Ephesians Devotion 4: September 3 - 9

Let Go and Let God, Part 2

Last week we coined the slogan “Let Go and Let God.” We also began thinking in terms of being a prisoner of Christ. This week we are going to go deeper in that slogan and the thought of being a prisoner. As this unfolds a little deeper, we will evaluate every aspect of our actions and words.

As you go into this week’s devotion, think about how you handle situations with people who seem to demand a great deal of patience from you. I think we all encounter those kinds of people from time to time. These are the people who try our patience and push to us to react and speak unkindly sometimes.

Unity in the Body of Christ

Sunday: Read Ephesians 3:1-3 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” 

Last week we learned that we are to consider ourselves a prisoner of Christ, and as a prisoner, we are not free to go and do as we please. This week we are going to go deeper into our actions and reactions to other people. The passage today tells us to walk at all times in a manner worthy of the calling that has been extended to us. Read the passage several times and think about each aspect we are to exemplify in our lives.

In your journal list the aspects we are to display. Beside each one explain what it means in your own words. Then, write beside the explanation how well you think you have displayed that aspect or characteristic in your life.

Example: Humility and gentleness - this means to remain humble in my thinking and how I portray myself to others regardless of the blessing from God I have received or the status God has allowed me to have. I am also to speak and interact with others in a very gentle manner as opposed to speaking harshly and sharply with them regardless of how irritated I may become with them. — This was a struggle this past week as I encountered someone who w
as behaving in a haughty manner because of their new position. The instant I caught myself beginning to come back with an aggressive counter argument, I stopped, thanked this person for taking the time to talk with me and explain their perspective of the situation. I realized that arguing would not resolve the issue. The best thing to do is to remove myself from the situation, document the conversation and situation and wait for the right time to continue the issue with others present. Just because a person is not willing to treat others fairly and justly does not mean I should speak to them in the same authoritative manner, but rather I should treat them with the kindness I am asking they provide to others.

Do this in your journal for each of the aspects we are to portray as a person of Christ.

Monday: Focus on Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Read this passage and think about why we are to behave in the characteristic of humility and gentleness, patience, bearing one with another in love, and being eager to maintain the unity of the  Spirit in the bond of peace.

In your journal today write the reasons you think it is imperative to behave in the ways mentioned above.

Tuesday: Focus on Ephesians 4:7-16 “But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says,

            ‘When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,

            and he gave gifts to men.’

(In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

This passage indicates that we are all given a special gift  for a certain purpose, and we are to use that gift to build up His kingdom. One point I want to make is that we must remember that we were not given our special gift to build up ourselves. Read over the passage and begin praying over the gift God has bestowed upon you. You may also want to read from Romans 12 and I Corinthians 12 to find a complete listing of the Spiritual Gifts.

Romans 12                  1 Corinthians 12

exhortation                  administration

giving                           apostle

leadership                   discernment

mercy                           faith

prophecy                     healings

service                         helps

teaching                       knowledge

                                      miracles

                                      prophecy

                                      teaching

                                      tongues

                                      tongues interpretation

                                      wisdom

Write that gift in your journal and explain how you know that is your gift and how you have been using that gift.

Ephesians: Devotion 3 - August 27 - September 2

Let Go and Let God

Have you ever felt as though you have been placed in a situation or position that you feel is too difficult or absolutely impossible for you to handle or do? I know I have felt that way before. This week in our devotion time, we are going to understand how we are to rely on the power, strength, and wisdom of God rather than our own power, strength, and wisdom. In fact, we tend to make situations worse when we attempt them in our own abilities. We have got to let go and let God take control and work all things out according to His desires and in His ways and not ours.

We also must come to the understanding that God knows all things, and He already has ways of accomplishing all outcomes.It is up to us to find God in all situations and trust Him and allow Him to have complete control to work as He so chooses. We must also seek His methods rather than creating our own.

Consider the situations you are facing this week as you work through the devotions each day. What is God doing in and through you and what does He desire to accomplish?

