Day 3: Unveiling the Depth of Love

Read Ephesians 3:14-21
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Consider
As we close out Chapter 3 in Ephesians, let's do another verse by verse walkthrough:

Verse 14: "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father..."
Paul's prayer begins with an acknowledgment of his humble posture before God, signifying reverence and dependence. By addressing God as "the Father," Paul emphasizes the intimate relationship we have with our Heavenly Father through Christ. This personal connection is the foundation upon which our strength and security rest.

Verse 15: "...From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named..."
Paul highlights the universal nature of God's family, comprising believers from all generations, nations, and realms. Our identity as members of this divine family is derived from the Father Himself. As we recognize this unity, we discover the magnitude of God's love, which extends beyond all boundaries.

Verse 16: "...That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being..."
Paul prays that believers may be empowered by the Holy Spirit, dwelling within them, to be strengthened in their inner being. This divine strength equips us to face challenges, endure hardships, and overcome obstacles. It is through the Holy Spirit's indwelling that we experience transformation and growth in our spiritual journey.

Verse 17: "...So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith..."
Paul's prayer emphasizes the intimate union between Christ and the believer. Through faith, we invite Christ to make His dwelling within our hearts. This dwelling signifies a deep, abiding presence of Christ that brings comfort, guidance, and transformation. It is through His presence that our lives are shaped and our hearts are filled with His love.

Verse 18: "...May have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth..."
Paul expresses the desire for believers to grasp the vastness of God's love fully. Its breadth reaches to every corner of creation, encompassing all people. Its length extends throughout eternity, offering everlasting salvation. Its height lifts us above our circumstances, reminding us of our heavenly calling. Its depth reaches the innermost parts of our being, healing and transforming us from within. Exploring the dimensions of God's love requires collective effort as we journey with fellow believers, learning and growing together.

Verse 19: "...and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
The love of Christ surpasses human comprehension. It transcends intellectual understanding, surpassing the limits of our knowledge. Paul prays for believers to experience this love in its fullness, recognizing that it is in the fullness of God's love that we find our true fulfillment. When we are filled with the love of Christ, we reflect the image of God and become channels of His love to the world.

Verse 20-21: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Paul concludes his prayer with a powerful declaration of God's unlimited power and sovereignty. Our Heavenly Father is not only capable of answering our prayers but also surpassing our expectations. His power is immeasurable, and His ability to work in and through us goes beyond our imagination.

The glory of God is not confined to a single moment or generation but extends throughout all time. It is displayed in the church, where believers gather in unity, and in Christ Jesus, who is the head of the church. As we witness God's power and experience His love, our response is to give Him the glory He deserves, both now and for eternity.

Here are a few key takeaways from this passage:

1. Recognizing our Identity: Just as Paul approached God as a loving Father, we should acknowledge our identity as beloved children of God. This realization helps us find strength, security, and a sense of belonging in our relationship with Him.
2. Praying for Spiritual Strength: Like Paul, we should pray for the Holy Spirit to empower us in our inner being. Through the Spirit's strength, we can navigate life's challenges and grow in our faith, bearing witness to God's transformative work within us.
3. Inviting Christ's Presence: By inviting Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith, we cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him. His abiding presence guides us, comforts us, and shapes our character, enabling us to live out His love.
4. Exploring the Depths of God's Love: Together with fellow believers, we should seek to comprehend the vast dimensions of God's love. As we journey together, learning from one another's experiences and insights, we gain a deeper understanding of God's boundless love and reflect it in our lives.
5. Trusting in God's Power: We must remember that God's power is limitless and far exceeds our expectations. We can approach Him with boldness, knowing that He is able to accomplish more than we can ask or imagine. Trusting in His power brings confidence and assurance in our prayers.

How will you lean into these takeaways this week?

Pray
Father God,
Thank You for being You. For being so much more than we could ever ask or even imagine. For caring so deeply that You'd give us Your Son to save us and Your Holy Spirit to transform us. Lord, help me to understand more and more each day how You love us, and help me to love others in the same way. Amen.

