Category: Ephesians

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:16-17a).

This is pretty much the perfect prayer.

Out of his glorious riches–God already has all you need or could ever need.

…he may strengthen you with power–It is God who does the work in you.

…through his Spirit–He has sent the Holy Spirit to teach and guide and heal and empower us.

…in your inner being–God is not concerned with outward appearances, but with the true you.

…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts–kinda the purpose of life, ya?

…through faith–without which, none of this works.

So, yeppers, a truly excellent prayer.

Who will you use it for today?

I’m pretty sure Paul won’t mind if you borrow it.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name (Ephesians 3:14-15).

So, about two weeks ago–our time–Paul took a little side trip to remind us of what God has done for us through Paul’s life.

Well, now he’s back.

Gotta love those rabbit trails.

In any case, Paul mentions something about God here that I find fascinating. Almost in passing, he says, “from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derived its name.” Another translation says, “from whom all fatherhood in heaven and on earth…”

I like that.

God is the archetype, the epitome, the model of all fatherhood. The concept originates with him. He defines it. When I see God protecting, loving, providing, teaching, giving, disciplining, guiding, leading, forgiving, sacrificing, restoring–I realize that’s what I’m supposed to be. Then I consider my own track record as a dad and I see my own inadequacies and I begin to hyperventilate

until I remember

grace.

Beloved, if you are a father, you have been given a great name. Do all that you can, in His grace, to live up to it.

Beloved, if you have a father, think of him with grace, knowing that the bar is set pretty high. And remember, no matter what sort of earthly dad you may have, you have a heavenly Father who is all you need always.

Happy Monday, Beloved.

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are for your glory  (Ephesians 3:13).

So that’s what it feels like

to be loved

by someone

you’ve never met.

Embrace the feeling, Beloved.

Happy Friday.

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12).

Beloved, you don’t have to cower in the shadows of his glory, hoping someone better, stronger, more worthy than you might spill a drop of righteousness that you can lap up before it evaporates.

You can approach boldly.

You belong here.

You are not a slave, but a child. Run to your Father’s house, for it is your home. Let him scoop you up in his arms and hold you, because he loves you.

That’s what daddies do.

Happy Thursday, Beloved.

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 3:11).

His purpose

Accomplished by…him

So, what is our responsibility in this, Beloved?

To receive

That’s all…that’s enough…that’s everything.

Receive, Beloved.

Happy Wednesday

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms… (Ephesians 3:10)

Really, God?

The Church?

I mean, far far far far far be it from me to question God’s wisdom, but does he really expect the Church to be the display of his great plan to the cosmos?

The Church. That’s us. You realize that, don’t you?

All the angels and heavenly beings are  looking at us to see the glory of his salvation worked out.

No pressure there.

Seriously–doesn’t God realize how pathetic the Church is? How we bicker and fight and whine and cheat and fumble and fail and fall?

I mean, of course he does, but still…

Beloved, I don’t see why God would choose to put us on display, knowing what he knows about us, but then I don’t understand a lot of what God does.

Which is fine, I guess.

The thing to remember is, God’s not worried about it. He isn’t concerned that somehow you or I or the Church in general is going to spoil his plans. In fact, I’m guessing that the interpersonal crunchiness that is so much a part of us is at the heart of his plan, as he shows the tremendous power of his grace over our own weakness.

Or something like that.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved.

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things  (Ephesians 3:8-9).

What grace has been given to you, Beloved?

The grace to teach?

The grace to learn?

The grace to speak?

The grace to listen?

The grace to encourage?

The grace to challenge?

The grace to fight?

The grace to heal?

The grace to stand?

The grace to fall

and

rise?

Whatever God has given you to do…

Happy Monday, Beloved.

Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people…  (Ephesians 3:8)

But Paul…

For corn sake, you’re…you’re Paul! Paul the Apostle!  Whaddaya mean you are less than the least of God’s people?

Maybe Paul knew his own past, Beloved. Maybe he knew his own heart. Maybe he knew that whatever he looked like on the outside, inside he continued to struggle with thoughts and emotions and deeds that were downright not right.

And yet, he did not let that stop him  from serving his Lord, did he? And it certainly did not stop his Lord from using Paul, did it?

Beloved, don’t think too highly of yourself–you know you.

Beloved, don’t think too lowly of yourself–you are the child of the King.

Beloved, don’t think too often of yourself. That leaves more room for God to work, anyway.

Happy Friday, Beloved.

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power (Ephesians 3:7).

What have you become by the gift of God’s grace?

What have you left behind by the gift of God’s grace?

What awaits you by the gift of God’s grace?

Stuff to ponder as you move through your day.

Happy Thursday, Beloved

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,  which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.  This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:4-6).

We’re in the club!

This news would have been mind-shattering to the Jews of Paul’s day. They had been taught for generations that Israel was God’s chosen people, the nation of promise. All others were…

Other.

But now Paul tells them that Israel is not simply a matter of geography or bloodline. It is a call of the heart. And God, in his incomprehensible mercy, has called the unlikeliest of hearts.

Hearts like yours

and

mine.

Rejoice, Beloved!

Happy Wednesday