Day 54: Defending the Chains

Ephesians 6; Philippians 1, 2

We are all partaking in God’s grace, just as Paul had.  Even in chains and through persecution, Paul was defending and confirming the gospel..  Through chains, the brothers of Philippi were encourage to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

²⁰I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21

Paul instructs the Philippians stand firm in one spirit, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.  We are asked to continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

Dear Lord, I love you Lord.  I ask my love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.  i pray that I may be able to discern what is best and what is pure – so that I may be blameless.  Allow me to boldly proclaim and rejoice in my chains, for it is a mere representation of your amazing grace.  It is through my weaknesses that I become stronger in my faith.  Thank you for loving me so much.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 53: Life Worthy

Ephesians 3, 4, 5

Are you living a life worthy of the calling you have received?  While reading Ephesians, I found myself asking myself that very question.

²Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. ³Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:2-6

I find myself to be lacking in this very instruction.  I find myself still engulfed in rage, anger, judgment and impatience.  It is in God’s plan to prepare his people to build up the body of Christ – as it is His plan for us to grow and build ourselves up in love.  In order to unite in Christ, it requires us to live as children of the light.  Are you living as the child of light?

¹⁸They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. ¹⁹Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. Ephesians 4:18-19

Are you bearing fruit that consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth?  As I end these chapters, all instructing us on how to lead our lives, I realize how much more I have yet to learn to leave behind.

Dear Lord, Grant me the wisdom to lead a life imitating God.  I realize I need to be careful in how I live, making the most of every opportunity – to not be foolish and understand your will.  Allow me to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Thank and in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Day 52: Instructions of Doing Good

Galatians 6; Ephesians 1, 2

While reading the Scripture, “doing good” is a prevalent topic.  Paul writes letters to both the Galatians and Ephesians.  Although they were different people and different churches, the message was the same.

We are called to be good to all and to carry each others burdens – especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  At the same time, we are not being asked to do this in order to boast of our abilities or of our deeds.

⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

We are one in Christ, through His blood, given access to the Father by One spirit.

[We] are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household. Ephesians 2:19

This is all a part of God’s plan to redeem the world through Christ.

Dear Lord, I lack in so many areas.  While reading these chapters, I couldn’t help but feel so inadequate.  I realize that I have not yet cast aside the sins of my earthly body.  Grant me the wisdom to translate my belief about God into actions and attitudes that honor you.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.