Ephesians

May 4th – Ephesians 3:20

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Ephesians 3:20

Have you ever prayed to God and been absolutely blown away with the abundance of His answer? The apostle Paul tells us instead of being surprised, we should anticipate our Father to go above and beyond what we ask of Him. For we serve a God who loves to bless exceedingly those who abide in Him in faithful obedience. The Lord wants us to come to Him in prayer with all of our needs. Because He cares about every detail of our lives, both great and small. And when we do, we need to be bold, expectant, and prepared for an answer that will be far greater anything we could imagine! Today go to God in prayer with boldness. And prepare to receive superabundant blessings!

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May 2nd – Psalm 95:2

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Psalm 95:2

One of my favorite gifts from God is music. Music carries such power, science has proven that our bodies respond physiologically to the music we hear. Whether it be happiness, sadness, anger, or peace, we all have a favorite song that whenever we hear it, brings us right back to the memory it invokes. That’s why for me, there’s no faster way to feel close to God than singing my favorite hymn. My heart fills with joy, as my lips sing His praise. And my spirit is lifted by His mercy and love. Because there is nothing better for what ails us than singing and making melody to the Lord with our hearts.(Eph. 5:19) What’s your favorite song or hymn? When was the last time you sang it? Today take some time to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

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April 30th – Ephesians 1:18

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Ephesians 1:18

Throughout the Bible we’re told that God is Light. And from that Light stems goodness, love, and mercy. There are no greater gifts than salvation, and an eternity spent at the Lord’s side. Gifts that God sacrificed His own Son to provide. And gifts that He offers freely to all. That’s why Paul prays that the eyes of our hearts illuminate with the light of God’s hope. The hope of the riches of our inheritance through Jesus Christ. For it is through Christ in which we have become adopted heirs into the kingdom of God. Sons and daughters who no longer walk in darkness but in God’s glorious light. And it also this hope that should be a driving force in our lives. For until that glorious day when we are called home, we should be living a life that glorifies our Lord, reflecting His love in a hurting and dark world.

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March 28th – Ephesians 6:18

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Ephesians 6:18

After telling Christians about each piece of the armor of God, Paul adds on another crucial part of our uniform. Prayer. And although it’s not something we wear, without it, winning any war is impossible. Why? Because prayer is our lifeline to the power of God. And as our great Commander, the instructions we receive through prayer can mean the difference success and failure.

To be a victorious prayer warrior, Paul goes on to give us, the soldiers of God, practical applications when praying. First he tells us to pray in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit isn’t about the words we say. Instead it means praying according to the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit then carries those petitions to our Heavenly Father and lays them at His feet. But praying in the Spirit can only happen when we have a close, personal, relationship with God.

Next Paul tells us to stay alert. Being alert includes being sober minded and watchful. (1 Peter 5:8) For the Enemy’s attacks are never ending, and his deviousness knows no bounds. But nothing stops Satan faster in his tracks then when we drop to our knees in prayer. So just like soldiers who keep their guns at the ready, we are to be ready at a moments notice to go to God with all perseverance in constant and fervent prayer.

Paul ends by telling us the the importance of praying for the needs of other believers. I once read that as prayer warriors, we are spiritual weapons in God’s mighty hand. I love that! That means we have the honor and great privilege of being part of God’s master plan. And when we pray for others, we become important, intricate, parts of seeing that plan come to fruition. Both in the world, and in the lives of other Christians.

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March 1st – 1 John 5:14-16

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1 John 5:14-16

The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that there is a great spiritual war waging all around us. As such, we are commanded to be warriors in God’s army. Soldiers armed against the Enemy’s attacks, and at the ready with our spiritual weapons. And some of the greatest ammunition we have is prayer. Prayer is an unbreakable bond between us and God. And a great privilege, for it allows us to get closer to our heavenly Father. There is no special formula, ritual, or words that have to be said. All God wants is for us to come to Him in complete and humble faith. Through the blood of Jesus Christ we have unlimited access to the Father and His throne. And He wants to hear from us! James 4:2 tells us we don’t have, because we don’t ask. So today I challenge you to ask! Go to God in prayer. Give to Him your heart and all it holds. And have unshakable faith that if it is His will, He will see it done!

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February 15th – 2 Peter 3:18

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 2 Peter 3:18

Peter tells us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.” But have you ever wondered what that means exactly, and how one can grow in grace? Is it our responsibility, God’s or both of ours? Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith. This is not our doing, but a gift from God . One through which we mature and are sanctified by grace alone. Grace is defined as “unmerited favor”; a blessing that we don’t deserve. It is God, through His grace that justifies, sanctifies, and eventually will glorify us in heaven. This sanctification process, (becoming more and more like Christ), is actually synonymous with growing in grace.

