Devotional Archives--Ephesians Extravagance II

September 25, 2006 —

A Spirit of Wisdom

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. (Ephesians 1:17 NIV)

I still remember the exact place it happened. I was pulling away from the dry cleaners, turning onto the busy street beside the mall. Even though it happened over ten years ago, when I pass that place, I am still reminded of the moment.

To some, it might not seem like such a big thing. But for me it was life changing. I listened to Christian radio as I drove, my children all snug in their car seats. The speaker coming across the airwaves said, “Some of you are reading the Bible as if it were a textbook, but it is actually a love letter.” His words penetrated and my whole being woke-up to the message. I knew the radio preacher spoke to me, and the Holy Spirit asked me to pay attention.

When you spend your life trying to be good enough, it is easy to get caught up in searching the Bible for the do’s and don’ts—trying to understand what is expected rather than experiencing a relationship of love. That message on the radio was just one of many ways the Lord has called to me over the last several years, asking me to seek Him, not just a set of behavioral guidelines.

I was reminded of that day recently as I read through the first chapter of Ephesians. In verse seventeen, Paul prays that the Christian in Ephesus will be given the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so they can know God better.

In the old days, I would have assumed that we needed wisdom and revelation so we could behave appropriately and know what we were supposed to do as Christians, but that’s not what the passage says. It says we need it so we can know our Lord. The Amplified Bible calls revelation “insight” into the “mysteries and secrets” of the “deep and intimate” knowledge of Christ.

I love that.

As always, Scripture tells us to get our eyes off our petty efforts to be good enough and onto the One who already is. It reminds me that Christianity isn’t about my efforts, or me, but about Him and His. Is there any greater reason for wisdom and revelation than to know our Lord more intimately? To understand the mysteries and secrets of the God we serve?

Father, I pray for myself, my loved ones, and every Soul Scents subscriber, asking as Paul did that you would give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so we could know you more. ******************************************************************************************

October 2, 2006 —

His Glorious Inheritance

"I pray also 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 the saints."  (Ephesians 1:18 NIV)

Years ago as I sat in a staff meeting at the church where I served part-time, another woman, eyes glowing, talked about how Ephesians 1:18 had come alive for her in a brand new way. “ I always thought this Scripture talked about God’s inheritance for us, but it says we are Christ’s inheritance!”

Since that day, I’ve spent a lot of time researching this particular Scripture. Some versions of the Bible seem to indicate that Paul’s prayer was talking about our inheritance in Christ—the power of the Holy Spirit, eternity with God, salvation, and all those wonderful things.

Other versions seem to support my friend’s view, that Paul is saying that we are Jesus’ inheritance. I have to laugh. The notes in my NIV study Bible say, “either the inheritance we receive from God or the inheritance God receives, i.e., the saints themselves.”

In the New Living Translation, Paul prays that we’ll understand the rich and glorious inheritance Jesus gives us and then there’s a footnote that says it this way, “Or realize how much God has been honored by acquiring his people."

Evidently, even Bible translators can’t agree on which Paul meant. Either way, the message is amazing. We know we have an inheritance in Jesus. It is a glorious new way of living in grace, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit, culminated in an eternity with God.

But Scripture also bears out the other understanding It tells us we are Christ’s bride, His beloved inheritance.

For the purpose of this devotional, let’s rest our mind on my friend’s understanding of the Ephesians 1:18. What would today be like if you saw yourself as a gift to Christ—a precious treasure He is eager to inherit—the crowning joy of His on-going life.

I don’t know about you, but that thought is mind-boggling for me. It’s hard to believe that I’m Christ’s inheritance. After all, I have so many faults! What would be so great about me that He’d want to receive me as His legacy?

Maybe you’ve felt that way to. Maybe you, like me, have asked, “Would He want such an imperfect creature? Can He really be that excited about me?”

Scripture gives a resounding “YES!” to our questions. Our Lord is crazy in love with us. He doesn’t feel gypped by what God passes down to Him. He’s thrilled to have us! Isaiah 62 says we are a crown of splendor in God’s hand; a royal diadem. We are His crowning glory.

You and I aren’t just misfits that weasel our way into heaven. In Scripture, we are called saints—people who’ve been transformed by God’s amazing grace. In the beginning, God created us to live in relationship with Him. He sent Christ to remove all barriers so that we could be close to Him.

He really wants us. How would we be different if we truly accept our identity as Christ’s beloved inheritance? Wouldn’t that transform our thinking and our ability to love and live and move forward?

Friend, you are Christ’s crowning glory. He is thrilled to inherit you. He gave everything to purchase you for Himself.

So next time you feel unimportant, unlovely, unworthy or un anything good, remind yourself of this: The King of the universe is rejoicing in His inheritance—you. So go out and live like the glorious treasure you are.

October 9, 2006 —

His Mighty Power

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 1:19-20 NLT)

Today I stare at the computer screen, trying to grasp the meaning of Ephesians 1:19-20. Paul prays that I will understand the amazing power of God placed within me. The truth is, I don’t. Oh, I get glimpses here and there. On my good days, I see it. I feel strong in Him.

But what do I do with my bad days? Where is Christ’s power when I’m hurt, afraid, or overwhelmed? What about when I blow it? Wouldn’t Christ’s power in me keep me from sin? And what about all those times I’ve let others down—or been too weak to stand up for myself?

