Wednesday June 15, 2022

Today is Wednesday, June 15 and this week we are studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians chapter two.

As I enter this time of prayer, I pause to become still. I silence my thoughts and center myself on the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I am here to grow closer to you and to hear what message you have for me. Reveal more of yourself through these holy scriptures and speak to my heart today. Amen.

I celebrate God our King with the words of Psalm 47.

Sing praises to God, sing praises;

sing praises to our King, sing praises.

For God is the King of all the earth;

sing to him a psalm of praise.

God reigns over the nations;

God is seated on his holy throne.

Psalm 47:6-8

Pause and Pray

Paul expounds the full Gospel story for the Ephesians, beginning from the desparate state we find ourselves in (Ephesians 2:1-3) as we are rushing toward inevitable separation from God and everything good for eternity. He then interrupts the momentum in that fateful direction with two words: But God. Here is where Jesus enters our redemption story. This is God’s great rescue plan for us. Jesus, both human and divine came to earth to dwell with us and then he shared in our death so we could share in his life. Not only are we pulled out of desperation and redeemed, but God gives all who believe in his son the privilege of sitting with Christ in a place of authority.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6

God meets me exactly as I am and rescues me. I was dead in my transgressions. There was nothing I can do on my own to hide my sin or to save myself. In fact, the bigger mess I was, the more God’s mercy on me was revealed. Where sin increased, grace increased all the more. (Romans 5:20) My only participation in my redemption is believing and confessing Jesus Christ is my savior. This loving God brought me from spiritual death into spiritual life. By the power of the Holy Spirit I am now being refined and growing toward holiness as I choose participate in the work God began in my life.

Ask: How can I display God’s grace to the world around me? What is my responsibility as someone positioned in a place of authority in Christ

Pause and Pray

My Savior, you are rich in mercy and love for me. Your grace saved me from death and brought me to life in Christ. Even when I can’t wrap my mind around it, I praise you for your beautiful redemption plan for me. I reread the words from Ephesians and seek your message for me today.

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:4-6

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?

I sit with the magnitude of the truths in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians today. This was written at a particular time, by a particular author, to a particular audience, but God wants me to read these words as his words to me. His Word is alive and active and his Spirit teaches me all things as I engage with scripture. Maybe I need to remember how there is nothing I have done that cannot be completely washed clean by the blood of Jesus. Maybe God wants me to remember that the glory is his and not mine. Maybe I need to be reminded of my responsibility as a believer in Christ. God is speaking to my heart today.

Pause and Pray

Lord, I don’t want to hide anything from you. I welcome you into my life today, knowing that you know me better than I even know myself. As I continue my day, give me ears to listen, a heart to love, and hands to do your work. Amen.

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Romans 5:15-17

As I move on from this time of prayer, Lord, let my life reflect your glory!

Amen