The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed

Sunday: Read Ephesians 3:1-7 “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.”   As you read this passage, focus today on the point that Paul considered himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Let’s take some time and ponder on that thought. Exactly what does he mean when he says he is a prisoner? What does it mean to be a prisoner? When we think about a prisoner, we usually think of someone who has been locked in a cell with iron bars and has no freedom to roam about as he/she so chooses. We also think this person in prison has committed an awful crime and is being punished for his/her atrocious deeds.

Lets unfold that thought in relationship to Paul being a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Paul has determined in his mind to consider himself as a prisoner who does not have the freedom to go where he pleases and do the things he wants to do. It is as though he has placed himself in the confines of where and what God desires for him to be. He is not to live and do as he wants, but he is to stay within the boundaries set for him by God.

Is this a punishment for his wrongdoing? No, this is where being a prisoner in this aspect differs from being a criminal prisoner. Being this type of prisoner is a blessing and is for his protection. God has created Paul for a specific purpose in life that as he continues within the confines of God’s plan, he will receive the blessings of God and ultimately have peace and joy within his heart.

Have you ever submitted yourself to God to the degree that you consider yourself a prisoner of Jesus Christ—no longer acting on your own accord, but completely acting in His accord in all things? Spend some time in your prayers and journal today reflecting on the true meaning for your life as you submit and completely become a prisoner of Jesus Christ. Do you need to let go and let God have complete control over you, so you will have His protection and care even while you are suffering through certain unpleasant situations?

Monday: Focus on Ephesians 3:1-7 “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.” As we meditate today on the same passage as yesterday, we will gain a deeper understanding of all the promises and blessing the gospel has to offer. We will understand how to unlock the mysterious secrets of God that are found through our salvation in Jesus Christ. We have a special advantage over those who lived in the days before Christ. We have access to understanding the secrets and promises of God through the Holy Spirit who was sent to us as a result of Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, we can have direct access to God and receive guidance and understanding from Him. We also have access to the power of God to act in us and through us as we strive to accomplish His will. In times of difficulty or situations that seem to be impossible, we have the ability to access the power of God to withstand and rise above those difficult situations and accomplish the impossible tasks. If God has called us to withstand and complete something, He will fully equip us to do it. He will never throw us under the bus or leave us hanging to do it on our own.

We seem to get into to trouble and make bad situations become worse when we begin thinking on our on or doing according to our own ways and thoughts. We must learn to work and live only in the confines of Jesus Christ and let go and let God take control as we go about our lives.

In your journal today, record a situation you are facing. Next, list the thoughts and plans you have for going through this situation. Who seems to be in control? Are you acting within the confines of Jesus Christ? Do you need to restructure your thoughts and plans? Answer all of those questions and pray that God will give you the ability to be equipped by Him rather than by yourself.

Go in the power of God today. I have to do this daily, and the days I do not are the days I have great difficulties within my spirit. I also must admit to you that this is not always an easy task to do. The human side of me wants to take control and think it out for myself. Once again, I must remind myself, that when I take control, I make things worse.

Tuesday: Focus on Ephesians 3:8-12 “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory” Today let’s think about what God is doing in our lives as we live completely according to His plan and His control. When God has complete control and is able to lead us through difficult days, He will then bring us to newer and better levels of service. In other words, He bestows upon us great riches and blessings that only He can provide as we go in His plan and act according to His complete control. Also, he is only able to do this for us and in us, as we remain humble in our own thinking in regards to ourselves. He desperately wants to take us to these better and more rewarding levels, but He is limited by what we allow Him to do. The only way to go to such higher levels with Him is to go according to His methods.

Because these methods may not always be easy and pleasant, we stifle God’s plans for us and remain in the current status, which is mediocre. Yes, sometimes the mediocre is a bit easier, but consider all the extra blessings we miss by remaining in this state.

Today in your journal write your perception of your status with God. Are in a mediocre state or are you being moved to the elevations that brings the special blessings and rewards of God?

