18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
"The eyes of your heart" ...that is an interesting phrase. To know something in your gut maybe another way to put it, to "catch the vibe" perhaps is a more modern version of the same thing. Paul is here urging these believers to focus their attention on the hope that is for all, the ultimate hearts cry, eternal life.
In the first century death was a much more prevalent and ubiquitous occurance. In contrast to modern times where death is very anticeptic, back then they had to deal with it much more often as well much more closely. Today we have undertakers to manage the handling of the body and all but back then it was left to the family, so the idea of life after death was breathtaking and the cry of the heart even more so back then.
When your salvation is clear in our minds we will have a certain boldness as we make our way here on this earth. Our citizenship is in heaven and we are just sojourners passing through. When our minds are filled with earthly considerations we become less useful to God and out of "tune" with the HS.
Colossians 3:1-3 NIV set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God
APPLICATION I need to be more appreciative of my salvation and keep my mind on spiritual things and trust that as I do so all things that I am concerned about on this earthly plain will placed under His control, and therefore I will enjoy grace and peace that only comes from Him.
Welcome
One of the most effective ways to allow the Word of God to affect your life is to study it inductively. That is what this blog is all about. Typically one verse per day will be mined for insight and then followed up with how I plan to implement that insight practically. My prayer is that in some way you find this useful in your journey and that it may impact you positively. -G
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Ephesians 1:17
17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better
Here Paul is explaining that he prays to the Father that He would pour out His Spirit of wisdom and revelation onto the Ephesians so that they would increased in their knowledge of Him. The more we know God the more we are able to find our way onto His path for us. If we have the mind of Christ in increasing measure within us we are able to navigate through the turns and twists, the victories and tragedies, the thicks and thins of this tumultuous earthly existence. It has become a cliche, "WWJD" but there is merit in walking out our lives in the ways that would resemble the ways of Christ. After all that is why we are known by His name, as Christians. We are his ambassadors, his reflection, his hands and feet and mouthpieces here on earth. We receive this blessing through prayer.
Paul is praying for this blessing to be poured out onto these believers as well we can pray in the same way asking the Father to grant us this wisdom and revelation.
APPLICATION
I pray for this very same wisdom and revelation to know God better and to be found accomplishing His will for my life. Therein I will find Joy and Peace, Amen.
Here Paul is explaining that he prays to the Father that He would pour out His Spirit of wisdom and revelation onto the Ephesians so that they would increased in their knowledge of Him. The more we know God the more we are able to find our way onto His path for us. If we have the mind of Christ in increasing measure within us we are able to navigate through the turns and twists, the victories and tragedies, the thicks and thins of this tumultuous earthly existence. It has become a cliche, "WWJD" but there is merit in walking out our lives in the ways that would resemble the ways of Christ. After all that is why we are known by His name, as Christians. We are his ambassadors, his reflection, his hands and feet and mouthpieces here on earth. We receive this blessing through prayer.
Paul is praying for this blessing to be poured out onto these believers as well we can pray in the same way asking the Father to grant us this wisdom and revelation.
- If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
APPLICATION
I pray for this very same wisdom and revelation to know God better and to be found accomplishing His will for my life. Therein I will find Joy and Peace, Amen.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Ephesians 1:16
16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
To Paul having found out that there was a small cadre of true believers found with the HS living in Ephesus elated him and caused him to be overwhelmed with gratitude and concern for their them. These are the ones given to Paul as their leader to care for their souls.
So he continued to cover them in prayer knowing how fragile their faith might be in such a hostile and difficult culture. Let us not forget that embracing Christianity in that day often meant the disconnection from family and community ties such as it can be today only being in that day those ties were way more critical than they are now in our more transient and self reliant society. So he prayed for them and let them know how much they were appreciated and that he indeed was praying for them. It is a comfort to know that someone you love and admire is praying for you. What a great comfort it is to know that our high priest Jesus is our intercessor.
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 NIV
APPLICATION
I am convicted about my personal prayer life I need to be more like Paul and follow his example and pray for those who have been given to me to to care for their souls especially the ones closest and dearest to me.
To Paul having found out that there was a small cadre of true believers found with the HS living in Ephesus elated him and caused him to be overwhelmed with gratitude and concern for their them. These are the ones given to Paul as their leader to care for their souls.