Day 2: Unveiling the Mystery

Read Ephesians 3:7-13
"Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory."

Consider
In these verses, Paul unveils a remarkable mystery that has far-reaching implications for all who believe. Let us explore this passage verse by verse and uncover its profound significance.

In verse 7, Paul describes his own role and purpose in relation to God's grace. He acknowledges himself as a servant or steward entrusted with the Gospel. He recognizes the divine calling upon his life to proclaim the boundless riches of Christ to the Gentiles. Paul's humble acknowledgment of his role as a minister highlights the importance of recognizing our own responsibilities and opportunities to share the Gospel with others. It reminds us that we too are called to be stewards of God's grace in our own spheres of influence.

Paul continues in verse 8, emphasizing the immeasurable nature of God's grace. He marvels at the unfathomable depths of Christ's riches, proclaiming that they are beyond human comprehension. The riches Paul speaks of include salvation, forgiveness, reconciliation, and spiritual blessings in heavenly places. This verse encourages us to continually explore and grasp the full extent of Christ's abundant grace. It invites us to dive deep into our relationship with Him, discovering new dimensions of His love and mercy.

In verse 9, Paul unveils the mystery that has been concealed for ages but is now revealed through Christ. This mystery refers to the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, the idea of Gentiles being fellow heirs of salvation alongside the Jews was not widely understood. However, through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, this mystery is brought to light. The Gospel breaks down the barriers of ethnicity, culture, and social status, offering salvation to all who believe. This profound truth calls us to embrace unity, inclusivity, and love for all people, irrespective of their background.

Verse 10 further reveals the purpose behind the mystery of the Gospel. It declares that God's intention is to make known His manifold wisdom through the Church to the spiritual authorities in heavenly realms. The Church, united in Christ, serves as a testimony to God's wisdom and redemptive plan. This verse highlights the significance of the Church as a visible expression of God's kingdom on Earth, bearing witness to His grace and wisdom. It inspires believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling, exemplifying God's love and unity.

In the final verses of this section (11-13), Paul emphasizes the confidence and boldness that believers can have in approaching God. Through faith in Christ, we have access to the Father. Paul encourages us not to lose heart or be discouraged by the challenges we face. He reminds us that our sufferings and hardships are a part of God's plan, serving a higher purpose. Our trials can refine our faith, deepen our reliance on God's strength, and bring glory to Him. This passage reassures us that we can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are part of His eternal plan and that He is always with us.

Let's make it applicable: What can you do this week to exemplify God's love and unity among fellow believers, and among non-believers? Make an effort to pick one thing that shows God's love, then do it this week.

Pray
Father God,
You came for all. And You chose us to be part of sharing You with everyone. Please show me where I can be Your light this week, both with fellow believers and with those who don't yet believe. And give me the courage to be that light. Amen.

Day 1: The Mystery Revealed

Read Ephesians 3:1-6
"For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel."

Consider
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 in Ephesians are doctrinal in nature. They cover the salvation, grace, and the power of Christ. The next chapters (4-6) are all about practical application, but before we move on to application, Paul has something personal to share.

Paul is taking a moment in verses 1-6 to share a piece of his testimony. It's personal to him, and he wants to make it clear that he's preaching more than just knowledge about this subject; he's preaching from personal experience. The mystery was revealed to him, and it helps his audience to know that it's more than just words to him; it's real.

I'm reminded of a verse in Revelation that says we will defeat Satan by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony (Rev. 12:11). Yes, Jesus did the heavy lifting by making salvation possible, but you and I are invited to share this salvation with the world through our testimonies. That's what Paul is doing here!

Let me ask a personal question: When is the last time you shared your story (or even part of your story) with someone? I'm not asking this to make you feel bad (don't even go there!). I'm asking this to encourage you to start sharing your story. It doesn't have to be "The Testimony" (there one where you first became a Christian). God gives us testimonies all the time of His goodness and faithfulness. Sometimes we can share those stories to encourage others and point them to God's glory.

Think through a couple testimonies in your life where you clearly saw the hand of God. Then make a plan to share those this week. You never know who it could help!

Pray
Father God,
Thank you for giving us stories. We are so blessed to have example after of example of Your goodness, faithfulness, and love in our lives. Please give me the courage to share at least one of these testimonies this week, and please let it be 100% for Your glory. Amen.

Day 5: Keep the Peace

Read Ephesians 2:11-22
"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Consider
Ok, folks, we've finally arrived at the final points of Chapter 2! I don't intend to spend 5 days on each chapter in Ephesians, but there's just so much good stuff packed in here!

Now that our minds and hearts are right with God (after we've worked our way through the first half of this chapter), we need to take a closer look at verses 11-22. Paul is reinforcing a message of unity by emphasizing that Christ has broken down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, and He has reconciled them both to God. We are all one in Him, with access to the Father through the Holy Spirit.

This was a big deal back in Paul's day because the Jews were the chosen people prior to Jesus coming to earth. Now, ALL people (Gentiles and beyond) are called to unity in Christ. Verses 15 and 16 say Christ is "making peace" and "thereby killing hostility." We are One and should be at peace, without hostility towards each other.

Let's get personal for a second. Is there a lack of peace in your life, or a rising of hostility? If so, these are an indicator that unity is missing. Angst and hostility cannot exist where peace and unity live. When I feel a lack of peace or a rise in anger, my heart's "check engine" light starts to flash. It signals to me that something isn't working right in my relationships with others. It's in these moments that I need to reset my mind vertically (on God), and then look at the relationships around me (horizontally) to identify the lack of unity and work on restoring it (with God's help).

As believers, we are all called to something greater than ourselves. We "are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" (verse 22, emphasis added). Living together and working together can be difficult, if we're being real. But we should be able to look beyond ourselves and recognize that we are ALL called to the same purpose, and we have a responsibility to each other and to God to maintain unity.

Spend some time taking stock of your peace. Is there any anger, hostility, angst, anxiety, or a lack of peace? If so, pray it out and ask God to help restore peace and unity.

Pray
Father God,
You are so great and mighty and awesome. I thank You for wanting peace and unity for Your children. I want that too. Lord, please point out opportunities where I have been at fault for a lack of peace or a rise in hostility. Please change me. Help me to make it right where I have been wrong. And for times when it's outside of my control, please help me to restore peace where I am able. Amen.

Day 4: Vertical &Horizontal

Read Ephesians 2:11-22
"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Consider
If you're tracking along with me, we've spent 3 days really digging into our salvation. We've leaned into these deep truths about who we were, whose we are, and what our purpose is in light of it all. And now Paul wants to go a step further. He goes from a message about us in relation to God (verses 1-10), to a message about us in relation to others (verses 11-22).

Have you ever heard the sermon illustration that uses the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" in explaining our posture to God? Basically, we cannot relate well to others (horizontally) if we aren't relating well to God first (vertically). If I am avoiding prayer, forgetting to read Scripture regularly, and not fully paying attention in church, there's a huge likelihood that I am impatient, unkind, and frustrated with the people in my life.

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matt. 12:34) If my heart is being filled with the love of God (through prayer, reading the Bible, fellowship, etc.), then that love will spill over into the lives of those around me. But the converse is also true. If my heart is empty, I will have nothing good to give.

We can't fully and appropriately convey the message of salvation to others unless we first work ourselves through verses 1-10 and deeply feel those truths. With a refreshed mindset and an intentional shift of focus we can then work ourselves through verses 11-22.

After resetting your focus (vertically, using verses 1-10), take some time to pray through verses 11-22 and ask God where and how He can use you horizontally.

Pray
Father God,
You are amazing. You created relationships. And You modeled relationships. Please help me to focus first on You, and then on sharing You with others. Thank You for caring about and for all of humanity. Amen.

Day 3: Let's Get to Work!

Read Ephesians 2:1-10
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Consider
Wow, this passage is packed with takeaways! Here we are on day 3, still camped out in the same place! Ten verses that start with a reminder of where we came from (death), move to a glorious gift (life), and then land us in the heavenly places with Christ (exalted). That's a LOT of value packed in there, but we're not done yet!

Verses 8 & 9 remind us that there's no way we could have done ANY of this good stuff on our own (being saved to life then seated with Christ). I think God knows our hearts and tendencies, and He wanted to leave us a clear message just in case we started to let pride creep in. ;)

The final verse in this section (v. 10) feels like the cherry on top; an added bonus in the form of a purpose. Friends, we were saved from death to life and exalted with Christ "for good works... that we should walk in them."

I don't know about you, but that gets me excited! I was born for something! I have purpose! YOU have purpose! That is worth celebrating! And it means we need to get to work! There are so many people out there that need this message. You and I have a testimony we can share about God's goodness and purpose for us. Let's get to work!

Think of 3 people you cross paths with regularly that you can share your story with (i.e., coworkers, family members, friends). Then make a plan to start a conversation with them.

Pray
Father God,
Thank You for giving me purpose. I want to be responsible with this purpose and bring You glory and honor. Please give me the courage to share my story about Your glory this week as I lean into my purpose. Amen.

Day 2: More Than Just Saved

Read Ephesians 2:1-10
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Consider
Yesterday we thought through our "But God" moments so we can feel the glorious weight of His salvation. Today I want us to spend a few minutes marinating in that salvation.

Even though we were once dead in our sin, we are now alive with Christ (v. 5)! Did you catch that? It's more than just alive (although that alone is miraculous!); it's alive WITH Christ! And just when you think it can't get any better, God chooses to raise us up and seat us with Christ. Y'all, that means we are exalted with Christ!

Let's map this out to grasp this out:

1. From Death...
2. to Life...
3. with Jesus...
4. AND EXALTED!

This is a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ and the amazing spiritual blessings that we have received through faith in Him. It speaks of our position of authority and power in Him, and our union with Him in all things.

Take some time today to really think about your salvation and praise God for all the benefits of this gift!

Pray
Father God,
Saving me out of sin could have been enough. But You chose to lavish us with grace. To life, with Christ, exalted with Him. Wow! Thank You for such amazing grace! Lord, I ask that You would help me live fully in this grace, and that I would openly share Your love & grace with others. Amen.

Day 1: You Were... But God!

Ephesians chapter 2 is a powerful passage in the New Testament that highlights the transformative work of God's grace in the lives of believers. This chapter offers deep insights into the concepts of redemption and reconciliation, shedding light on the amazing love and mercy of God towards humanity.

Read Ephesians 2:1-10
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Consider
The first 3 verses of Chapter 2 paint a grim picture of humanity. We were dead in sin, children of wrath, without hope. But then we read the glorious start of verse 4: "But God!"

We don't like to think about our former selves very often because it makes us feel bad or ashamed, but I think sometimes it's necessary. Not because we deserve to be punished, but because we need to remember where we came from so we can revel in the "But God!" That's our testimony! We were once awful, horrible, sinful lost souls- But God didn't leave us there!

There is such power in that truth, but it's difficult to feel the weight of that amazing power unless we first feel the weight of our sin. And again, we are not to wallow in self-pity and stay in that shameful mindset. But we have to remember where we came from in order to share our "But God" moments through our testimony.

I encourage you to take a few minutes to remember how bleak it was before knowing Christ. And then take several minutes to focus on the "But God" moments and praise Him for His goodness! How can you use this testimony this week to encourage someone?

Pray
Father God,
I was lost. I was a mess. I thought I was beyond saving. But YOU. You came for ME. For everyone! You are rich in mercy, abounding in love! Thank You for Your saving grace! Lord, please help me to remember my testimony and to be bold enough to share it this week. Amen.

Day 5: The Supremacy of Christ

Read Ephesians 1:15-23
"For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

As we close out Ephesians Chapter 1, we find Paul expressing his prayers for the Ephesian believers and emphasizing the supremacy of Christ. He prays for the Ephesians to have wisdom and revelation in knowing God better, so that they may fully understand the hope, riches, and power that they have in Christ. Paul also highlights the authority and power of Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God and is the head over all things. He emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate source of power and authority for the church, which is His body. This truth encourages believers to exalt Christ in their lives and recognize His lordship in all things.

Consider
Every time I read this passage, I can't help but increase volume and fervor as I read through the paragraph. Is it just me? It's a loooong sentence for sure, but it builds as it goes, and my excitement builds with it!

Paul is building a case for Christ as the Head of the church. He is reminding the Ephesians (and us) that we must remember who we report to: Christ, who is all-powerful, is above every name, and has been given everything to rule over as Head.

Some of us may wince a little when thinking about authority, but go back and read the passage again. Read it and increase your volume and fervor as you go. It's builds a flawless case that Christ is both Supreme and Good. There's no need to fear or worry or wince. He is Good.

Take some time to think about whether or not Christ is Supreme in your life. Maybe there are areas where you need to be reminded that He is Good and then let Him reign.

Pray
Father God,
Thank You for the words of Paul that build a case for Christ as both Good and Supreme! Lord, search me and help me find areas where I need to hand over the reins to the best Leader: Christ. Amen.

Day 4: Sealed with the Holy Spirit

Read Ephesians 1:13-14
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."

In today's verses, Paul emphasizes that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of their inheritance in Christ. The Holy Spirit is given to believers as a deposit, sealing them with the ownership and presence of God. This seal signifies that believers are set apart and belong to God, and it also serves as a pledge of their future inheritance in Him. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers empowers them, guides them, and assures them of their identity as children of God.

Consider
So far in Chapter 1 of Ephesians, we have felt the overwhelm of God's marvelous grace, we have been invited to participate in the will of God, and we've come to accept that we were specially and specifically chosen for all of it. These last 2 verses in this section of Scripture feel like the cherry on top of the previous verses: we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Not only were we given something we didn't deserve or earn (grace), and once we accepted it we were invited into a divine mission, but we are also given the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in that mission! And He guarantees our eternal inheritance! Wow. Somehow God's grace keeps feeling more and more marvelous!

Take some time today to praise the Lord for choosing us, giving us grace, and sealing us. In case you need inspiration, here's a great song by Brandon Lake called "Gratitude:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffszHwWyRQc 

Pray
Father God,
I'm in awe. Still. Day 4. All I can say is thank You. I don't deserve it, but that's the point. That's what makes grace so meaningful! Thank You. Thank You for sending Your Spirit to help me and guide me. Please help me to be ever listening and responsive to Your leading. Amen.

Day 3: Chosen

Read Ephesians 1:11-12 in the English Standard Version (ESV) and The Message (MSG)
ESV: "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory."

MSG: "It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone."

In today's passage, Paul goes on to highlight that believers are chosen and predestined by God for salvation. He explains that God has predestined us to be adopted as His children through Jesus Christ, according to His good pleasure and will. This underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation, as He initiates and orchestrates the process of drawing people to Himself. It also brings assurance and confidence to believers, knowing that their salvation is secure in God's eternal plan.

Consider
I chose 2 versions of today's passage to help us wrap our minds around the idea of being Chosen. I don't know if you experience this or not, but sometimes I get so familiar with a passage that I struggle to dig in and really understand what it's saying. That's the case with today's verses. I kept getting hung up on "predestined" and needed a fresh take (hence the MSG).