Wednesday: Focus on Ephesians 3:8-12 “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” Today let’s focus on going and doing in the boldness and confidence of Jesus Christ. As we are striving this week to go with the plans of God, we may become tempted to falter because these plans are difficult and even scary at times. When these thoughts occur in our minds, we must put our focus on God and remain strong in the confidence and boldness of Jesus Christ.

Today pray that God will reboot in your thinking and mind, so you can continue on. Don’t let the stresses of the situation get the best of you. You can do this. Keep your focus on God and rely on the confidence and boldness that comes through the Holy Spirit as a result of Jesus Christ. In your journal write a statement of your going in that confidence and boldness in all you face today.

Thursday: Focus on Ephesians 3:13 “So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” Today let’s focus on why we are doing what we do. This will enable us to remain calm and not become over anxious. Too often we become anxious, and then we become discouraged and withdraw from pursuing the established plan as set by God. This passage is strongly encouraging us not to lose heart when we seem to be suffering, but to continue going with the understanding that it is all for the glory of God. This verse today serves as a reminder to stay close to God and continue walking in His path and trust Him as we go.

In your journal today express your thoughts of where you are in your journey with God. Are you struggling with the anxiety of the situations? Do you need to submit your fears and anxious emotions to God and receive a renewed sense of peace and strength?

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

Thursday: Focus on Ephesians 3:14-19 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Today we will gain a deeper understanding of dwelling in Spiritual strength. When we bow our knee to our Heavenly Father, He will strengthen us with His power all the way to our inner being. Today’s words from me are short, but your reflection with God should be long and deep. Perhaps you are in need of the indwelling sense of the spiritual strength that only comes from God. In your journal write a prayer in which you ask for God to infiltrate your inner being with His spiritual presence and strength.

According to all His riches of glory, God wants to bestow His strength and power upon you. Let go and let God have the freedom to bestow it deep within you in a transforming kind of way.

Friday: Focus on Ephesians 3:14-19 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Today we will focus on being rooted and grounded with all that God has to offer, so we will know and understand the love of Christ and be completely filled with all the fullness of God. In other words, we need to understand the love that is stemmed in Christ, so we will have the capacity to understand that we can be completely filled with the fullness of God to the degree that we become consumed with all that God has to offer us. We do not have to remain in the condition of being sunk in deep misery and discouragement. Because of the love of Christ, we can rise far above the misery that has encapsulated us for so long.

Again, I say, “Let go and Let God.” He desires for you to become grounded and rooted in His love and become completely filled with His fullness. In your journal write your thoughts on this concept. As you write discuss and analyze your level of being filled with the fullness of God. Here is a question to consider; are you completely full of all God has to offer you? If not, what are you lacking, and what do you need to do about it?

Saturday: Focus on Ephesians 3:20-21 “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.” Today let’s think about the capabilities of God working in and around us. We see in this passage that He is able to do far more than we could ask, think, or even imagine. He has the power and ability to do anything He desires. There are times He allows us to suffer, so He can show the church and the world that He is at work doing great and mighty things within our lives. We are the tools by which He proves to the world He has amazing power. He is to be glorified in all that is accomplished in and through us. Praise Him for His greatness and His accomplishments. He deserves to be praised.

We must be careful not to put limits on what God wants to do in and through us individually. We should give Him free reign to teach us, grow us, fill us, and bless us abundantly. Allow Him to give what He desires, which will be way more than what we think He will do.

In your journal today, answer the following questions: 1. Are you hindering what God desires to do within and through you? 2. Are you allowing God to be glorified through you? 3. Have you completely let go so God can have control?

As you reflect on this week’s devotion, has God done something really cool and amazing within you? Write about it in your journal. Now, begin sharing what God has done. Please also share in the comments on the website, so we can rejoice with you.

Ephesians: Devotion 2 - August 13-19

Focus intently upon the Word, in order to be changed.