So he continued to cover them in prayer knowing how fragile their faith might be in such a hostile and difficult culture. Let us not forget that embracing Christianity in that day often meant the disconnection from family and community ties such as it can be today only being in that day those ties were way more critical than they are now in our more transient and self reliant society. So he prayed for them and let them know how much they were appreciated and that he indeed was praying for them. It is a comfort to know that someone you love and admire is praying for you. What a great comfort it is to know that our high priest Jesus is our intercessor.
Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 NIV
APPLICATION
I am convicted about my personal prayer life I need to be more like Paul and follow his example and pray for those who have been given to me to to care for their souls especially the ones closest and dearest to me.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Ephesians 1:15
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people,
The phenomena of the indwelling of the HS was a tangible, recognizable trait of the believer in Christ. Let us not forget that the time frame of Paul's life is disected into two distinct parts regarding this matter. The first part was his Hebrew of Hebrews period. Characterized by the strict adherence to the customs and regulations of the Mosaic and Levitical laws in addition to the traditions of the priests all of which sapped the vitality out of his existence. For 2 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Thus the letter kills means that the adherence to the law only and not a "relationship" with God will dry up your life. On the contrary the second half of Paul's existence was graced with the experience of the indwelling of the HS. Common for us today but extremely unique back then. The Spirit gives life, this was a radical departure from everything Paul had familiarity with. All of a sudden he would be able to recognize the Spirit of Christ in people he encountered. What a new thing this must have been. This is what led Paul to argue with the leaders in Jerusalem that the door of salvation was opened to the gentiles and that this faith was not exclusive to the Jews only, radical. Acts 8:18 NKJV
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given...
APPLICATION
To cherish the indwelling power of the HS in my life and to be sensitive to recognize Him in the life of others.
The phenomena of the indwelling of the HS was a tangible, recognizable trait of the believer in Christ. Let us not forget that the time frame of Paul's life is disected into two distinct parts regarding this matter. The first part was his Hebrew of Hebrews period. Characterized by the strict adherence to the customs and regulations of the Mosaic and Levitical laws in addition to the traditions of the priests all of which sapped the vitality out of his existence. For 2 Corinthians 3:6 NKJV who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Thus the letter kills means that the adherence to the law only and not a "relationship" with God will dry up your life. On the contrary the second half of Paul's existence was graced with the experience of the indwelling of the HS. Common for us today but extremely unique back then. The Spirit gives life, this was a radical departure from everything Paul had familiarity with. All of a sudden he would be able to recognize the Spirit of Christ in people he encountered. What a new thing this must have been. This is what led Paul to argue with the leaders in Jerusalem that the door of salvation was opened to the gentiles and that this faith was not exclusive to the Jews only, radical. Acts 8:18 NKJV
And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given...
APPLICATION
To cherish the indwelling power of the HS in my life and to be sensitive to recognize Him in the life of others.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Ephesians 1:14
14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
This verse begins with the word "who". This is a very important aspect regarding the HS. He is a person. It is imperative that we "get" this. It is very common to relegate His status in our lives to that of a "force" as in "the force be with you" or some such triviality. No, the HS is a person with character attributes and personality with perspective and opinions and most importantly has feelings that can be offended. Now you can break a rule or go against the "force" but can you offend the "force"? Herein lies some of the power of the HS. His ministry in our lives is to guide us into truth, to convict us of sin and to comfort us. When we sin we quench His ministry in our lives, and His voice becomes fainter. But when we consider Him to be our friend who through our sin have offended we will tend to be on guard to not let that happen. More importantly when it does happen we will be quick to repent and to restore our relationship once again. One of the ways I have found to keep the right perspective on the HS is to always refer to Him as a person and to never use the word "it" to describe Him. A force is an "it" a rule or law is an "it" but a person can never be an "it". He is our comfort, He is our guide and He is our teacher. Amplify Him so in your heart and He will reward you accordingly.
APPLICATION
To rightly enshrine the Holy Spirit of Christ in my heart, which is His rightful place is an act of faith that pleases Him who purchased me with such a great price.
