Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 3 (day seven)
“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father”–v 14. He was never better than when he prayed. Never stood taller than when he knelt. In v 1 of our Re: Verse reading, Paul described himself as a PRISONER. In v 8, he says he is a PREACHER. In v 14, he reveals his highest, best power. He is a PRAY ER. Boiled down to its essence, Paul’s prayer is for God and a few friends. V 16 is for the strength of the Spirit. V 17 is for the constant companionship of Christ. V 18 is for an understanding of God’s love that comes through a relationship with “all the Saints”. V 19 is for the fullness of God. Strange isn’t it? Paul asks for none of the things that we often do. He requests a full measure of God and full life of friendships. “Besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”–Psalm 73:25. Lord, teach us to pray like our brother did!
Tag: Lord
Undiscouraged
Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 3 (day six)
“Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations.”–v 13. Surprising commandment. Typical Paul. “Do not lose heart!” Literally it reads, “do not let the bad get inside you.” Paul claims that every believer has the responsibility to guard his heart from depression, discouragement, hopelessness or negativity. When it happens, if it happens, it is always because necessary precautions were untaken, necessary disciplines unapplied. Jesus said something similar. “Let not your heart be troubled.”–John 14:1. Don’t LET it happen! David learned the same truth. “He strengthened himself in the Lord.”–1 Samuel 30:6. Courage is a gift from God. It is also something we find for ourselves. Did he go pray? Sing hymns? The text is not clear. It is clear, however, that David knew that the management of his own heart and outlook was high priority. Difficulty is inevitable. Discouragement, however, is a choice. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.”–Psalm 56:3.
Learn from Our Prayers
Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 3 (day five)
I have sensed the Lord pressing me to journal more in this particular season of my life. It’s not a skill I am good at, or fond of doing. But it is SO helpful to me to see how the Lord is working and has worked. It can also be a subtle reminder that God is speaking and I need to listen and hear as much as possible.
This week I will begin to journal my prayers too. Reading Paul’s prayers in Ephesians (3:14-21) has been so rich. Paul’s insights, passion, and priorities are remarkable. I was also challenged by John Stott’s words this week: “One of the best ways to discover a Christian’s chief anxieties and ambitions is to study the content of his prayer and the intensity with which he prays them.”
Superlatives
Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 3 (day four)
When Paul describes the Savior, he always uses superlatives. Verse 8 says, “…the unfathomable riches of Christ.” Verse 10 says, “…the manifold wisdom of God.” Verse 11 says, “…the eternal purpose carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Verse 16 says, “…the riches of His glory,” Verse 19 says, “…the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.” Verse 20 says, “…who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.” How can you describe Christ without using superlatives? Maybe you are a creative thinker…maybe you are a person of great vision…of great dreams. Verse 20 says that no matter how lofty our thoughts may be, they do not even approach the thoughts of the Lord… “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.” Let’s ask God to cause His thoughts to be our thoughts…for our eyes to see as He sees.
Undivided
Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 2:11-22 (day seven)
“In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” (v 21)
It is something that the world has been unable to do. For all of our efforts and hopes, the goal of unity has eluded us. The world is divided. Shia against Sunni. Black against white. Congress against the President. Long, sad story of the planet. Only Christ can heal the human heart and create peace. He joins people together, builds people together into a temple for the praise and presence of God. It is the unique vision of New Testament Christianity, those who surrender ego and pride to Christ, discover and experience a supernatural and beautiful peace with others who have come to God in the same way. “Peace on earth, good will to men”, the angels sang on the first Christmas Eve. What people had dreamed of so long was finally possible. In Him.
The Unity of the Spirit
Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 2:11-22 (day six)
“For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.” (v 18)
Paul’s vision for peace is Spiritual. Not something that comes to nations or families or churches by our own efforts. As people move into the Father’s presence (access) via the Spirit, they discover a deep solidarity with others who have done the same. Peace is a marvelous byproduct of walking in the Spirit. It is good news for a world torn by division and animosity. Later, Paul calls this “the unity of the Spirit”. He urges us to guard this precious gift from God. (see 4:3) “Father make them one”, Jesus said in John 17 on the night of His arrest, “that the world may believe.” As we walk in the Spirit, we come to know the Father. As we come to know the Father, we experience unity. As we live in unity, the world believes in Christ. Spirit, anyone? Unity?
Temple Building
Re: Verse reading – Ephesians 2:11-22 (day two)
“In him the whole building in joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which god lives by his Spirit” (vs. 21-22).
This is an incredible metaphor that creates a marvelous picture of how we all fit together in the unity of faith. Imagine this as a real structure, Jesus is the chief cornerstone (vs. 20) and those who have joined in this legacy of faith have helped to construct this temple in which God will reside. Each of us, with our unique gifts and backgrounds are knit together to create the Church. Unity doesn’t always mean SAME, it means together. God knows what he is doing, we don’t look the same, talk the same way, prefer the same things, but we all have the same God who uses that uniqueness to create his beautiful Temple.
Prince of Peace
Re: Verse reading – Ephesians 2:11-22 (day one)
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (v 14) Paul is detailing what God has done for us in Christ (chose us in Him–v 1:4, redeemed us–v 1:7, sealed us with the Holy Spirit–v 1:14, made us alive, raised and seated us with Christ in heavenly places–v 1:5). He turns eventually to PEACE. In Christ, Gentiles and Jews, who formerly hated each other, were standing together in unity. It was an undeniable miracle, one that spoke volumes in a divided, prejudiced ancient world. Still true today. When Jesus is Lord (and only when He is Lord), He breaks down barriers that divide people from each other. Isaiah saw it. “He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, PRINCE OF PEACE.”—Isaiah 9:6. And our Prince has instructions for us. “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”—Romans 12:18.
God =
Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 2:1-10 (day five)
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)
God = Rich in Mercy (not giving us what we deserve)
God= Great in Love/Grace (giving us what we don’t deserve)
Do “born-again” souls feel and express the life He has given? Do the hearts of His Children celebrate the love He has bestowed? Do the eyes and lips of “the saved” proclaim Thanksgiving for His mercy? Do these attributes of God shape the way we will sing, serve, study, and surrender this week?
Psalm 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”
A Good Word for God
Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 1 (day six)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (v 1)
What does the Bible mean when it calls us to bless God? Paul combined two Greek words. Eu=“good”. Logos=“word”. Eulogetos=“to speak a good word”. (Think of eulogy, “honor or gratitude usually spoken at a funeral”.) It is a biblical call to praise! Those of us who receive from God have a moral obligation to “speak a good word” TO Him (praise) or “speak a good word” ABOUT Him (witness). David often urged this lesson on the people of Israel. “Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.” (Psalm 100:1-2) Not because God needs our approval, but because only gratitude prevents us from becoming spoiled children who receive gifts without any sense of obligation. We have nothing to give God for His goodness. Our duty is to speak a good word to/for Him.