Therefore to grow in grace actually means to mature as a Christian. We grow in grace by reading God’s Word and letting it “dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16). Peter also mentions growing in “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ“. This happens  by praying and communicating with God, our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ. And It’s also important to note it’s not about gaining more grace from God, for His grace never increases; it is already infinite. But we do need to seek and trust Him for it. Because grace will be the attribute of God that will enables us to break free of our sinful nature and follow Him. It will give us strength and protect us from the evil one.

Blessings,

Sue

February 15th – 2 Peter 3:18 Read More »

January 7th – Isaiah 26:3

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Isaiah 26:3 

Everyone is in search of peace. That’s why between self help books, online programs, and support groups, finding tranquility is a billion dollar industry. But we needn’t search for the latest thing, or spend even a dollar to find serenity. All we have to do is look to Jesus who promises to give us His perfect peace. The one place the Enemy loves to attack the most is our minds. Because as Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” So when our focus is on our circumstances instead of on the Lord, our minds become playgrounds for Satan to wreak havoc. But when instead of trusting our fallible thoughts we trust God, we welcome His perfect peace into our hearts and mind. Life is hard. And the battle for our minds is real. But perfect peace is obtainable through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For no matter what goes on the world we can count on this. “He himself is our peace.” (Eph. 2:14)

January 7th – Isaiah 26:3 Read More »

January 5th – Ephesians 6:14

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Ephesians 6:14

Anxiety is dread, fear, or a strong desire to avoid or escape a circumstance, feeling, or emotion. It can weaken our faith and keep us from being the strong Christians we are called to be. Satan wants to keep us crippled and ineffective in our Christian lives. He has declared war on God’s people. And he wants to intimidate us so that we tuck our tail and run or hide. But God knows that in this spiritual battle, we need His help to be victorious. And He doesn’t want us to cower against the attacks of our enemy.

Instead, we are to stand and be protected in battle. How? By providing “Spiritual Armor” to keep us safe. The first item we must take up and wrap around us is the “belt of truth”. Upon this belt our other armor and weapons are secured. Because deception is Satan’s specialty, we must seek to know the truth that God teaches us through His Word. This  exposes the Enemy’s lies which are meant to confuse and trouble us.

Anxiety can make us full of doubt and insecurity. And it’s true that in our own effort, we can never be wise enough, strong enough or good enough to be righteous, no matter how hard we try. But God imputed His righteousness to us through the salvation of Jesus.

The “breastplate of righteousness” is the second piece of armor, secured by the belt of truth. It protects the most vital parts of us and keeps us spiritually alive. Our joy is the eternal life imparted to us by the righteousness of God that can never be destroyed. We are not helpless, worthless or defeated. We are children of the most High God and no matter what comes at us, we are called to be battle ready. In Christ….we can stand and face any circumstance. God will enable us. 

Today I challenge you to prepare for battle by putting on your spiritual armor. Have the mindset of an empowered Christian. For God wants you to be confident and able to stand against whatever the enemy tries to attack you with. And remember, you are not alone. For you have the Holy Spirit to guide you!

Blessings, Becky

 

 

January 5th – Ephesians 6:14 Read More »

December 28th – Ephesians 4:11-16

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Ephesians 4:11-16

As we pack up Christmas and look forward to the New Year, let’s take time to reflect on the gifts of God. For His blessings are not limited to the birth of His Son. The minute we receive Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. And with Him, He brings some pretty incredible gifts. God’s church is made up of the body of Christ. And each Christian is a valuable part of that body. Why? Because the Holy Spirit bestows specific gifts unique to only us. Think of that! We have a God given purpose that only we can fulfill. Our Creator painstakingly equips us with marvelous gifts designed to work in harmony with the gifts of fellow believers. All with the goal of performing as a perfectly tuned orchestra for the glory and purposes of God. And He counts each one as valuable as the next!

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November 13th – Ephesians 5:4

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Ephesians 5:4

I once saw a sign which read, “No swearing or bad language allowed. As a bird is known by its note, so is a man known by his conversation.” As Christians the unbelieving world isn’t just watching our actions, its listening to the words we speak. And Paul tells us that our words should be anything but foul, offensive, and obscene. This includes swearing, sharing crude jokes, or speaking without self control. For merely by the words it utters, the tongue wields great power, either for good or evil. And we should seek to keep our thoughts and speech pure before the Lord. How? Paul tells us that if we have attitudes of gratitude, and hearts of thankfulness, “foolish talk” will have no place in our lives. The world is filled with enough vulgarity, and we as followers of Jesus need to be different. We need to, “let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. “ (Colossians 4:6)

November 13th – Ephesians 5:4 Read More »