Do you ever get so busy with your daily routine of life that you that you don’t take time to focus on the blessings from God? I know I do. This past week has kept me busy and preoccupied with the new student enrollment and scheduling appointments with my current students in the teacher education program. It seems that I have been so inundated with work and students that I have had very little time for reflecting on the greatness of God and all the things He has done for me. As I moved into the weekend, I began putting a bit more focus on God and the sacrifices made by Him on my behalf.

This week in our devotion time, we are going to spend a great deal of time reflecting on praise and adoration to God for all that He has done for us. With this being the beginning of a new school year, this is an ideal time to get a new focus that will carry us through this new year.

By Grace Through Faith

Sunday: Read Ephesian 2:1-7 “And 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, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”   This is a long passage, but it is very important to consider as we move into the new school year. The first verse says that we were dead in our transgressions, and it goes on throughout the next couple of verses to point out our sinful nature and remind us who wa

s in control of our lives and actions before Christ. Verse 4 brings us to the realization that because of the great love God had for us, He bestowed His mercy upon us and provided grace to cover our transgressions and redeem us from our corrupted life. He saved us from this type of life and gave us hope for our future. He provided all of this kindness to us through His Son Jesus Christ.

As we are preparing for the beginning of the new school year, lets all focus today on the what our lives were before Christ and think about how our lives would be if we did not have Christ. Read this passage again and in your journal make a list of the actions, attitudes, hurled words, and thoughts that consumed you last year that you know were not characteristic of a person of  Christ. Look over the list. Circle the ones that you might still be hanging on to. Now, pray and ask God to remove those and replace them with an attribute that comes from Him. Make a commitment that you are going to be different this year and that you will reflect His grace to others just as He has reflected Grace to you.

Monday: Focus on Ephesians 2:1-7 “And 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, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 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— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Today let’s meditate on the same passage as yesterday, but today let’s focus on our the fact that our old ways are gone and no longer a part of our lives. Think about how you want to be with your children, your husband, your work, and your friends. Let go of the negative aspects that controlled your thoughts, words, and actions from the previous year. Focus on how you want to be perceived by others in your life this year. Focus on how you want God to see you.

Make a list in your journal of the ways you want to behave and think this new school year. Number that list according to the top priority down. Begin praying and ask God to enable you to become transformed as you start this new school year with your children, husband, work, and friends. Keep in mind that as sure as you make a commitment to act in transformed ways, you will be tempted and tested. Stay strong and keep your focus on God and what He desires to do in you and through you. If you start each day by spending time with God first, you will be better equipped to face the temptations and tests with success. You will also want to keep your focus on God throughout the day and call upon Him to guide you and enable you.

Tuesday: Focus on Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Today we will turn our focus to the wonderful grace that God has bestowed upon us through His son Jesus Christ. He provided us with salvation that He graciously gave us as a gift. There was no charge, and we did not have to work for it either. Therefore, we have no right to boast in ourselves because all that we have and have accomplished is not of our own doing, but is strictly by the doing of God Almighty through His Son.

Verse ten points out that we have been created to be His workmanship through Jesus Christ, so we may accomplish the good works God planned and prepared before we were even born. We are told in this passage that for these reasons, we should walk in the path that God has prepared for us.

In your journal today, list your daily activities. Now, take a few minutes and reflect on that list. How much of that list is focused on spending time with God? How much on that list is completely in line with what God has called you to do? Do you need to make some changes? Spend time seeking God and aligning your daily routine and plans with those that God has planned for you.

Wednesday: Focus on Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Today let’s spend some reading the same verses as yesterday. Today, turn your prayers toward the plans that God has set for you. Perhaps yesterday God revealed to you that you have not been completely following His plan. Reflect on the thought that you were not created to live for yourself, but you were created to live for God and His plan. He has plans to accomplish, and He chose you and created you in a special and unique way, so you could be a part of accomplishing His plan. This is a special honour that God has created you for a special purpose and task.

