Prayer Requests:
That each of us reading this would have a deeper hunger for God. That each of us would grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
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Ephesians 1:3 ESV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places…
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
My sincere apologies for such a delay in this study. Time, life, and distractions can sure swallow me up. Getting back in this study is always on my heart, mind and my great desire. Lord willing we will make it through this book.
As a recap of this study so far, we have covered verses 1-2. Feel free to revisit those if you have not read them yet. The divine inspiration infused into this epistle truly builds upon itself.
Blessed be…
Reading through our keynote verse above, you may have noticed the same phrase three times; ‘Blessed be’, ‘blessed us’ and ‘blessing’. In the English language we don’t quite get to see the true depth and context of everything Paul wants us to learn here.
This first phrase ‘Blessed be’, comes from the greek phrase ‘eulogetos ho theos’. This means literally ‘Blessed the God’. The adjective is used here; ‘Eulogetos’, which is a speech or writing that praises someone highly. Paul is praising the one who alone is worthy of all our praise. Paul knows what is about to pour out of his heart and out of his pen in the next 14 verses (which in the original language was one sentence). Paul knows who deserves all our praise, focus and attention. Paul wants us to have the proper foundation, theology and perspective of Jehovah Yahweh: the self existing, covenant keeping God. The God who is creator of all that we know and see.
Paul is not only expressing his thoughts and attitudes towards God, but through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, he is also teaching us. This is a call to bless God. A call to ‘bless the blesser’.
This is whats known as a ‘doxology’; which is a short formula for speaking glory. The more we begin to understand and discover who God is and what He has done for us through His Son Jesus. The more our desire will be to bless His great name, and who He is and all He has done.
The following doxology is commonly sung as a beautiful hymn and says so much in so few words:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him all creatures here below,
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
…the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Paul starts at the right place, our God and Father. So that we too may know and try to understand as much as possible about who God is. There are three basic facts we need to know and understand about God the Father.
Number One, God is the supreme being over all creation.
This truth is deeply rooted all throughout the pages of scripture. In Genesis we learn that before there was anything at all, there was God (Genesis 1:1). In the Psalms we learn that every beast of the forest is His, the cattle on a thousand hills are His, the earth and all its fullness belong to the Lord God Almighty (Psalm 50:10-12). The prophet Isaiah tells us that God made all things, He alone stretched out the heavens and spread out the earth by Himself (Isaiah 44:24). Jesus tells us in Matthew that every believer in Christ has nothing to fear. That God Almighty is so powerful and so sovereign over the big and the small; that He even knows when one sparrow falls to the ground and He knows how many hairs are on our head (Matthew 10:29-31).
Number two, God is the Father of Jesus Christ the Messiah.
God is the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Matthew showed us after the baptism of Jesus. Rising up out of the water, the heavens opened to Him, the Spirit of God descended like a dove coming to rest on Him. Then a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17).” Just in case anyone missed that fatherly confirmation God repeated Himself on the mount of transfiguration. Declaring “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him (Matthew 17:5).” Jesus takes a step further declaring that not only is God His Father, but that they are one (John 10:30).
Number three, God is the Heavenly Father for all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.
God is the Father of Jesus, He is also the Heavenly Father of every Christian. We also know that Jesus declared God as His Father, saying they are one (John 10:30). This was in the context of His chosen ones, that His sheep know His voice and his sheep follow Him (John 10:27-29). John also tells us that for all who believe in Jesus, who receive Him as Lord; we are given the right to be children of God. Therefore God becomes the Heavenly Father for all who put their faith in His Son Jesus (Galatians 3:26). Those of us who know we are sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is the Savior of the world, willingly dying on that cross and rising again to give us life. To give eternal life to all who believe in Him, in the greatest act of love ever shown in the history of mankind (John 3:16).
So let us learn to ‘bless the blesser’! Let us join the psalmist by continually having the Fathers praise on our lips:
Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever,
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:2-3).
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Heavenly Father, I worship You, I praise You, I extol you my God and King. Thank you for Your great love that is shown through Jesus. Thank you for loving me so much that You gave Your one and only Son to die in my place. He took what I deserved so that I can have life with You. Thank you for grace, Your mercy and Your everlasting kindness. In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer Requests:
That each of us personally live a life of unashamed boldness and live an uncompromising life.