This verse begins with the word "who". This is a very important aspect regarding the HS. He is a person. It is imperative that we "get" this. It is very common to relegate His status in our lives to that of a "force" as in "the force be with you" or some such triviality. No, the HS is a person with character attributes and personality with perspective and opinions and most importantly has feelings that can be offended. Now you can break a rule or go against the "force" but can you offend the "force"? Herein lies some of the power of the HS. His ministry in our lives is to guide us into truth, to convict us of sin and to comfort us. When we sin we quench His ministry in our lives, and His voice becomes fainter. But when we consider Him to be our friend who through our sin have offended we will tend to be on guard to not let that happen. More importantly when it does happen we will be quick to repent and to restore our relationship once again. One of the ways I have found to keep the right perspective on the HS is to always refer to Him as a person and to never use the word "it" to describe Him. A force is an "it" a rule or law is an "it" but a person can never be an "it". He is our comfort, He is our guide and He is our teacher. Amplify Him so in your heart and He will reward you accordingly.
APPLICATION
To rightly enshrine the Holy Spirit of Christ in my heart, which is His rightful place is an act of faith that pleases Him who purchased me with such a great price.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Ephesians 1:13
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,
Imagine all of mankind, up until the point of the crucifixion had never experienced the indwelling of the HS. This was a totally new thing. Imagine the difference in the dynamics of relationships, for example a family. Who knows you better than your own family members, and you know them more than any other, so imagine that this family hears the message of truth and are saved. All at once they all experience the indwelling of the HS and are changed. They think differently, they speak to each other differently, they relate to each other differently, and they act differently. What an amazing transformation. That transformation becomes the seal or the sign of the their inheritance. That while on earth they will carry around with them the HS who inhabits their hearts but when their time is done on this earth they will inherit eternal life in heaven. It is this tangible evidence that bolsters the faith of the believer. Because it is so near to them, it is irrefutable evidence of the reality of Christ on this earth, alive in their own hearts.
I need to respect and cultivate the presence of the HS in my heart, for He is precious and not to be taken for granted.
Imagine all of mankind, up until the point of the crucifixion had never experienced the indwelling of the HS. This was a totally new thing. Imagine the difference in the dynamics of relationships, for example a family. Who knows you better than your own family members, and you know them more than any other, so imagine that this family hears the message of truth and are saved. All at once they all experience the indwelling of the HS and are changed. They think differently, they speak to each other differently, they relate to each other differently, and they act differently. What an amazing transformation. That transformation becomes the seal or the sign of the their inheritance. That while on earth they will carry around with them the HS who inhabits their hearts but when their time is done on this earth they will inherit eternal life in heaven. It is this tangible evidence that bolsters the faith of the believer. Because it is so near to them, it is irrefutable evidence of the reality of Christ on this earth, alive in their own hearts.
I need to respect and cultivate the presence of the HS in my heart, for He is precious and not to be taken for granted.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Ephesians 1:12
12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
If it were not for the learned Jewish individuals at the time of the first century, it is possible that the Messiah might have been missed altogether. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Jewish early adopters who risked everything to stand by the truth as it was clearly revealed to them. For our sakes they led the way for our glorious hope in Christ our savior. If not for these courageous men with their background knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures we gentiles would have never been able to put together all the prophesies and other clues that have revealed the messiah, we would have been lost, without hope of salvation at all.
So it is to the praise of His Glory that we have such a great salvation. I need to be mindful of the hope I have in Christ, which is precious above all else.
If it were not for the learned Jewish individuals at the time of the first century, it is possible that the Messiah might have been missed altogether. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the Jewish early adopters who risked everything to stand by the truth as it was clearly revealed to them. For our sakes they led the way for our glorious hope in Christ our savior. If not for these courageous men with their background knowledge of the Jewish Scriptures we gentiles would have never been able to put together all the prophesies and other clues that have revealed the messiah, we would have been lost, without hope of salvation at all.
So it is to the praise of His Glory that we have such a great salvation. I need to be mindful of the hope I have in Christ, which is precious above all else.
