A Different Kind of Party?

Ephesians 5:18-21
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

Observations:
-do not get drunk with wine.  Dissipation=excessive drinking, wasteful expenditure, self-indulgence.
-How much better to fill ourselves with the Spirit instead of with "spirits."
-Our speech to one another should be filled with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  ??? I am not in the habit of singing to people when I meet with them.  I wonder if this is in comparison to the type of singing that goes on when one is drunk?
-Our hearts should be singing and making melody WITH YOUR HEART to the Lord.
-we should constantly give thanks to the Lord, for everything.
-We are to be subject to one another (in the fear of Christ- phobos)

Application:
These verses put me in mind of a party.  But it is not a party like many will be attending this season- one filled with excessive drinking and, dare I say it, mindless revelry.  Rather than being filled with wine, which dulls the senses, we are to be filled with the Spirit which heightens them.  The songs we sing together are to be ones that set our minds on Christ, from hearts which are filled with His songs of joy and thanksgiving.  The image this gives is a happy place, a party I would like to be at.  I hear a calling to be a different kind of "party animal."

Blessings,
Deb

New Study

So..... I was just sitting here pondering what in the world to do with this blog.  I would like to continue to dig deeper into Scripture using the SOAP method.  My question is what to study next?  Any thoughts or suggestions?  I hope that the new study would begin in mid-January.

Making the Most of Our Time

Ephesians 5:15-17
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.  So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.


Observations:
We need to take care in how we walk, with wisdom, using our time wisely. Because the days are evil this cannot be stressed enough- that we need to watch the way we walk.

It is foolish not to understand the will of the Lord

Application:
This verse never ceases to convict me.  There are even more good time-wasters available to us today with the internet and television, the ease with which we can obtain reading material.  I am not saying those things are bad.  I have a couple of shows that I love to watch.  I love to sit down with a good book.  I enjoy connecting with my friends via the internet.  But I also waste a lot of time on activities that are not fruitful, or that bring things into my life that Paul has clearly said in these past verses are not good for the believer.  How many times have I sat down just to check my email, blog, or facebook and found an hour or more has disappeared?   I better not do that and then tell the Lord I did not have time to do what He has asked of me, I did not have time to spend with Him.  Did I rush through my quiet time to get to my writing?  Is that a wise use of my time?  Not if I believe, and I do, that I have nothing worth writing if I do not spend quality time with the Lord first.  Let's make the most of our time.

Blessings,
Deb

Alive in Christ

Ephesians 5:11-14
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.  But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.  For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine in you." (Is. 60:1? Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.)


Observations:
Do not participate in unfruitful deeds.
Expose them. (these deeds done in secret)
Again, we should not even speak of them. (So how do we expose them?)
The light makes everything visible.

Application:
It's all about the fruit we bear.  (remember previous lesson.)  If I am preoccupied with the world than the fruit I bear is not going to be good.

Wake up you sleepyhead!  Time to be alive in Christ. No time for laziness.  Proverbs 6:6,9 is one of my favorites: Take a lesson from the ants you lazybones.  Learn from their ways and be wise...But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?  When will you wake up?  I don't think this verse in Ephesians is really talking about being lazy or sleeping in, but it is what popped into my head when I read it.  We dear sister-friends are no longer dead, and it is time to shine with the light of Christ.

Blessings,
Deb

Walk as Children of the Light

Ephesians 5:5-10
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of the Light (for the fruit of the Light consists of all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.


Observations:
We know for certain those that have no inheritance in the kingdom.  (and our hearts should be grieved for them.)  Let's not deceive ourselves into thinking otherwise.  We live a world among people who are lost and without Christ.
We are to have nothing to do with their immoral actions- while this was our former state it is no longer who we are in Christ.
We are light and need to walk as children of the Light- being diligent to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.

Application:
I need to remember that many of the people I meet are walking in darkness.  My walk should not resemble theirs.  My walk needs to be marked by the fruit of the Light.  It will not come naturally, I need to learn what pleases the Lord.  Just like I am constantly learning the likes and dislikes of my husband so that I can be a wife that brings him pleasure.  I need to invest time in learning the likes and dislikes of God.

Blessings,
Deb

Imitators of Christ

Ephesians 5:1-4
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.  But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you. as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.




Observations:
As God's beloved children we need to imitate Him.  This means we "walk in love," remembering with what great love Christ has loved us.
There are things that should have no part in our lives: immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed. They are not even to be named among us.  It is not enough not to do these things, even speaking of them has no place in our lives.  Would that include read, what I watch? (she asks, already knowing the answer.)
Again we need to watch what passes through our lips which should be filled with thanks instead of those other things. (root word for silly talk often translated to "foolish"- the one who thinks there is no God)

Application:
Paul gives us a clear application here- be an imitator of God.  If I am to do that well, then I had better know who I am imitating.  What a rich resource we have been given, first in God's Word and then in the Holy Spirit who teaches us.

I am really struck by the idea of how we are to walk in love.  As an imitator of God  has to mean that just as Christ offered Himself as an offering and a sacrifice, my life needs to be marked by that as well.  How much of myself am I willing to offer others, sacrifice for others, in my service to God?  Christ held nothing back, He gave it ALL, even laying aside His power to die on a cross for me.  What Christ did was a pleasing aroma to the Father.  What about my offering and sacrifice?  Do I give my all, or do I hold back parts of myself?  Each day I need to decide whether I will give my all to God or live for myself.  How many little bits of me do I hold back, do I refuse to place on the altar to be burnt up completely?

I find myself convicted by the phrase, "must not even be named among you."  I have the feeling that we have ignored this part of the verse for a very long time.  I can feel pretty good about not doing these things-easy breezy- but to tag that onto it.  What am I letting pass through my eyes and ears?