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
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Ephesians 1:2 ESV
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
So far in our journey through this amazing epistle we have journeyed through the bottomless depths of verse 1. It truly is amazing the depths that are possible; and we are only starting verse 2. As I type this I am blown away by God’s unlimited wisdom, and His love that is on full display through every page of scripture. What a glorious and magnificent God we serve, His greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3).
Grace to you and peace…
The Apostle Paul very frequently started and ended his letters with this type of statement. This statement can be both a blessing and a prayer and really should be a common greeting for believers.
The word ‘grace’ comes from the greek word ‘charis’. Which describes the undeserved, unmerited favor of God almighty that He showers down upon us without any expectation of return.
It has always been difficult for me to wrap my head around grace, because it’s so uniquely intangible. For me grace is not as clear as something like the resurrection of Jesus and therefore I have a had hard time wrapping my head around what it really means. Maybe you can relate.
However what I am understanding and learning more and more is that God’s grace is God at work in our lives.
We need His grace like we need water (actually much more since water doesn’t save our soul). God’s grace is all His power, all His love, all His beauty, the work of His hands; all for you and me. Not only does the grace of God allow His work in us, it is what saves us!
Grace is the free gift God pours out on those who believe through faith. Grace makes us alive and joined together with Christ as a new creation (Ephesians 2:1-10).
With such a great and immeasurable gift many have perverted this free gift into thinking it is something we can earn. This passage in Ephesians (2:1-10) is very clear that the gift of God (Grace) is not of our own doing so no one can boast (8-9).
Contrary to what some religions teach, even some so called Christian churches try to add to this gospel. We must know and understand there is nothing we can do to repay God.
God is God, He is completely sovereign over the entire universe. God does not need our works, our money or our talents. Look at how the Psalmist describes God’s sovereignty:
Psalm 50:10-12 ESV
10 For every beast of the forest is mine,
the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills,
and all that moves in the field is mine.
12 “If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
for the world and its fullness are mine.
What a powerful example of the sovereignty of God. All through scripture we can learn that God is omnipotent, omniscience and omnipresent.
However, despite who God is, and who we are in comparison as the Psalmist says: what is man that you are mindful of him…(Psalm 8:3-4)? Despite all this and all who God is, His grace is made available to us.
His grace is also what allows the work of continual sanctification in our lives as we mature in our faith becoming more and more like Him. In that respect that is why Paul tells us: where sin increased, grace abounded all the more (Romans 5:20).
So the source of all grace comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. If grace is the fountain that flows from the Father then peace is the river that runs from that fountain.
Our word ‘peace’ comes from the greek word ‘eirene’ Which is to join or bind together something that has been broken or divided. It is the setting of something back together again. Such as a sinner and a holy God through the blood of Jesus Christ. When the sinner puts their faith in Christ, by His blood and His sacrifice there is no longer a separation between God and that individual. There is ‘eirene’.
‘Eirene’ is the root word for our English word ‘serene’; which we know to represent calmness, tranquility or even unruffled. In the secular greek ‘eirene’; referred to cessation or absence of war. Did you know that the Bible teaches without Christ you and I are enemies of God (Romans 5:10), or in this context at war with God?
This brings a whole different perspective. Paul says that while we were enemies God reconciled us through the death of His Son. A treaty was made, not signed with ink, but rather with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. All sin for all time paid in full for the sinner who repents and believes in Christ. No longer at war with God, but brought together with ‘eirene’.
This is God’s grace at work. This is the only way to true and lasting peace. Grace must always come before the peace. There is no point in seeking peace if there is no grace.
Paul reminds us of this peace here:
Philippians 4:7 ESV
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Dear friends what a lavish gift God has made available to all who choose to accept it. There is no one too far gone, there is no sin God can’t forgive for those who desire His grace and peace. While you and I were still enemies of God, sinners separated from a holy God. Jesus Christ willingly gave Himself for us. In fact before the foundations of the world were set, God chose us in Him, that we should be holy and blameless before Him (Ephesians 1:4).
Wherever you are in your relationship with Christ, know that He is ready to receive you if you choose. If you feel something tugging on your heart. Don’t resist it. That is the Holy Spirit of God nudging you towards repentance. Since no one is promised tomorrow understand that today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Today is the day to no longer be an enemy of God, receive His grace and be joined together in peace.