- What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Ephesians 1:11
11 In him we were also chosen,t having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will
His ways are higher than our ways. How does God orchestrate everything to be congruent to His will and purposes? That is a class I do not want to sign up for because I do not think there is an answer to it. In the same way how can a worm know the intent or purpose of the farmer who put the worm into his soil? It is beyond the worms capacity to comprehend. In the same way it is beyond our capacity to understand how God works in and through all things to eventuate His good will and purpose. Therefore by faith I trust that the circumstances revolving around my life are there by design and have eternal meaning beyond the momentary face value.
To walk in a way as to be blameless in His sight is to know that the difficulties I face are there to strengthen me and to guide me toward His purpose for me. If I walk in such a way as to hide my sin then the circumstances perhaps are designed still to bring me toward Him. So either way my path is laid out toward His will for my life. Since I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
The surrendered life is one that is lived with the circumstances guiding the path and not correcting. Like the difference in walking in humility or being humiliated. They both are the a different version of the same virtue. I am destined to serve the Lord according to His will and purpose the only matter is if I will be willing to be guided by the eye or by the rod.
His ways are higher than our ways. How does God orchestrate everything to be congruent to His will and purposes? That is a class I do not want to sign up for because I do not think there is an answer to it. In the same way how can a worm know the intent or purpose of the farmer who put the worm into his soil? It is beyond the worms capacity to comprehend. In the same way it is beyond our capacity to understand how God works in and through all things to eventuate His good will and purpose. Therefore by faith I trust that the circumstances revolving around my life are there by design and have eternal meaning beyond the momentary face value.
To walk in a way as to be blameless in His sight is to know that the difficulties I face are there to strengthen me and to guide me toward His purpose for me. If I walk in such a way as to hide my sin then the circumstances perhaps are designed still to bring me toward Him. So either way my path is laid out toward His will for my life. Since I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.
The surrendered life is one that is lived with the circumstances guiding the path and not correcting. Like the difference in walking in humility or being humiliated. They both are the a different version of the same virtue. I am destined to serve the Lord according to His will and purpose the only matter is if I will be willing to be guided by the eye or by the rod.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ephesians 1:10
10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We eagerly await the redemption of our souls and that of the earth. When the will of God will finally again be synchronized with His will in the heavenly realm will be an awesome day. To keep our selves mindful of this inevitability is a great help in our lifestyle of a sojourner here as citizens of heaven yet residents of earth.
application:
To keep my mind focused heavenward and not on the contemporaneous situational conflicts and circumstances of this world which so easily distract and ensnare.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We eagerly await the redemption of our souls and that of the earth. When the will of God will finally again be synchronized with His will in the heavenly realm will be an awesome day. To keep our selves mindful of this inevitability is a great help in our lifestyle of a sojourner here as citizens of heaven yet residents of earth.
application:
To keep my mind focused heavenward and not on the contemporaneous situational conflicts and circumstances of this world which so easily distract and ensnare.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Ephesians 1:9
9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,
Just as a company like Apple for instance, it is the inner circle of senior managers who collaborate with the owner or CEO to plan and plot the future direction of the company. Our Lord has taken us into His confidence and revealed to us the mystery of our faith and the things He has planned for the future of us , His children and also for all mankind and the earth as well. Most of us cannot get our brains around this sort of relationship. With such a renowned and powerful person such as He is we are uniformly unprepared for this connection.
I need to remain in the mindset of His presence and confidence in His counsel.
Just as a company like Apple for instance, it is the inner circle of senior managers who collaborate with the owner or CEO to plan and plot the future direction of the company. Our Lord has taken us into His confidence and revealed to us the mystery of our faith and the things He has planned for the future of us , His children and also for all mankind and the earth as well. Most of us cannot get our brains around this sort of relationship. With such a renowned and powerful person such as He is we are uniformly unprepared for this connection.
I need to remain in the mindset of His presence and confidence in His counsel.
Ephesians 1:8
8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,
LAVISH- Websters 1828 dictionary definition
1. Prodigal; expending or bestowing with profusion; profuse. He was lavish of expense; lavish of praise; lavish of encomiums; lavish of censure; lavish of blood and treasure.
2. Wasteful; expending without necessity; liberal to a fault.
3. Wild; unrestrained.
Curbing his lavish spirit.
The grace and forgiveness of God is abundantly poured out on us.