We are back to what proceeds out of our lips again.  We talked about this last week, but Paul brings it up again.  Hmmm, I wonder if that is because God knew I needed to hear it again. I looked up the word Paul used in Eph. 4:29, unwholesome, and this is what I found: the word -Sapros -means "rotten, putrefied, corrupted by one and no longer fit for use, worn out, of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless."  Wow, that is quite a list.  So what kinds of words would those be?  Gossip?  Complaining? (think about Israel and there many complaints against God, Moses and Aaron.)  Arrogance?  Sarcasm?.... I found myself last week not really giving this much attention.  I found myself trying to defend the way I speak to others.  I think I will pay more attention to my speech this week to see if any unwholesome words escape.  "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45.

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Blessings,
Deb

Letting Go

Ephesians 4:29-32
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.  Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by Whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ has also forgiven you.


Observations:
More things to put on the list of what it looks like to be renewed in the spirit of the mind, and put on the new self:
Our speech should be wholesome, is good for the building up of the body, gives grace to the hearer.
Paul reminds us that we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, and our lives should not bring Him grief.
We need to let go of ALL bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor (insistent shouting to be heard in public?), slander, and malice.
We need to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving. Remember our new self is in the likeness of God (4:24) and these are His characteristics.

Application:
We can't just look good, we need to be changed from the inside out.  These are characteristics that do not come naturally to us.  What strikes me immediately is that I talk too much, and I am not a person prone to a lot of words.  I have let a lot of things slip through my lips that never should have.  How many of us grew up with the saying, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."  Oh, we often try to cover it up as simply joking around, but I know how hard those kinds of words can bite and sting, whether meant in jest or not.

I feel I should take a moment here and address that word clamor.  Webster's defines it as, "noisy shouting, a loud continuous noise, insistent public expression."  I fear that all too often we believers engage in this kind of thing in the public forum.  1 Thessalonians 4:11 says, "make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you."  I am not sure but what we lose more to the enemy with our boisterous public outcries than converts to the Truth.  Just because the other side is always looking for a fight does not mean we have to give it to them.  This is one of those times when I really feel that God's way is not man's way.  Sometimes we just need to be quiet, both publicly and privately.

I read a great blog post related to this thought yesterday, "With the confidence of those who have been vindicated by the resurrection of Christ, we don't need to be vindicated by the culture.  That ought to free us to speak openly about what we believe, but with the gentleness of those who have nothing to prove.  Let's not boycott our neighbors.  Let's not picket or scream or bellow.  Let's offer a cup of cold water, or maybe a grande vanilla latted in Jesus' name."  (link to original blog post)


How easily we can be led down the path of bitterness and anger.  Somebody did us wrong.  Somebody injured our pride.  Isn't that where most of our bitterness and anger come from?  It is the old self rearing it's ugly head, the one that is focused on me, me, me.  Remember what comes at the end of these verses?  Be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving.  That forgiveness is taken even further- we are to do it just as Christ forgave us.  How many hoops did we have to jump through for His forgiveness.  Is it conditional on me never failing again?  How many times have I asked Him to forgive me for the same thing I did just yesterday?

After our study Wednesday night one woman asked me about forgiveness.  How do we do it?  And are we supposed to forget?  I shared with her a little of my own experience and feel led to share with you as well.  I am a survivor of both sexual assault and a couple of sexually abusive encounters by trusted family members.  I carried around all kinds of baggage for years; anger, guilt, shame, fear.  My nights were often filled with nightmares.  All of that baggage I took with me into my marriage and it very nearly destroyed it.  I went through a healing process that started with forgiveness.  I was no longer able to confront two of the men involved, one had died and I had no clue who the other was.  They did not ever ask for my forgiveness.  But I chose to forgive them.  It was a long process and a lot of prayer for help from the Lord went into making me willing to forgive these men.  But there came a day when I knew that if they were to come to me I would be able to say to them, "I forgive you."  I couldn't wait for that day to come before I reached that point of forgiveness.  What I mean by that is, that if I had waited for them to come to me I would still be in a very dark place, because they were not coming.  For my own sake, for the sake of my marriage, my children, my family, the church, the Lord, I had to forgive.  And the Lord did a wonderful thing in that moment.  It was like being made new.  A relationship was restored.  No more nightmares, no more bitterness, no more putting upon my husband the wrongs of those other men.  And I have forgotten a lot, which really surprises me.  The face that haunted me, I no longer see.  Those moments of time in my life often feel foreign to me now.  I know they happened, but they have become rather blurry in my memory.  I had a right to be angry about what was done to me, but the choice I made about what to do with that anger for many years was sin.  Oh, there are not even words to truly convey the freedom that comes when we forgive.  Not words to convey the lifting of one's heart.  Not words to convey the changes in one's mind.   I am not here to say that the road to forgiveness is an easy one.  I am here to say that it really is true what they say; harboring unforgiveness is more harmful to us than the one who offended us.  I do want you to know that we have a Helper to see us through the process, to change our hearts, to heal our wounds, to set us free.  It is truly paradise with the Savior, and it can begin right now, today, if we will follow Him and do what He says.


Blessings,
Deb

The Choices We Make

Ephesians 4:25-28
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.  Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.  He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.


Observations:
Therefore: what is it there for? Because we need to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and put on a new self in the likeness of God there are some things we should/should not do.
Among them:
-put away lying, and speak only the truth
-when you are angry, do not let it cause you to sin
-do not steal, but labor for what you have, do your own work so that you will have something to share

Application:

Now on my wish list to read.

The new self deals with people differently.  The new self seeks the good of others and does not live for itself.  Evidence of this new life is seen in that we speak the truth.  I recently listened to a fellow speak about committing to not tell a lie of any kind for one whole year and he has written a book about it.  At first I thought, "So what's the big deal, that is not so hard."  But as I listened I became so convicted.  Have you ever told someone, "No, I never got your message?" "I'll call you."  Or how about, "I will pray for you."  What about in worship?  Do you really mean the words you are singing? "All to Jesus I surrender?"

Anger is something that is going to happen, but what I choose to do with it is entirely up to me.

