heart(strength in your inner being).
I was so encouraged by Chuck Swindoll’s words and Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians! I felt like that’s what I needed, strength for my inner being! He said when we’re discouraged we should 1) claim His strength, and 2) remember we’re loved. So that’s what I’m doing today. Going back to reread Ephesians 1, pray Psalm 100 and Psalm 145, and lean on Him. I’m plugging my ears to the enemy and looking to Jesus!
“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Scripture 11
God’s Love
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the 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” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Someone asked a question that got my mind stirring. “How do I know God loves me? I could think of lots of ways and answers, but there are two words that keep coming to mind.
Depravity & Election.
I have been meditating on Ephesians 2 and thinking on how it says “you were dead, but God made us alive”. I think until we truly understand the depths of our sin and just how sinful we truly are, it’s very hard to understand why we need to be saved from it. If we don’t understand that we were dead, we don’t understand that we need a Savior. If we don’t undertstand that we’re in bondage, we don’t understand why we need a Redeemer. Then, we think of God’s love only in our present circumstances. If God loves me, why is He letting this happen to me? If God loves me, why is this going wrong in my life? We can’t get past the present! We truly have to understand what we have been rescued from in order to understand our Rescuer and His love.
The other thing that brings me to my knees is election, knowing that I was chosen by God. Not only did He save me, rescue me, and redeem me, but He chose to do so before the foundations of the world! (Ephesians 1). God had me in mind and my redemption before he formed the earth. He predestined me for adoption! I can’t help but be grateful to our LORD for that! I think once we realize where we truly are before a Holy God, and think of Him as a Rescuer and Redeemer, we can’t help but fall on our face in gratitude and embrace is grace and love.
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters . . . He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16,19)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the 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” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Someone asked a question that got my mind stirring. “How do I know God loves me? I could think of lots of ways and answers, but there are two words that keep coming to mind.
Depravity & Election.
I have been meditating on Ephesians 2 and thinking on how it says “you were dead, but God made us alive”. I think until we truly understand the depths of our sin and just how sinful we truly are, it’s very hard to understand why we need to be saved from it. If we don’t understand that we were dead, we don’t understand that we need a Savior. If we don’t undertstand that we’re in bondage, we don’t understand why we need a Redeemer. Then, we think of God’s love only in our present circumstances. If God loves me, why is He letting this happen to me? If God loves me, why is this going wrong in my life? We can’t get past the present! We truly have to understand what we have been rescued from in order to understand our Rescuer and His love.
The other thing that brings me to my knees is election, knowing that I was chosen by God. Not only did He save me, rescue me, and redeem me, but He chose to do so before the foundations of the world! (Ephesians 1). God had me in mind and my redemption before he formed the earth. He predestined me for adoption! I can’t help but be grateful to our LORD for that! I think once we realize where we truly are before a Holy God, and think of Him as a Rescuer and Redeemer, we can’t help but fall on our face in gratitude and embrace is grace and love.
“He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters . . . He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:16,19)
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Far Above
“. . . what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet . . .” (Ephesians 1:19-22)
If Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, my Savior, is FAR ABOVE all things, if all things are under His feet, if He is seated at the right hand of the Father, why do I doubt? If God’s immeasurable greatness of His power is accessible toward us who believe, why do I not trust? Stay paralyzed? Frozen? Confused? Insecure? Frustrated? Why do I try to work or be strong in my own strength?
Christ is FAR ABOVE all . . . He died that I would live in freedom. He was raised that I might have life. He is in the heavenly places interceding for me right now that I might become the woman God intends for me to be. LORD, help me to remember you are far above all and your power is beyond my comprehension.
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“So we do not lose heart . . . as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, 18)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
If Jesus Christ, my Redeemer, my Savior, is FAR ABOVE all things, if all things are under His feet, if He is seated at the right hand of the Father, why do I doubt? If God’s immeasurable greatness of His power is accessible toward us who believe, why do I not trust? Stay paralyzed? Frozen? Confused? Insecure? Frustrated? Why do I try to work or be strong in my own strength?
Christ is FAR ABOVE all . . . He died that I would live in freedom. He was raised that I might have life. He is in the heavenly places interceding for me right now that I might become the woman God intends for me to be. LORD, help me to remember you are far above all and your power is beyond my comprehension.
“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“So we do not lose heart . . . as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16, 18)
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
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