While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
With all wisdom and understanding even how wretched we are and will continue to be He still not only offers his grace but pours it out lavishly.
My prayer is to not take this grace for granted as is my pattern. That the HS would keep me mindful of His great love for me.
LAVISH- Websters 1828 dictionary definition
1. Prodigal; expending or bestowing with profusion; profuse. He was lavish of expense; lavish of praise; lavish of encomiums; lavish of censure; lavish of blood and treasure.
2. Wasteful; expending without necessity; liberal to a fault.
3. Wild; unrestrained.
Curbing his lavish spirit.
The grace and forgiveness of God is abundantly poured out on us.
While we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
With all wisdom and understanding even how wretched we are and will continue to be He still not only offers his grace but pours it out lavishly.
My prayer is to not take this grace for granted as is my pattern. That the HS would keep me mindful of His great love for me.
Ephesians 1:7
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
No matter how many times we see it we still have a hard time reckoning our sins being forgiven through the blood shed by Jesus over 2k years ago. On a very small scale it is like when you go out to dinner and your guest picks up the check, you feel like no you shouldn't, and then obligated to do the same likewise toward them. Well that is the basic premise the Lord has set up for us. To receive his forgiveness and fellowship and in return be forgiving toward others. Only when we begin to fathom this great obligation do we see the path of sonship and act like our father who set the great example for us to follow. Jesus led his ministry looking for people to forgive. It was his hallmark, his style, his purpose.
I need to be more forgiving, even to the point beyond logic or understanding, then I will begin to reflect heaven properly.
No matter how many times we see it we still have a hard time reckoning our sins being forgiven through the blood shed by Jesus over 2k years ago. On a very small scale it is like when you go out to dinner and your guest picks up the check, you feel like no you shouldn't, and then obligated to do the same likewise toward them. Well that is the basic premise the Lord has set up for us. To receive his forgiveness and fellowship and in return be forgiving toward others. Only when we begin to fathom this great obligation do we see the path of sonship and act like our father who set the great example for us to follow. Jesus led his ministry looking for people to forgive. It was his hallmark, his style, his purpose.
I need to be more forgiving, even to the point beyond logic or understanding, then I will begin to reflect heaven properly.
Ephesians 1:6
6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
It is the ultimate gift.
ultimate: Websters 1828 dictionary definition
a. [L. ultimus, furthest.]
1. Furthest; most remote; extreme. We have not yet arrived at the ultimate point of progression.
2. Final; being that to which all the rest is directed, as to the main object. The ultimate end of our actions should be the glory of God, or the display of his exalted excellence. The ultimate end and aim of men is to be happy, and to attain to this end, we must yield that obedience which will honor the law and character of God.
This gift being adopted into the inheritance of the family of the creator of all things is why Paul is praising his glorious grace. He gets it and is trying to express how awesome it is that we are the recipients of such a wonderous and generous gift.
To be mindful of this inheritance today. It is not to try to be obedient it is to remember who I am in His sight that will bring about obedience. When my heart is clear on who I am in Him the mechanism of my actions will be reflective of heaven.
It is the ultimate gift.
ultimate: Websters 1828 dictionary definition
a. [L. ultimus, furthest.]
1. Furthest; most remote; extreme. We have not yet arrived at the ultimate point of progression.
2. Final; being that to which all the rest is directed, as to the main object. The ultimate end of our actions should be the glory of God, or the display of his exalted excellence. The ultimate end and aim of men is to be happy, and to attain to this end, we must yield that obedience which will honor the law and character of God.
This gift being adopted into the inheritance of the family of the creator of all things is why Paul is praising his glorious grace. He gets it and is trying to express how awesome it is that we are the recipients of such a wonderous and generous gift.
To be mindful of this inheritance today. It is not to try to be obedient it is to remember who I am in His sight that will bring about obedience. When my heart is clear on who I am in Him the mechanism of my actions will be reflective of heaven.
Ephesians 1:5
5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
We can take great comfort from the fact of God's foreknowledge includes all that we were before salvation and all of our failings afterward are all taken into account and yet He has still chosen us, not just as an acquaintance but as a beloved son. If that were not enough, He lavishes us with this knowledge and calls all of this the pleasure of His will. Our person, our efforts, our existence no matter how wonderful we may be cannot measure up to be treated this well. Indeed it is by grace we have been saved, and oh such grace it is. This lavish treatment is part of the goodness that leads to repentance.