I find it interesting what Paul says is the purpose of our labor.  It seems obvious that we should not steal.  It seems obvious that we should labor with our own hands for what we have, and that the work we do should be good.  But the reason we are to labor like this?  So that we will have something to share with the one who has need.  When I think about my own labor, which at this time in my life involves writing and preparing this Bible study, I see it fitting very well.  What about that labor that puts food on my table, a roof over my head, provides clothes and trips and whatever else we can imagine?  How am I doing at sharing the fruits of that labor with the person in need?  I am immediately convicted by the way the size of our closets have grown over the years.  What once fit neatly in a little dresser and on a few hangars now requires its own room in our homes.  Perhaps a part of what this idea is calling me to is a simplifying of my life.  How much stuff do I really need to have?  Oh, I am good about rationalizing it all, but in our time, is this one of the ways that we have allowed ourselves to live like the Gentiles in the futility of their minds?

This is an image I found titled "Small Closet Solutions."
hmmmmmmm.

Blessings,
Deb

Time to Act

Ephesians 4:20-24
But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.


Observations:
-We did not learn Christ this way, the futility of our minds, ignorance, darkness- we have been set free from all of that...
-IF- oh boy here it comes. IF.  It says to us, "I've no doubt you are Christians IF you are living a Christian life."
-Out with the old, in with the new.  Laying aside the old self is an interesting concept.  On the one hand it has already been done when we were born again, but Paul implies there is more to it than that.  It is also a daily process of taking up our cross and following Christ (Luke 9:23)
-Instead, be renewed in our minds and put on the "new self"-the likeness of God, marked by righteousness, holiness, and truth.  Be Like God.


Application:
"The proof is in the pudding."  "Actions speak louder than words."  However we want to say it, Paul is saying here that salvation requires evidence.  You can't live like the Gentiles, you need to walk worthy of your calling.

"Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the One I love."  This laying aside the old self is an ongoing process.  Yes, the work was accomplished on the cross, but while I walk this earth there is a battle going on.  The old self still wants to be in control, it wants the place of honor back, and I have to be on guard daily not to let that happen.  Each morning when I get up I have to decide to set my feet on the right path- to walk in a manner worthy of my calling.

How do I go about laying aside the old self?  By renewing my mind- which means to make it like new again, pure, innocent, and as Paul states, in the image of God.  When I think about all that inundates us these days; all that we let in through the radio, television, internet- what am I letting my mind dwell on?  That which is pure and lovely and worthy of praise?  That which helps me to walk in a manner worthy?  Phillipians 4:8 states, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is worthy of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."  Let my mind dwell on these things.


There is a song that Kathy Troccoli sings that I often think of when I first wake up in the morning that starts like this:
Every morning there is a choice to be made
If I'm gonna follow and walk in the path that You laid
But, sometimes I'm lazy, You know it, Jesus
Sometimes I'm bold and I'm strong
But You know my heart and my greatest desire is You

I want no more of that old self.  I long to live as one whose mind is renewed.  I know the choice I have to make.

Blessings,
Deb

Something Has Changed

Sripture:
Ephesians 4:17-19, NASB
So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,  being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart: and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.


Observation:
-So this I say, therefore- what is therefore there for- point us back to 4:1,walk in a manner worthy
 -Paul is not the only one saying this but the Lord Himself is also affirming it.  We don't have to take Paul's word for it- God Himself stands behind this.
-Something has changed- the way we walk as Gentiles.  -The former Gentile mind was useless (futility is defined as uselessness); being darkened, ignorant,and separated from God.  The former Gentile heart was hardened and callous.  The former Gentile life was given over to all kinds of immorality because it was focused on oneself.

I saw this image and thought about how different our view is
as Gentiles who have been saved by grace.

Application:
We live in a "Me" centered society.
We live in a society darkened in their understanding.  We live in a society that does everything it can to keep God separate.
My life is not to be like that.
My life is to be marked by godly pursuits, not those futile things that lead to darkness and ignorance.

Blessings,
Deb

Time to Grow Up

Ephesians 4:14-16
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, for whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.


Observations:
As a result of the equipping going on I am supposed to grow up.  I am supposed to grow in a way that anything false is immediately known to me. I am supposed to know better than any trickster that may come along.
I need to speak the truth and I need to do so in love.  (Motivation)
My growth needs to be all-encompassing, every aspect means just that, leaving nothing out- every bit of myself.
The picture of the body- Christ is the head, the rest of us our joined together, fitted and held together and working well together because every individual part is working properly.
And when every individual is working properly the whole body grows, built up by love.

Application:
This first part is near and dear to my heart.  We sat under a pastor for several years who often said that when people are trained to spot counterfeit money they first spend time studying the real thing.  Because they know the genuine one so well they can easily spot the counterfeit.  I did a little research and found that this little anecdote that we often hear is quite true.  We need to know the truth.  We need to read and study God's Word so that we quickly recognize false teaching, and it is out there dear friends.  One of the interesting lines I as I researched this was that the government expects individuals to be responsible for recognizing whether the money they receive is the real deal or not.  Individual responsibility.  I think this fits in very well with the ideas presented by Paul here.  While it is wise to seek the counsel of others when discerning the truth, we bear a responsibility to know it well ourselves.  The more we know about God's Word, God's character and God's ways, the less likely we are to be fooled by "every wind of doctrine."  My time spent in the Word and prayer is more than just a daily ritual that makes me feel good or another check mark on my good-girl to do list- it is vital to my ability to discern the truth, and then to be able to speak that truth in love to others.  I believe it is also vital to keeping me in proper working order, individually, doing my part within the body.

Two questions I am asking myself:
Am I in proper working order- doing my part for the whole body?  Am I trying to be the head, or letting Christ have His proper place?


Blessings,
Deb

Equipped For Service

Ephesians 4: 9-13
(Now this expression, "He ascended,"  what does it mean except that He also descended into the lower parts of the earth?  He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)  And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.