I don’t know about you, but I have a lot to learn about Christ’s power living in me. The Bible says that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to those who believe in Jesus. Much of the time, I don’t live as if it is true. I can’t quit grasp that kind of empowerment.

Maybe it’s because I get too wrapped up in me. How much I have to do. The ways I blow it. The pressures I face. Maybe I’m so busy worrying about me that my focus is on my resources, not His. 

I know that is often true. A few years ago I flopped down on my bed and stared at the ceiling, full of despair. “I can’t do it anymore, God.” I said. “I quit.”

I could swear I heard the Lord say, “It’s about time.”

What?

I went to Him whining, seeking comfort and reassurance to continue. Instead, He put me in my place. He let me know I was going about it all wrong, trying to stand up underneath difficult circumstances in my own strength instead of His.

I still don’t have this one all figured out, but I know one thing for sure. It is easy to rely on our own strength instead of His. To work so hard at the tasks and difficult situations before us that we focus on ourselves, our struggles, the work, and forget that He brings to pass all things by His mighty power.

Let’s stop the striving and turn our gaze to our all-powerful God.

Father, we’ve done it again. Got caught up in the pressures of life and felt overwhelmed by all the challenges it represents. We’re sorry for trying to live out of the meagerness of our own resources when Your great power is available to us. Forgive us, Father, and teach us to live focused on You and empowered by Your strength.

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October 16, 2006 —

Far Above

Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1:21-23 NLT)

It was one of “those” days. I nursed a virus, worries, a dose of guilt, and a dab of fear. Between the coughing and the bad dreams, I hadn’t slept well in over a week. Fears for the future, weariness of the past few weeks, and frustration at my own failures oppressed me—along with some painful pricks from others.

Determined to rest and fight off the virus, I stayed home while the family attended an activity together. I prayed a little while, and then called a couple of friends to ask for prayer. Caught one of them at home. She prayed for me and I felt a little better as I crawled underneath my covers for a nap.

A little while later a friend who’d listened to me cough through a phone conversation showed up with a big pot of chicken soup. Nothing had tasted that good or felt so soothing to my sore throat in more than a week. Between the first and second bowl another friend called. She asked what was going on and spoke love to me.

Then she said, “let’s go to the Scripture.” She read Psalm 91 to me from the Message. As she read, her smooth voice flowing like honey over the phone lines, the tears began to trace my cheeks and plop off my chin and onto my lap.

I felt it. Grace. Promise. Hope. Protection. Every verse and line brimmed with meaning, slipping into my heart and emotions. Reminding me Who was in charge.

Her voice continued, a melody of Truth to my drooping body and soul. By the time she reached the last stanza of the Psalm, my focus was shifting: off of me—my sins, worries, hurts, and fears—and onto Jesus.

“‘If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,’ says God, ‘I’ll get you out of any trouble.” My friend read. “I’ll give you the best of care if you’ll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times; I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party. I’ll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation.’”

She prayed for me and hung up. His grace lingered about me even as her voice disappeared behind the click on my wireless phone.

Encouraged, I felt more able to reach for the Bible study I’d felt too tired to attempt all day. The day’s study talked about the Kingship of Christ—how He was given authority over all things in heaven and earth now and forever.

Then, it talked about how if we truly understood His authority over works of darkness, we wouldn’t be afraid. It said that Jesus is King whether or not we recognize it and that the best gift we can give Him is surrendering our lives to His kingship now and for eternity.

A fit of coughing prematurely ended my study time, but it didn’t matter because I’d received the Truth I needed for that dismal day turned beautiful: Our Jesus has all the authority and I can rest in the safety of His arms.

Ephesians 1:21-23 says the same thing. That Jesus was given all power and authority in this age and the age to come. And that this supremacy is of great benefit to His church—that’s you and me, baby!

My friend, may you and I both remember that whatever we face today—whether it is our own failure, pain inflicted by others, a weakened body, fear of the future, or anything else—our Jesus, the Lover of our soul, the One who gave His all for us, is in charge and His dominion is for our good.

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October 23, 2006 —

An Ephesians One Prayer

Dear Ones,

I just love Paul’s prayer found in chapter one of Ephesians. Instead of the usual devotional, I thought I’d sum up our brief look at this amazing chapter by praying together. Would you be willing to join me?

There are over 2100 Soul Scents subscribers now and I thought it would be really cool if we could all Paul’s prayer—both for ourselves, our loved ones, and for the Soul Scents family. I am excited to think of over 2,000 prayers being lifted to the Father, knitted together as one heart.

I think it would be awesome if we tried to pray this prayer for each other daily over the next week. (No guilt if you don’t want to, or if you forget! Just ask the Lord to bring it to your mind if this is something He would have you do.)

May God bless each of you—and reveal Himself to us in new and beautiful ways.

Here’s the prayer, based on Ephesians 1:17-19:

Dear God,

You are the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please give me, my loved ones, and all those in the Soul Scents family, the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so we may know Jesus better.

Enlighten the eyes of our heart so we can know the hope to which You have called us, the riches of Jesus’ glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. Help us to glimpse and more fully know the mighty power You’ve placed within us, the same power that raised Christ from the dead.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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