Acts 3:19-20 ESV
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…
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Heavenly Father it’s hard to fathom what Your grace really means. I could not reach its depths or its heights. But you have made it available to me even though I do not deserve it. Thank you for Your grace. Thank you for Your mercy. Thank you that I can be at peace with You. Please pour grace upon grace into my life. That the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart would be pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Love, Joy, Peace and Unity in the home
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
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Ephesians 1:1 ESV
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the Saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus…
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message find you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
So far we have covered Paul, him as an apostle of Christ Jesus and the will of God to the Saints. We touched on the city and people of Ephesus. We now move into the next section:
…and are faithful…
Paul is speaking in the present tense here: ‘and are’. Meaning his audience; the saints, are ‘continually’ saints. This was not a group of roller coaster christians that were on again / off again in their faith. They did not live as saints one day, and non-saints the next. Rather these were genuine saints, continually and habitually faithful.
Many today may be saints by position, meaning they made a confession of faith (Romans 10:9). Having been justified by faith they are believers. Yet they they lack the the byproduct of this justification by faith, which is the continuing sanctification brought forth from being a new creation in Christ. The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit who is at work in the heart and mind of every believer.
Paul is referring to these saints that ‘are continually’ by position “in Christ Jesus” and experientially in their daily lives. Their reputation and their character were the same. Who they were in public and private revealed no difference. Dear brothers and sisters may each of us have this desire and may God supply the grace, discipline and mercy each of us need to live this way.
The word ‘faithful’ used here comes from the greek word ‘pistos’, which means trustworthy, reliable or inspiring trust. In the context of this passage there could be two meanings of the word ‘pistos’ as Paul references these gentile converts. Faithful in Christ Jesus could be referring to the intellectual response of the Gospel of Christ, referring to these saints as “believing ones”. It could also be referring that their activity as believers is ‘faithful’, or it could have a double meaning and both of these would be accurate to describe them.
Taking this approach we can view these Gentile saints as believers, whom in the midst of a society driven by sensuality and greed showed themselves ‘faithful’. Whether in business transactions, work related duties, their personal and business relationships, or their values and morals surrounded by a society characterized by perversion, pornography and greed. These faithful saints trusted in the promises of God by living in a way that was ‘saintly’.
When we take a look around our society there are not many differences from what these saints faced. Comparing the perversion of Ephesus and our home cities.
So the question for each of us is: Does the present practice of my daily live match my privileged position?
Maybe you’re wondering: what privileged position?
I’m glad you asked.
…in Christ Jesus…
This has got to be one of the most powerful and significant teachings for the follower of Christ to hear, to see and to understand. In fact Paul mentions this statement or its equivalent (in Christ or in Him) in Ephesians 39 times. This statement defines the eternal, permanent and spiritual location of the saints. For the believer to be “in Christ Jesus” this identifies a new sphere of existence.
For the Christian we not only believe in Him, but in a real sense we are ‘in Him’. We belong to Him, we are joined to Him, we are united to Him and all that He is. We will learn more about it when we get there, but in Ephesians 4 Paul describes the church as one body united in Christ. Paul also taught that the head of every man is in Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3). Jesus even told us Himself that we are to abide in Him and He will abide in us, that He is the vine and we are the branches. That without Him we cannot even bear fruit (John 15:4-5).
Much of what develops later in this Epistle and is echoed throughout the pages of scripture is already here in bud form. This intimate union of oneness is portrayed for us in God’s description of a marriage, that two become one flesh (Genesis 2:26). Husbands are then told to love their wives as Christ loves the Church (Ephesians 5:25), to love and cherish his wife as his own flesh, just as Christ does the Church, because we are members of His body (Ephesians 5:28-30).
When we are in Christ we become one with Him in a living union, He is now our life, our sufficiency, our all in all. Im reminded of what Paul said:
Philippians 1:21-23 ESV
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two, My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
This is absolutely staggering. Paul views his life as so united to Christ that to continue living here on earth it is consumed and swallowed by all that Christ is. However if he is to depart, to be taken from this earth (to die) he will then be with Christ. (Wow!)