Observations:
Jesus was here on earth, He came down from heaven, and He rose again back to His place beside God the Father.  He left us with people who could teach us, guide us, equip us for the work He wants us to do; a work that involves building the body.  He expects us to grow in our understanding, to attain maturity.


Application:
How am I doing at listening to those Jesus has given me to equip me for service?  To pastors and teachers, to the words of the apostles found in Scripture.  God has given us such a great resource in the Word- what am I doing with it?

Christ did not sacrifice Himself for me so that I would just sit on my hands and feel good about things. There is an ongoing work He wants me to be a part of.  I feel compelled to write.  I feel compelled to share with others what I am learning by leading Bible studies and blogging.  It is totally humbling to think that He has perhaps made me a teacher for equipping the saints.  Yikes!  That thought leaves me breathless and shaking, I have got to do a good work myself of preparing myself to be used in such a way.  What good is anything I have to offer if I do not spend much time with Him first- if I do not spend time getting myself equipped for the work He has given me?

Blessings,
Deb

We Are One in the Spirit

Ephesians 4:4-8
There is one body and one Spirit; just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.  Therefore it says, "When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men."


(I "typoed" at first and ended up with "and He gave gifts to me."  I liked that.)

Observations:
ONE- there is one: body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God and Father of all.
Each and every one of us has been given grace, "according to the measure of Christ's gift- which as we know is immeasurable.
Christ ascended (implied descended) and "led captive a host of captives" (see Psalm 68 for the passage quoted by Paul here) and gave gifts to ME (men).

Application:
The idea of unity: Paul is back again to say that there is no difference, not Jew or Gentile- we are all one, brought together by the same God and Father of us all.  Same needs to be applied in our churches today, and even in our families.  We are not Baptist nor Methodist nor Presbyterian nor Church of Christ nor..., or the myriad of factions that exist even within denominations- we are one-one in Christ.  I must affirm again the need to be one who preserves unity rather than brings discord to the body of Christ.

The last verse gave me some trouble.  What in the world does that mean?  I believe Jesus ascended into heaven, but who are the captives He led.  Two thoughts, one based on 1 Peter 3:18-20- after the cross Christ descended to the "lower parts of the earth" (Eph. 4:9.)  Peter tells us that Christ went to proclaim something to the disobedient spirits imprisoned there. Jesus went there not to preach to them but to make a proclamation and I believe that proclamation was that He had won the war- sin and death are defeated.  Several sources say that the word used here is the OT word for Sheol-and it is believed that here on one level the OT saints were in waiting for Jesus, and on the lower level the angels of disobedience are locked away for now until the time of judgement (2 Peter 2:4)
My second thought is based upon the idea of the spoils of war.  to the victor go the spoils- and the victor in this war is Jesus Christ.  Every one of us, those alive now and those from the beginning of time, were captive to sin.  I wonder if Paul is linking this to the idea of being a prisoner of Christ- no longer are we prisoners of sin, but prisoners of Christ and we will be taken up with Him someday in great victory.
Whatever my beliefs about those things, one thing is abundantly clear to me.  The price Christ paid on the cross for me is not to be taken lightly. To each one of us grace was given; the immeasurable gift we have received through Christ. Through His suffering and death came great victory, and the gifts I have been given as a result need to be well-used in light of that fact.

Blessings,
Deb

Part of Something Bigger than Myself

Scripture-
Ephesians 4:1-3, NASB
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.


Observations-
Paul states once again that he is a prisoner of the Lord and that we have been called to this life.
Our lives should be marked by:
1. Humility(lowliness)-the quality or state of being humble (not proud, not arrogant.)
Gentleness(meekness)-the quality or state of being gentle (free from harshness, sternness, or violence)
2. Patience(longsuffering)- the capacity, fact, or act of being patient (manifesting forbearance under provocation; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity)
3. Tolerance (forbearance KJV or bearing with one another, NKJV)) for one another (in love) - sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one's own
(Forbearance- a refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due)
4. Diligence in preserving the "unity of the Spirit"
5. Peace


Application:
Now that he has laid out all of the incredible blessings we have Paul is about to lead us down the path of application. What do we do with all that God has given us?  What does being a believer look like?

How I live matters.  How I treat others matters.  How I participate as a member of the body of Christ matters.  How I live won't save me; Christ has already done that for me.  But how I live really matters if I am going to be a faithful witness to God's saving grace.  All those blessings Paul has talked about for the first three chapters of Ephesians are of no consequence if I am not changed, if my life does not reflect them.  As a prisoner of Christ Paul gave up his freedom to do his own thing: I still struggle with that.  What would the church look like today if we all had that attitude?
The way we live will either preserve the unity of the Spirit or bring discord.  Like Jesus stated in the sermon on the mount; blessed are the peacemakers.  Within the body of believers I am to exhibit the characteristics of humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, diligence, and peace.  That is quite a list to live up to.  Some of the list reminds me of the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23; all remind me of qualities that Jesus demonstrated while He walked the earth.  The Church is made up of all kinds of people- some we are immediately drawn to and are easy to like.  Others rub us the wrong way and may even try our patience.  It does not matter.  When I see everyone through the eyes of humility, when I recognize that all that I have, all that I am, is because of what Christ has done for me then I can count others better than myself (Philippians 2:3).  When I see people that way I can be gentle and patient.  Harsh words will not help the body, they do nothing for it.  As a former preschool teacher "Patience" was my middle name.  Why do I find it hard to extend that same kind of patience to those in the body?  God is not finished with me yet, I have lots of growing left to do, can I extend that same grace to others that I would like for myself?
I am reminded of the two greatest commandments Jesus spoke of in Matthew 22:37-40, in particular the second one; love your neighbor as yourself.  Jesus said all the law and the prophets hang on these two.  Love God, love your neighbor, including those in the church, those that are near, and those that are far off.  "Love covers a multitude of sins."Part of
So I am left to ask: am I a part of the solution- preserving the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?  It is not my work to bring unity- the Spirit does that.  But do I undermine that work by being a voice of discord.  Do I follow Biblical counsel in handling the issues that come up between myself and others, or do I speak poorly of others behind their backs.  What do I say about those I worship with on Sunday when I walk out of the church doors and into the world?  When I am slighted or hurt by others in the body- what is my response?  And on a smaller scale, how am I doing within the bounds of my own little family?


