Thursday February 15, 2024

Today is Thursday, February 15 and we are studying what the Bible says about inheritance.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I breathe deeply and slowly and focus myself entirely upon God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord God, thank you for loving me. I am grateful that you are always near and communicate with me throughout the day. Help me slow down and seek your voice in my life. Teach me about the inheritance I have through Jesus Christ and show me how I can leave a legacy in the life of others. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s good promises and praise him with the words of Psalm 37.

The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever. The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip. Psalm 37:29-31

Pause and Pray

Paul was specifically called to be a missionary to the Gentiles (non-Jews and pagans). This included the new Christians in Ephesus, who were nearly all Gentiles. In his letter, Paul revealed a mystery to the ancient Ephesians. Because of Jesus Christ, Gentile and Jewish believers are equal members of a spiritual family. They are members of the same body. The Gospel was not limited to Jews, but available to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). This was why Jesus commanded his followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18–20). The long-standing barrier between Jews and Gentiles became meaningless. All believers are forever united in Christ.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:2-6

Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed the mystery of his great rescue plan for the salvation of the world to the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament. God gave Paul a specific holy insight into the mystery of Jesus. Paul revealed this mystery to the Gentile believers in the far away town of Ephesus centuries ago, and this mystery is now revealed to me. Through Jesus Christ I am an heir of the promise together with the children of Israel. I am a son or daughter of Abraham. I am a member of a great body of believers and share in the promise of God’s glorious kingdom.

Ask: How has God’s mystery of the Gospel been revealed to me in my life? Have I accepted this truth and do I rejoice in my inheritance?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank you for your great love and the grace of my promised inheritance. I praise you for revealing your mystery to the apostles and opening the Gospel to people of all races, nations and ages. All who believe in Jesus are heirs together with the chosen sons and daughters of Israel. I rejoice that I am a member of the body of Christ and share in the promise of the Holy Spirit. I read the words from Ephesians again and listen for the message you have for me.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:2-6

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Every moment of every day God desires to speak to me – giving me affirmation, teaching, guidance and love. I want to hear and try to understand God’s good message and listen carefully, reading scripture with the ear of my heart. Whatever word or phrase that stands out to me from this passage I record it in my journal and reflect on it throughout the day. What does it mean to be an heir of the kingdom? What does it mean to have an inheritance in heaven? Why has this blessed mystery been revealed to me? How will I live differently because of it?

Pause and Pray

Come blessed Lord and enter into my life this day. Turn my places of distraction to times of devotion. Take my moments of doubt and increase the levels of my faith. Pour out an abundance of your love and grace into my heart. Strengthen me to love your people and serve your kingdom faithfully. Show me where I fall short of my inheritance and inspire me to live in this world as your beloved son or daughter. Amen.

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:5-7

I leave this time of prayer an heir of salvation, I go to share the mystery of God’s great love in Jesus Christ with others.

Amen