If you already know the plan that God intends for you to follow, write that in your journal. If you are struggling with letting go of your plans and desires, write that in your journal. Write down the reasons you are holding back. Now, begin praying that God will give you the desire and the ability to let go of yourself and your plans and accept and willingly slide into His plans.

If you are not quite sure what His plans are for you at this time, write that in your journal and begin praying that God will reveal to you your purpose. Ask Him to help you have a desire to earnestly seek Him and His desires. God will reveal His plans to you when you are completely ready to accept whatever He has in store for you.  

Ephesians - Devotion 1: Week Aug. 6 - 12

Focus intently upon the Word, in order to be changed.

Many times our days are filled with stress and frustrations that seem to raise our blood pressure, cause our hearts to race, and cause us to speak in snappy ways to others. Sometimes during our most stressful moments during the day, we encounter that person or those people who tend to push our buttons and push us over the top with our stress levels. We tend to struggle with such physical conditions as tensity and stiffness in our necks, headaches, migraines, and even TMJ. After long periods of such stress, our physical conditions can increase leading to serious health issues such at heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.

We have got to learn how to handle such stress and focus on a more peaceful lifestyle. Of course, diet and exercise are two great factors that can help alleviate such health issues, but one of the most important factors is alleviating stress by focusing on the peace that only God can bring to us. We must learn to go in His peace and leadership at work and rest. This week we will focus on doing just that. 

Greeting

Sunday: Read Ephesian 1:1-2 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Today as you meditate on these verses, pray think about the Grace you have received from God and the peace He bestows. Take a deep breath and read these two verses several times. Absorb the word “peace,” and meditate on the peacefulness of God through Jesus Christ. Pray and ask God to give you His peace and to help you recognize it all day. This may also be a good day to sit outside on your patio or porch, sip coffee, listen to the birds, and meditate on the peacefulness of God.

In your journal write a commitment statement that you will relax in the peace of God all day and all week.

Spiritual Blessings in Christ

Monday: Focus on Ephesians 1:3-6 “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 to himself 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.” Today let’s meditate on the blessings that God has bestowed upon us through His Son Jesus Christ. God planned before we were born and even before the foundation of the world to provide us with His special blessing which is eternal life with Him. He has chosen for us to receive spiritual blessings in the heavenly places, which means these blessings are coming from the heavenly realms. In order to fully understand and enjoy these blessings, we must put our focus and affections on spiritual things rather than earthly things. If we can develop the mindset that although we live here on earth, we have our focus on spiritual matters, we will strive to be holy and blameless before God our Father, He will bless us and provide all we need to get through our daily routines of life. This kind of mindset will require us to relinquish our ideas of living for self and accept the mindset of living for God here on earth.

As we develop this heavenly and spiritual mindset in our daily lives, we will recognize the spiritual blessings of God. Then, we should, in turn, show our adoration and thankfulness for what God is doing for us by giving Him praise for His glorious grace and blessings. It seems that we are quick to ask God for help and beg for His assistance, deliverance, and blessings, but we are not always prone to praise Him as He deserves. Today, focus on your praise to God for all He has done and will continue to do for you. Start by praising Him for the blessing of salvation through the sacrifice He made by offering His Son on our behalf to cover our sins.

In your journal today make a list of the blessings God has given you. Write a praise to Him for each blessing. Get creative in how you choose to praise Him. Begin to recognize the exceptional qualities of God. For example, praise Him for being the all loving God who willingly gave His Son, who knew no sin, to die in your place as you are from a sinful nature. Praise Him for being the all knowing God who guides and directs your paths and keeps you from harm even when you don’t know it is coming. I’m sure your list can go on and on.

Tuesday: Focus on Ephesians 1:7-10 “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.” Today, we will go deeper into the act of God giving His only Son to cover our sins, so we can we can have eternal life. We are the ones who have trespasses and sins against our Holy Father, but Christ is the one who paid the price to cover our sins. God, through His Son, offers us forgiveness as a free gift. Not only is this free gift offered to us, but we are also lavished with all the blessings from God on behalf of what His Son has sacrificed for us. We are allowed to have the wisdom and insight of God as He reveals to us His will and purpose for our lives. He trusts us enough to allow us to know His heart.