Blessings,
Deb

Surprise!

Scripture-
Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB
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, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.


Observation-
God is able to do far more than I could ever ask or think- things that would not even come to my mind.  He does these things through His people!

Application-
I am so glad that God is able to do so much more than I could ever conceive.  When our family made the move from Michigan to Colorado the boys had a cat they had adopted them when it was a kitten and they loved it dearly.  "Tiger" came along for the long ride.  But something happened when we stopped for the night in Ogallala, Nebraska.  It was stormy and Tiger bolted when we tried to get him into the hotel room.  Ken managed to catch him, but Tiger was convinced that this was not somewhere he wanted to be and he bolted again out into the dark night.  And then it started to rain.  We searched for him again in the morning to no avail and after leaving our contact information with the hotel clerk and an ad in the local paper we got back in our car with two very downhearted little boys to finish our journey.  While the boys were deeply saddened they also put that childlike faith into practice with their prayers that God would bring Tiger back to them.  As parents we did out best to ward off the disappointment we knew would come.  In Colorado we were spending the week looking for permanent living arrangements when near the end of that time we received a phone call from the owner of the hotel- he thought he had found Tiger in an old shed out back.  The boys were ecstatic and their parents were completely humbled by our lack of faith.  We needed to make a second trip to Michigan and back so the following week we arrived once again at the hotel in Ogallala.  We went out back and called for Tiger and we were answered by the most plaintive kitty voice coming from the old shed.  Words cannot express the joy that filled our hearts that night.  Ken and I had put God in too small of a box, we needed some of that child-like faith that our boys had shown.  We learned from the hotel manager that thunderstorms had just parked on this little town the whole time we were gone- I hope they were glad for all the rain!  Tiger was used to the comforts of a warm house and he was not too keen on being out in that kind of weather otherwise I am sure he would have wandered as male cats are prone to do.  That would have never crossed my mind, to bring thunderstorms to a town for the sake of two faithful little boys and their beloved cat. That is a lesson from long ago- one that I need to remember now and then.  One that reminds me of how much God loves me and the lengths He is willing to go for me.  There is a power within us, that power is God alone and when His people pray I have found that He can do some really amazing things- beyond all that we ask or even think.  I need to remember that this is the God I pray to.  To Him be the glory!


How about you?  How has God answered you in surprising ways?

Be Blessed,
Deb

Oh, the Deep, Deep, Love of Jesus

Scripture-
Ephesians 3:17b-19, NASB
And that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.


Observation-
We have been rooted and grounded in love and Paul desires that we would know how complete that love is, yet at the same time states that it surpasses knowledge.  Perhaps the knowledge it surpasses is our human knowledge?
 It is that knowledge of Christ's love for us that allows us to be filled up "to all the fullness of God."

With Christ dwelling in our hearts-not just there, but having set up residence, and really making our hearts His home,-with Christ there; our roots can grow down deep and our lives can be set on a firm foundation.  Once we have allowed that to take place we can begin to understand just what His love means for us; the breadth and length and height and depth.  Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus , written by S. Trevor Francis is a hymn that speaks about that love; "a love that lifts us up to glory, for it lifts us up to Thee."

Application-
I am left with the question, so how do I make an application from this?  If the condition of my heart, my inner self, is filled up with the fullness of God then I can really live the life I am meant to.  In our contemporary speak we say that Christ enters our hearts the moment we believe and receive that precious gift of grace.  I believe that is true, but I also believe that if we are not careful we can limit the access we give to Him of our hearts.  To understand His love removes all doubt and fear and allows Him to proceed with the good work He began in us.  My vision of my life is way too small. There is a lot of me left to move out of the way to make room for Christ; a work that for me always begins with prayer.  So I continue to pray this prayer of Paul's for myself as well with the intent of allowing my life to be filled up with God.

That Christ May Dwell Richly

Scripture-
Ephesians 3:16-17a, NASB
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His spirit in the inner man, so that Christ may dwell richly in your hearts through faith;




Observation-
Paul continues to pray for the Ephesians; that through the Holy Spirit they would be strengthened with power, a strength that comes from the inner man.
And he prays that Christ would dwell richly in their hearts.

Application-
My mother had a chest in which she kept the silverware that had been a wedding gift.  We pulled it out on special occasions, usually Easter, Christmas, and Thanksgiving.  I loved to set the table when it involved getting out the wooden chest that the silver was stored in and placing them carefully at each place setting.  With the passing of my mother this chest of silverware became my own and for those first few years I did the same thing.  One day I had a new thought, that this was something to be enjoyed, not just three or four times a year, but everyday.  I lined my drawer dividers with felt and placed the silver where my flatware set had been; relegating that set to our camping dishes.  It takes a little extra care, but now I enjoy this set all the time and have even added to it as I find pieces in antiques shops.
As I have read these first three chapters of Ephesians I have felt like I have kept these blessings-the riches we have in Christ-shut away in a safe place.  These past few weeks as I have taken each out and looked at them again I am amazed at how I have come to not really give them much thought in my day to day life.  That is the problem with keeping our treasure stored away in a box somewhere.  Christ is dwelling in my heart, but I think I have kept Him from dwelling there "richly."  To be honest I am not even sure just what that means.  Perhaps I have allowed myself to be content with lesser things; with just flatware, instead of getting out the silver.  
A question to ask: when it comes to the inner man, are we relying on someone else to bring the food to us?  Are we expecting Sunday morning and Wednesday night to be all that we need, or are we opening up our lives every day to the Lord?  Is that when Christ is able to dwell in us richly?  So today this prayer of Paul becomes my prayer.  In the days to come I want God to teach me how to live like a child of the King.  A child who has all these riches available for everyday use.

Blessings,
Deb

The Family Name

Scripture-
Ephesians 3:14-15, NASB
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name


Observation-
Paul bows his knees before God- "for this reason."  What is that reason?  Being the very least of all saints and knowing what God's gift of grace really means for his life? Because God has made him a minister of the Gospel to the Gentiles?  I think that is most likely it since that would lead very naturally into this prayer for them.
Every family (in heaven and on earth) gets it's name from God. Other translations: the whole family.  A brief look into this idea suggests that Paul is talking about all believers- those who are on earth and those who have gone before us to heaven.

Application-
It is easy to think of myself as just Debra Davis.  That is my name.  But that has not always been my name.  Before I married my beloved man I was a Wigfield.  It identified me with a certain group of people.  My grandfather often referred to our family as "my people."  Growing up, people identified me with my grandparents a lot.
My sons have learned that they are identified with their father.  Once people make the connection on campus that their dad is a professor, they are no longer just another name but they are closely associated with the man who gave them their name.  Because of their dad's position on campus they have often heard us say, "Don't do anything that would embarrass your dad or get him fired."  Their actions reflect on their father's reputation.
When I became a believer my name was changed, but you wouldn't know it when I introduce myself.  We call ourselves Christians.  The name by whom we are known is Christ's.  I have a t-shirt that identifies me as a "Jesus Girl," but I do not wear it all that often.  What if I did?  How differently would I behave?

The world is watching us, and it really wants to see us stumble and fall.  It wants to catch us in embarrassing situations.  It is looking for us to bring dishonor to the family name.  I need to live in a manner worthy of the name that God has given me.  Paul has a lot to say about that beginning next in Chapter 4.  I am going to start praying now that I hear everything that God wants to say to me about the way I live my life.


Blessings,
Deb

Come Boldly to the Father

Scripture-
This was in accordance to the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in Whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him.  Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are for your glory.

Observation-
God's eternal purpose has been carried out in Christ.
In Christ we can come boldly and confidently to God- we have been given access to the Almighty!
Paul does not want the Ephesians to lose heart- he reminds them again that his suffering, his imprisonment is in accordance with God's will- even in prison his life is meant for their glory, for their good.

Application-
Everything we have read leads us up to this point-in Christ we have bold and confident access to the Father.
What keeps me away?  Do I think I am too wretched?  Have I spent too much time going my own way?  Simple faith in Jesus has granted me access- I am a new person, even though I still struggle with sin everyday, God says, come.  Come.  There should be no fear.  Come boldly, come confidently, because I belong to God. He has poured out the riches of His grace on me.  Is there anything that I cannot bring to Him? Absolutely not! I am reminded of a time when Jesus asked the twelve disciples what they were thinking.
"From there they went out and began to go through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know about it.  For He was teaching His disciples and telling them, 'The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him; and when He has been killed, He will rise three days later.'  But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him.  They came to Capernaum; and when He was in the house, he began to question them, 'What were you discussing on the way?'  But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.  Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, 'If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last and servant of all."  Mark 9:30-35, NASB
The disciples were afraid to ask. We do not need to be afraid.  Through Jesus we get to come boldly and confidently.  That is the application I am going to make for my Mary heart.

Be Blessed,
Deb

The Unfathomable Riches of Christ

Scripture-
For me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what was the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

Observations-
Paul acknowledges that his ministry is only by the grace of God.  He knew what He was when God called Him, he did not hide from his past, but rather celebrated that it proved that God's grace is beyond measure if it could even take someone like him and give him a ministry, a message to share from God Himself. Humility.
Unfathomable-the riches of Christ-immeasurable, impossible to truly comprehend.

Mystery- Paul uses this word in Ephesians more than in any other book.  This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs- not an earth shattering pronouncement for us today, but for the Jew of Paul's day I can only imagine how hard this was to accept- to believe.  Their whole lives they were set apart from the rest of the nations, to be a Gentile was an awful state, one to be pitied, a people to be avoided, and now they are to share their heritage with these outcasts- the unclean people of the world?  How can it be?!!!

The Gospel is not only being made known to us- but through the church it is also being revealed to the the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places!  What?!  Amazing thought!
1 Peter 1:12- Angels long to look into the things that are being preached by the apostles (My rendering)
1 Corinthians 4:9- the apostles became a spectacle to the whole world, both to angels and to men.
The angels are watching- they are watching how we live our lives, listening to what we have to say, learning about the mystery of the Gospel that was even hidden from them.

Application-

Humility, all that I am I owe to Christ.  All that I am called to do is given me from God.  Everything I have, every gift, every talent, every purpose- they all come from God.  Remember that fact and do not become self-absorbed or think more of myself than I ought.
When I searched for an image to represent "unfathomable riches" this is what came up--an image of  foot washing.  It made me think about what Jesus did for the disciples that night so long ago, what He did with His unfathomable riches.  This is what we are to do with those unfathomable riches- become the servants of all.


Be Blessed,
Deb

What's in a Name?

Ephesians 3:14-15, NASB
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name


What's in a name?  Who am I?  These verses say very clearly that I am a child of God.  My name, that by which I am identified derives from God the Father; I obtain it from God.  When people ask me who I am, what do I answer?

Something to think about,
Deb

A Radical Thought

Ephesians 3:4-7, NASB
By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;  to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.


The Spirit has made known to Paul, and so to us, that we are all fellow heirs with Israel, fellow members of the body of Christ, and fellow partakers of the promise- everlasting life.  All who are in Christ, Jew or Gentile, are heaven-bound.  Pretty radical thinking for the time and it stirred up a lot of trouble for Paul.  In today's language, "That's crazy talk!"  The Jews were a people set apart as holy to the LORD, how can Paul say that the Gentiles are now fellow heirs, they are the same, a holy people set apart?  As a Gentile, all I know is that I am so glad that this was part of God's plan- that I am part of God's plan.