As I consider these facts it compels me to desire to be on His path for my life, as I believe therein lies my joy and purpose.
We can take great comfort from the fact of God's foreknowledge includes all that we were before salvation and all of our failings afterward are all taken into account and yet He has still chosen us, not just as an acquaintance but as a beloved son. If that were not enough, He lavishes us with this knowledge and calls all of this the pleasure of His will. Our person, our efforts, our existence no matter how wonderful we may be cannot measure up to be treated this well. Indeed it is by grace we have been saved, and oh such grace it is. This lavish treatment is part of the goodness that leads to repentance.
As I consider these facts it compels me to desire to be on His path for my life, as I believe therein lies my joy and purpose.
Ephesians 1:4
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love
No, No, really - there is nothing on earth we can do to merit the favor of God, nothing. We are justified by the blood of Jesus, and there is no other remedy, especially not things we can do on earth. We are made holy by Him who's will it is that we be holy. But what about our awful behavior? Does that not count against us? Only to the degree of loss of reward, nothing can separate us from His love for us, nor diminish the incomparable power of the blood shed for all men for the remission of sins. In the same way that the high priest would annually atone for the sins of the nation of Israel our high priest once and for all atoned for our sin. We have an open relationship with the Father even in our sinful state, we can turn from our sin and be confident that He hears our prayer. No matter how far we "run" or how many years we ignore Him, with contrite heart one turn in earnest toward Him and He is there. Our behavior will allow us to be used by Him, as we are used by Him we find ourselves on the path He has ordained for us, and there we find peace, contentedness and fruitfulness.
Believe, that I am favored by Him and walk worthy of that favor.
No, No, really - there is nothing on earth we can do to merit the favor of God, nothing. We are justified by the blood of Jesus, and there is no other remedy, especially not things we can do on earth. We are made holy by Him who's will it is that we be holy. But what about our awful behavior? Does that not count against us? Only to the degree of loss of reward, nothing can separate us from His love for us, nor diminish the incomparable power of the blood shed for all men for the remission of sins. In the same way that the high priest would annually atone for the sins of the nation of Israel our high priest once and for all atoned for our sin. We have an open relationship with the Father even in our sinful state, we can turn from our sin and be confident that He hears our prayer. No matter how far we "run" or how many years we ignore Him, with contrite heart one turn in earnest toward Him and He is there. Our behavior will allow us to be used by Him, as we are used by Him we find ourselves on the path He has ordained for us, and there we find peace, contentedness and fruitfulness.
Believe, that I am favored by Him and walk worthy of that favor.
Ephesians 1:3
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Having Christ in our lives gives us access to the spiritual blessings we need to conduct our behavior according to His will. In other words if we are called to perform a certain task He will equip us to excel in it, as long as we are abiding in His Lordship. He will guide, protect, provide and equip the saints for the works of service He has preordained for us to perform. So the matter becomes whether or not we are in Christ in the fullness of this gifting, are we walking with the mind of Christ and do we have our hand on the plow of His choosing for us? If so then we need to add to this the faith to believe that He will bless us with every spiritual blessing we need to accomplish His will.
This is why it is so important to remain filled with the Word and Spirit, so that there is confidence to step out in faith to do the things that are on His agenda for me, even though they are or may be beyond my current skill set and pay grade.
Having Christ in our lives gives us access to the spiritual blessings we need to conduct our behavior according to His will. In other words if we are called to perform a certain task He will equip us to excel in it, as long as we are abiding in His Lordship. He will guide, protect, provide and equip the saints for the works of service He has preordained for us to perform. So the matter becomes whether or not we are in Christ in the fullness of this gifting, are we walking with the mind of Christ and do we have our hand on the plow of His choosing for us? If so then we need to add to this the faith to believe that He will bless us with every spiritual blessing we need to accomplish His will.
This is why it is so important to remain filled with the Word and Spirit, so that there is confidence to step out in faith to do the things that are on His agenda for me, even though they are or may be beyond my current skill set and pay grade.
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