Day #10

Second round through, here we go!

Had a very interesting time last week, seeing parts of the Scripture stand out and framed in different contexts, eager to see what this week has in store, especially as we embark on another framework to read Ephesians in. Will different things jump out at me this time? Will they be obvious to spot? Guess I'll just have to find out.

Revisiting the familiar first chapter, I am reminded of the first time I read it - a rather tedious and unrewarding process. This time seems a little more comfortable to get started.

"...who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,..." Eph 1:3

Here it says that God our Father has given us blessings, abundantly, above and beyond what we could ever hope for and hope to contain. And if we truly acknowledge His kingdom come, shouldn't we be less anxiois and apprehensive about our troubles in the world? Especially things we know we have no control over yet choose to fret unnecessarily over it; perhaps it is time to let go and surrender them all to God.

"...by which He made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph 1:6

I know I often question my own adequacy in many things I'm doing. Am I fit for the job? Can I really do this? But the fact is, God has already accepted us as His children, as part of His family and His Kingdom - He alone knows best our capabilities and weaknesses, if He says we can, who are we to argue otherwise?

"...that we who first trusted Christ should be to the praise of His glory." Eph 1:12

Being called to follow our Master Jesus, there must be something distinguishing the us now, and the us we used to be (our old man). Some kind of change which has happened, which has the potential to maybe convict others and in turn induce change IN them. At the very least, we must always guard our hearts and minds against the ways of the flesh, the ways of the world - that's the least we can do, right?

Is that agreeing with what we are doing at the moment?

All those moments of weakness, of temptation, of indifference...

Are we doing enough?

Prayer : Dear Lord, we seek Your face now more than ever. We pray You open our eyes and ears, help us realize that we are here for a reason; we are planted wherever we are right now, in Your kingdom, for a very specific purpose. Thank you for pouring our your blessings abundantly upon us, even though we often are undeserving of it. Praise be Your name. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.