Today I read Ephesians 3. In this chapter, Paul speaks to the Church in Ephesus, reminding them that "through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise of Christ Jesus" (Eph 3:6). He stresses that the wisdom and blessings of God should be made plain to everyone, and that all may approach the throne of Salvation with freedom and confidence. He follows this urgent insight with a prayer on behalf of the Ephesians, for whom he has gladly suffered and persevered.
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Paul fervently prays that his brothers and sisters would be strengthened by the richness of the Holy Spirit, dwelling as Christ within their hearts. With this compassion fixed upon them, Paul prays that a greater understanding of the Savior's love would arise -- that they might begin "to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ," which knows no boundaries and surpasses all knowledge. How incredible it is to think and wonder at this Love!
Since we are all heirs together, with such glory and mystery revealed before us, we are united by Christ's mercy and redemption. We must support one another and continue to serve this Gospel -- there is no other choice but to make this Freedom and Love known.
I pray that you would allow Christ to dwell deeply in your heart, whether or not you have already made Him a place there. May He search your inner being and intimately know you, and make known his absolute Love for you. May you have the blessings and peace that come with this fullness of being -- may you experience the complete fullness of God, overflowing with the fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
Lift your problems, worries, and insecurities to Christ -- he will not judge you for them or scoff at your weakness. Paul knew himself to be "less than the least of all God's people," but he was made righteous through faith.
Praise God, who Loves us without limits! May the Spirit fill your soul with Love.
About the Blog.
Submit to the Voice of Truth that rings loudly in your ears.
Resist the deceptive call of this world -- it brings sorrow alone.
Named after James 4:7, this blog is a small catalogue of my interactions with scripture and spirit - the verses written long ago which hold unending revelations and the greatest honesty I've ever known. These histories, songs, and gospels speak of love, doubt, hope, fear, faith, despair, and salvation. This ever-present Living Word is my heartbeat.
I'm slowly learning to listen -- to submit and resist.
Resist the deceptive call of this world -- it brings sorrow alone.
Named after James 4:7, this blog is a small catalogue of my interactions with scripture and spirit - the verses written long ago which hold unending revelations and the greatest honesty I've ever known. These histories, songs, and gospels speak of love, doubt, hope, fear, faith, despair, and salvation. This ever-present Living Word is my heartbeat.
I'm slowly learning to listen -- to submit and resist.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment