Scripture Reading(s)
Ephesians 1:11-23
1:11 In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,
1:12 so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.
1:13 In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit;
1:14 this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
1:15 I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason
1:16 I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers.
1:17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,
1:18 so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints,
1:19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.
1:20 God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
1:21 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 age to come.
1:22 And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,
1:23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
Reflections
The beginning step the Christian faith is found in first knowing that we have inherited something of value that is above all else. We have the free gift of Jesus Christ living in and through us, always working to lead, guide, and protect us. Furthermore His spirit is living in us to help shape us into being more Christ like.
This truth sets the stage of Christianity because in order to get closer to Christ, we must become more like Him. We must strive to walk in wisdom, speak in truth, and act in love. We are called to reflect Him in our everyday lives and seek out God’s help in living wisely each day.
We should be fervently on our knees praying that we continue to walk boldly in our faith and encourage our church body around us to do the same. The Church can only remain strong if we continue to submit our walk with God to the Lord each day. Only in Him can we truly live out the Christian life. He is our light, our doorway, our satisfaction, our strength, our stronghold, He is our everything.
When I was a child my father’s answer to every request was, “if it’s the Lord’s will.” As an adult and a Christ follower the phrase makes sense. As a child it just irritated me. Why didn’t the Lord’s will dictate candy and games more often? Either way, we know from scripture that God’s will cannot be thwarted. Paul mentions in Ephesians that we have each been destined by God.
having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will,
If you’ve ever pondered your place in the world or what you are called to, seek the Lord. For He is the one who holds the answer to such questions. He is the designer who laid the foundations of the earth. He has a plan for you and no force of man can stop it.
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