Paul ends these verses acknowledging that it is not by anything he has done, but rather all because of God's mighty power at work in him that he has received grace to be a minister of the Gospel.  Likewise, everything I have, everything, is a gift from God and comes to me out of the wonderful gift of His grace.  How then should I live?  In a manner worthy.  That is a manner that I work out daily with God as I read and study His word.  2 Peter 1:3 states that (God's) divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. (NIV)   I firmly believe that a large part of that knowledge is revealed to us in the Scriptures and that we would do well to spend time reading and meditating upon them.

 Be Blessed,
Deb

A Prisoner of Christ

Ephesians 3:1-3, NASB
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote in brief.

Paul was a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles- people like me, those who were once "far off." How interesting that he did not say he was a prisoner of Rome- which he was at the time- but a prisoner of Christ Jesus.  Everything that happened to him happened in order that it would benefit the Gentiles, by this statement Paul conveys that Jesus is in control of his fate, not Rome- they are really inconsequential in the scheme of things.  It seems contradictory to say this, but what freedom there is for us if we are "prisoners of Christ." There are a lot of things going on in my world, things that often seem out of my control, but nothing is out of God's control.  Will I be a prisoner to those other things?  Or, like Paul, will I be a prisoner of Christ?

Paul was also a steward of God's grace to the Gentiles.  Webster's defines stewardship as, "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care."  God had given Paul something precious that he was to share.  I too have been entrusted with something- the Good News.  This is not something I should take lightly or ignore.  I need to share that Good News with people.  I have a responsibility even to share that news.  Would my attitude be different if I really looked at each person as someone whose life is at risk if I do not speak up with the Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Would I be more apt to share if I feared God more then man?  What would a prisoner of Christ do?

I must confess that I have not been a very good steward of that which God has entrusted to me.  I can be so lazy and foolish and far too often fear what others might think of me far more that what God thinks of me.
There is a valid point that we need to live lives that shine for Jesus, that make people want to have what we have. I am challenged by these verses to be more active in taking the next step- in risking offending in order to save.  What difference does it make if they notice I am different if I never share why; I never tell them how my life is changed, how my future is secure because I have accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.


Be blessed,
Deb

A Matter of the Heart

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. -Ephesians 1:18-19, NASB

I tend to be a rather fearful, timid person. I am definitely lacking in the self-confidence area.  These verses are for people like me.  People who need to be reminded about who we are and who we belong to.

I find it interesting that Paul prays for the enlightenment of our hearts.  Not our minds, but our hearts.  It makes me think of that verse, "for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks," or as the NASB says, "for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart."  (Luke 6:45b)  I think that with our minds we store knowledge but it is in our hearts that wisdom grows.  It is in my heart where fear starts to grip me.  When I let that fear have reign, when I let it drive my decisions, I make choices that keep me from being the woman God wants me to be.  Imagine how different my heart would look if instead of all those fears and doubts it was flooded with an understanding of the greatness of God's power.  Imagine what a different course my life could take if I met each day confident of who I was in Christ rather than feeling like I have little worth.

This is a work that must be done from the inside out.  It is exciting to think about.  It might even lead a very shy, insecure person like me to step out and lead a Bible study.  (And that is exactly what I have done.)

Be blessed,
Deb

Faith and Love

"For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists in you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers;

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of  Him." (Eph. 1:15-17, NASB)

Paul had heard of the faith of these saints in Ephesus.  I just read in Matthew this morning how disappointed Jesus was in the lack of faith exhibited by the disciples.  He tells them in Matthew 17:20 (NLT), “You don’t have enough faith, I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move.  Nothing would be impossible.”
I wonder what their faith must have been like.  Were the saints at Ephesus mountain movers?  I sometimes wonder if my lack of faith hinders the work God wants to do.  Do I really believe that nothing is impossible with God?  And if such a small amount of faith can allow God to move mountains than what would happen if I begin right now to ask God to increase my faith?

There was another aspect of the Ephesians that Paul commended them for; their love for one another.  That is something that is supposed to set us apart as followers of Christ.  They will know us by our love.  We have the supreme example in Christ's sacrifice for us-For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.  I am challenged by that thought.  If I really want my life to be a reflection of God, than love for others has got to be a driving force in my life.  Rather convicting to think about how many times I am unwilling to lay down my life for others.  Not as in actually sacrificing my physical existence, but in placing others ahead of myself.  Dropping my goals for the day, my "best laid plans" to love on those who cross my path.  In my rush to get through the checkout line do I stop to think what even a smile could do for the others in line, for the harried cashier?  Do I have the right attitude when I am doing the laundry and cleaning toilets for my family?  Am I willing to rearrange my day, with a joyful heart, when someone calls on me for help, or to talk?  Am I willing to take time out of my day to pray for others in earnest?

In my ever growing desire to learn how to pray I have here a wonderful model of how to pray for the believer's in my life, and myself as well.   Above all else we need a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.  We need God to continually reveal Himself to us so that we can grow in our knowledge of Him.  Do you want to know God more?  Then pray for Him to reveal Himself to you and He will do it.


Be Blessed,
Deb

Ephesians 1:13-14

"In Him, you also after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. "(Ephesians 1: 13-14, NASB)

 Amazing.  I had never really given much thought to this blessing before; never even noticed it.  I am blessed to be sealed.  Oh, what does that mean?!  Paul says I was sealed the moment I believed.  Believed what? The Gospel, the Good News, the Message of Truth.  I had to do more than just hear those words.  I had to do more than think they were just a good story.  I had to do more than think that Jesus was a good man whose life I would do well to study and try to learn from.  I had to believe that everything I heard about Jesus was true.  I had believe that I was a sinner destined to die.  I had to believe that Jesus paid the price for my sins when He willingly died for me on the cross of Calvary.  I had to believe that He rose again from the grave.  I had to believe that He is God and did all of this for me so that I would have eternal life. 