Have you spent time focusing and comprehending the magnitude of exactly what Christ has done in order for us have such blessings and redemption? Spend time today comprehending the reality of what was sacrificed so you could receive God’s grace and blessings freely. In your journal give God praise for that and thank Him for your redemption.

Wednesday: Focus on Ephesians 1:11-14 “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.” Today we will think about the inheritance we have received as a result of believing in Christ and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior. We who have done this are considered the children of God and are guaranteed our inheritance in Him. Therefore, we are to offer praises to Him for His glory. Once again, we are going to focus on the praise God deserves from us because of the way He has included us in His family and has provided an inheritance for us as a beloved family member. We are actually children of a King! We are in the royal family!

In your journal, write a statement praise and gratification for the inheritance that has been promised to you. As you write this statement, consider the eternal alternative you could have faced had God not provided this inheritance for you.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Thursday: Read Ephesians 1:15-21. “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 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, 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, and 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.” Today let’s think about how Paul prayed for those who were close to him and striving to live a faithful life in Christ. He acknowledged their willingness to be faithful regardless of what they were experiencing or facing in their daily lives, and he made a special point of praying for them to be strengthened and provided the wisdom needed as they continue and the enlightenment of hope they have as they remain faithful.

Today, turn your focus from yourself to others who could benefit from that same kind of prayer and encouragement that Paul offered to the saints to whom he considered close friends. In your journal make a list of people who need your prayer support and encouragement as they continue in their pursuit of remaining faithful to God and the path He has directed them to follow. Once your list is made, fervently pray for their protection, wisdom, and continued guidance in their daily lives. Now, take that prayer a step further and write a note or card to one or all on that list. In this note state that you are praying for them according to Ephesians 1:15-21, and offer them a word of encouragement for their faithfulness.

Friday: Read again Ephesians 1:15-21. “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 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, 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, and 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.” Today let’s focus specifically on verse 19 that expresses the fact that we today have the same great power available to us as was exerted when God raised Christ from the dead. Today as you go about your daily routine and face adversity, stress, frustrations, etc., relax in and trust the power of God that is available to you through Christ Jesus. Move in His power and overcome whatever comes your way. Allow that power to be perfect and real in all you do and face all day. Remember, you do not have to fight against the obstacles; you just have to proceed in the power of God Almighty, who has all things under His control.

It is our nature to want to fight back, or take control and put people in their place. That method causes us lots of stress and frustration. Let it go, and let God take care of it in His power and strength. This will alleviate your stress as you are able to practice this kind of Godly power in your life.

In your journal today, write a prayer of thanks for all that God will take care of for you. Of course, you also will want to write a statement of your willingness to allow Him to have control over your day and exert His power over all situations and people you encounter all day. Once you have made this commitment, relax and go about your day with a spirit of peace, knowing God has all things under control.

Saturday: Read Ephesians 1:22-23. “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Today we will acknowledge who is actually over all things to the church. God has placed Christ to be the head of the church; therefore, all are to subject and yield in sincere obedience to Christ. It was God’s gift to Christ just as it is our gift as well to have a such a dominant head over us who has such power and authority to control all things. He has been given all power in heaven and earth. As Christ is the head of the church, He will guide and protect the body as it is His pride and joy. We can rest in the fact that if Christ is allowed by us to be the head of the church, the church will flourish and thrive.

Take a moment today to reflect on Christ as the head. Understand what it means for us to let go of controlling factors within the church according to our thoughts and ways, and give the control back to Christ, so He can accomplish His desires for the church.

In your journal today list activities that have recently occurred that verify Christ is in control. Are there areas that need to be relinquished to His control? Pray that God will give all members the ability to give Him complete control over the church and to allow Christ to be the ultimate head of the church. Relax now in the leadership of Christ rather than fighting to enforce the will of man. 

Blessings, 

Cheryl