Bible Reading: 1 Kings 3; Ephesians 1; Ezekiel 34; Psalms 83 & 84
Ephesians 1:19-20 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places…
Paul was praying for the Ephesian believers and we have his prayer as a portion of the inspired Bible. From a prison cell, he wrote this letter and he tells the followers of Jesus what he was praying for them. He wanted them to know their new identity in Christ. He first explained what had happened to them when they trusted in Jesus and then he prayed that God would enlighten the eyes of their understanding so the spiritual reality of who they now were would become evident to them.
Paul wanted the believers to know the mighty power of God working toward them. This mighty power was the same power that the Father worked in the Lord Jesus Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him on the right hand of the Father! Just think of it! The same power that raised Jesus from the dead God is working in you! The same Father who resurrected the dead body of our Lord Jesus is your Father!
Have you ever thought about what God wants you to do and then felt as if you could never do it? For instance here are a few things:
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Luke 6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.
Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
These commandments would be impossible for us on our own. But the Bible says the same power of God that raised Jesus from the dead is working to us-ward! That means God is working in us and through us for his glory and purpose!
How do we realize this power? First, we must know who we are in Christ. Then, we must pray and ask God to work through us!
Ephesians 3:20-21 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
He is able to do more than we ask or even think! We serve an Almighty God who is alive in us!
In Christ,
Rody