I love the way the Message cuts to the heart of what Paul is saying: "He had his eye on us, had designs for us!" Friends, He chose us! He knew us before time began, and He intentionally picked us to part of His plan.

Maybe you feel the weight of self-doubt like I do sometimes. "Me? He wants me to share Him with others?" Before you start listing all the reasons you aren't qualified, let me remind you that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness" (Rom. 8:26). We do not have to be fully equipped before we can be used. Rather, we accept the mission, then suit up and get to work (Eph. 6:11)!

Today, I encourage you to marinate in the truth that you were chosen. He chose to give you grace, He chose to save you, and He chose you to share in His will.

Pray
Father God,
I can't fully wrap my mind around the idea that You knew me before the world began, but I accept it. You are amazing and beyond understanding, and I choose to believe what You have written in Your Word. And in the moments where I doubt I am worthy to participate in this calling, Lord help my unbelief. Amen.

Day 2: God's Eternal Plan

Read Ephesians 1:7-10
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

Paul reveals God's eternal plan, which is to unite all things in heaven and on earth under the lordship of Christ. This plan was formulated before the foundation of the world (which we remember from yesterday in verse 4) and is now being revealed to believers through the gospel. It is a reminder that God's plan of redemption and restoration extends beyond time and space, encompassing all of creation. This truth gives believers a sense of purpose and hope in God's grand plan for their lives.

Consider
Have you ever asked "What is God's will?" Me too! I have asked it on the macro-level: What is God's will for all of humanity? And I have asked it on the micro-level: What is God's will for my life?

The good news is that believers get the answer to both questions! When we accept His gracious gift, He makes "known to us the mystery of his will," which is to "unite all things to him." We see this confirmed an emphasized in 2 Peter 3:9 that the Lord is patient "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

That's the will of God! And He wants us to participate in that will. How we participate will depend on our giftings, our abilities, and our obedience.

Take some time today to consider what gifts and abilities God has given you, and how you can obediently participate in His will.

Pray
Father God,
Thank You for Your patience, with me and with those who don't yet know You. I'm sorry for areas where I have taken my gifts and abilities for granted and not used them to participate in Your will. Please help me turn away from myself and focus on You and Your will. Amen.

The book of Ephesians is a profound and powerful letter written by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus. It is filled with rich theology and deep insights into the Christian faith. The first chapter highlights the incredible grace and spiritual blessings that believers have received through Christ Jesus. Join me as we spend the next 5 days walking through Chapter 1. :)

Day 1: The Marvelous Grace of God

Read Ephesians 1:1-8
"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight..."

Paul begins his letter with a reminder of God's grace, emphasizing that it is by grace that believers have been saved and redeemed through Jesus Christ. He marvels at the richness of God's grace and how it has been lavished upon us. Paul emphasizes that this grace is not earned or deserved, but freely given by God as a gift to those who believe in Him. It is a reminder that salvation is not based on human merit or achievement, but solely on God's grace.

Consider
When's the last time you marveled at God's grace? In fact, when's the last time you marveled at anything? If you're like me, it's probably been a while, and you may even have to remind yourself what it means to marvel!

Merriam-Webster defines the verb marvel as "to become filled with surprise, wonder, or amazed curiosity." It's that sense of becoming overwhelmed by something so good.

So, back to the question: When's the last time you marveled at God's grace? Not just amazed at God in His goodness, or in the greatness of His creation, but at His grace?

Grace is unmerited favor. We didn't deserve it, we couldn't earn it. But He gave it because He loves us. God chose us "before the foundation of the world." Friend, He chose you. He redeemed you. He forgives you. That's marvelous!

Take some time today to read Ephesians 1:1-8 again and allow yourself to marvel of God's amazing grace.

Pray
Father God,
I stand amazed and in awe of Your marvelous grace. All I have to offer is a "Hallelujah!" Thank You for such a wonderful gift. Help me to remember Your grace day by day, moment by moment. And please help me share that grace with others. Amen.