In God’s great plan He sealed me with the Holy Spirit of promise.  

I like the image of the king’s seal.  A seal of wax was placed over a letter, sealing it until it was delivered to the right person.  That seal would bear the mark of the king.  It belonged to him and was not to be tampered with.  Once the letter reached its destination the seal was broken.  I have been similarly sealed.  Sealed with the Holy Spirit, sealed with God’s own mark.  Until I reach my destination- until that day I step into the glorious presence of Almighty God—there is nothing anyone can do to change my course.  That seal represents my security and God’s authority over me.  What a wonderful thought.  

The Holy Spirit is also given to me as a  promise, a pledge, a down-payment.  The Holy Spirit is God's good faith statement that says He intends to go through with the purchase.  Oh the riches of His grace.  When I consider what it means that I have the Holy Spirit, God Himself residing in me- what an incredible treasure!  

Ephesians 1:1-4

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus.  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.  What a wonderful thought.  He has given us absolutely everything we need to live this life successfully to the end when we are finally, completely, 100%, holy and blameless.  When I think about what it means to be holy, which means devoted entirely to God according to Webster’s, I am grieved by how far I fall short.  Blameless?  Not a day goes by when I am not guilty of some sin.  Like Paul I have to say that this is not something I have achieved yet. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brethren, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  (Phillipians 3:12-14, NIV

Paul is opening up to us the view that God has on all of this.  He is not limited by my human understanding as I sit here in this very fleshly body.  He knew before the foundation of the world that I would be one of His chosen.  God chose me!  That is the first wonderful blessing I have in Christ. Before I was formed in my mother’s womb God already knew me. Before I was even born He chose me.  (Jeremiah 1:5) How did He know?  That is one of the great mysteries.  And I like that God is full of mystery, that there are things about Him that I just cannot make sense of, nor wrap my mind around.  I love that there are still things about Him that are unknowable.  Someday I expect it all to fall into place.  Someday I expect everything to make sense.  Someday…when I am at last united with Him in the heavenly places.  For now I choose to rejoice along with Paul as I consider to what great lengths God has gone to love me, and to make an even greater effort to lead a holy and blameless life here on this earth.

Be Blessed,

Deb

Ephesians 1:8b-12

In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to the administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.  In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.-Ephesians 1:8b-12 NASB

From start to finish God has had this plan; a plan that looks to the future. A plan where everything is summed up in Christ.  All things in heaven and on earth are going to come together under his Headship- His authority and rule.  To that end, we who hope in Christ will be to the praise of His glory.  We who hope in Christ have been chosen to be a part of this incredible plan that God thought up before He even formed the world.  Knowing from beginning to end what would happen I am amazed that God would even form the earth, form man.  He put this great plan into action knowing beforehand that we would be a rebellious, sinful lot.  And that He loves us—I am amazed, I am beyond amazed, if there is a word for that.

Be Blessed,

Deb

Ephesians 1:5-8a

In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, To the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.  In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.

In love God predestined me to adoption as His very own child.  In love He did it.  That predestined word has led people into many a debate.  Once again let me state, I am not here to debate the theology, but to know God more, and in that knowing to rejoice in the wonders and glory of God.

We have been adopted by God!  That is such a wild idea; so wild in fact that the Jews have had a really hard time with it.  The New Testament is filled with verses that relate to this issue, that God would call the Gentiles out for His very own; that He would chose us and adopt us into the family.  Into a family that previously would have nothing good to say about us and nothing to do with us.  But I am in Christ, and that makes all the difference.  Oh sweet grace! Wonderful grace of our loving God!  He takes what is despicable and makes it a thing of beauty.  He took me, an enemy of God (Romans 5:10) and made me His very own beloved child.  He did not do this out of pity, He did not do this because He needed my service; He did it simply because He wanted to, because He is full of kindness.  And now I can come before Him praying Abba, Father.  He moved our relationship into a very personal one where I can call Him Daddy.  For me that word evokes images of placing my hand in one much larger than my own or climbing up into this over-sized La-Z-Boy and cuddling up in His lap and being completely enveloped.  Ours is a very special relationship.  I know some struggle with the image of daddy.  Some have been hurt by their earthly ones in unimaginable ways.  My own was less than perfect, but in no way damaged that image for me.  I loved being a daddy's girl.  Now I get to be that again, a Daddy's girl, and in His arms life holds nothing to fear.  And if you are one of those who has had that image damaged in the past I praying that someday you too will be able to revel in being a Daddy’s girl.

In these verses there is a third blessing we have in Christ: Redemption.  Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!  When I look back over my life and think about those things I thought were such pressing needs: a house, a job, healing from illness, chocolate—I have often missed the most pressing need of all.  I was a sinner, separated from God by guilt and shame.  I may not have committed any of the “big ones.”—Oh, wait a minute, didn’t Jesus say something about being angry with your brother making you guilty?  And didn’t John state in 1 John 3:15 that everyone who hates is brother is a murderer?  I was a horrible sinner in need of Calvary’s Lamb.   It was the only way I could be restored to fellowship with God.  Once again I am bound to proclaim the marvelous grace of our loving Lord! 

As if that were not enough, we also enjoy the blessing of forgiveness.  This is not something for just a select few.  This is not something that is limited.  We have forgiveness, complete forgiveness.  Forgiveness for everything we have ever done, or thought, or said.  Forgiveness that extends to all of our tomorrows.  According to the kind intention of His will He lavishes it upon us.  I can be rather stingy with this myself, but God holds nothing back.  I can be pretty hard on myself and have a hard time letting go of past mistakes, but God says it is all over.  Oh, how He loves you and me.  He gave His life so we would be free of the chains of sin and shame.  Now we just need to live like women who have been set free.

Blessings,

Deb