Let us close with the following paragraph giving us multiple pictures of what it means to be “in Christ”. This passage is from the resource website precept austin and is a brief commentary from William Barclay:
William Barclay says “that when Paul spoke of the Christian being in Christ, he meant that the Christian lives in Christ as a bird in the air, a fish in the water, the roots of a tree in the soil. What makes the Christian different is that he is always and everywhere conscious of the encircling presence of Jesus Christ.”….Barclay goes on to explain that “A Christian always moves in two spheres. He is in a certain place in this world; but he is also in Christ. He lives in two dimensions. He lives in this world whose duties he does not treat lightly; but above and beyond that he lives in Christ. In this world he may move from place to place; but wherever he is, he is in Christ. That is why outward circumstances make little difference to the Christian; his peace and his joy are not dependent on them. That is why he will do any job with all his heart. It may be menial, unpleasant, painful, it may be far less distinguished than he might expect to have; its rewards may be small and its praise non-existent; nevertheless the Christian will do it diligently, uncomplainingly and cheerfully, for he is in Christ and does all things as to the Lord. We are all in our own Colosse, but we are all in Christ, and it is Christ who sets the tone of our living.” Barclay describes an ideal state writing that “There is the life that is dominated by the Spirit of God. As a man lives in the air, he lives in Christ, never separated from him. As he breathes in the air and the air fills him, so Christ fills him. He has no mind of his own; Christ is his mind. He has no desires of his own; the will of Christ is his only law. He is Spirit-controlled, Christ-controlled, God-focused.” (Ephesians 1 Commentary)
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Heavenly Father, what powerful truths you have revealed to me from Your Word this morning. I stand in awe of who You are, all You have given me and shown me. Father help me to grasp and understand and live the life a faithful saint in Christ Jesus. I need Your help, I need Your Spirit to move in me. Help me understand that by putting my faith in Jesus Christ I am justified in You. Help me to walk by Your Spirit so that my daily life will match this privileged position. Remove all that is fleshly and sinful and fill me with the fruit of Your Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer Requests:
- The humility, courage and wisdom to live a sanctified life.
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
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Ephesians 1:1 ESV
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the Saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus…
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
Although this has been a slow journey through verse 1, I hope and pray it has been educational, inspiring and convicting as much for you as it has for me.
So far we have covered some background of who Paul is, we have gone through some background on his credentials of being an apostle of Christ Jesus as well. Let us continue in verse 1.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…
By now we all should know who Paul is and what an apostle of Christ Jesus is.
Now Paul says that he has this calling “by the will of God”. That is so powerful and so easy to breeze through as we read.
The word ‘by’ is our connecting word from apostle to the will of God.
In our current society and culture it is all about “I” did that. Or I am doing this or that. Or I chose to be this way or have this title. Not Paul. In fact Paul makes it very clear in multiple other passages that he is far from qualified to do the work God called him to do. So he is always very clear that God did this, not Paul. On a side note; might I also remind each of us that Paul says: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)”.
Paul calls himself the ‘chief of sinners or foremost of sinners’ (1 Timothy 1:15), he also calls himself the ‘least of all the apostles, unworthy to be even called an apostle’ (1 Corinthians 15:9). So when he says that he is an apostle by the will of God he wants us to see clearly it is a divine calling. Paul points to the divine selection God had on his life. This was not his doing (Acts 9:1-16) or any other man’s doing (Galatians 1:1).
The phrase ‘will of God’ or ‘God’s will’ can be a popular phrase, primarily in Christian circles.
“Will” comes from the greek word ‘thelema’, which in this structure most generally refers to a wish, a strong desire and the willing of some event. However the context here of God’s Will is not as much God’s intentions, but rather it is His hearts desire. I love that. So when we are in God’s will we are following and pleasing the actual desires of the heart of God.
The word ‘God’ comes from the word ‘Theos’. It refers to the supreme divine being, the one and true living God. What’s also an interesting note, is there is something called a definite article used in the original greek when God (Theos) is referenced in the Bible. If the definite article is there it refers to God the Father. But here in our verse the definite article is not there, and so “God” here is, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
To the saints who are in Ephesus…
We are now getting to who this letter is written to, which I found to be extremely fascinating and educational. What I found extremely interesting in my study of this word was the point brought up of the initial small group of “saints” that began to spread the gospel. Starting with the 12 disciples, this group of ‘saints’ or ‘Christians’ were so outnumbered yet, by the way they lived, the gospel not only survived but it thrived and continues to reach every corner of the globe. Today we have far more so called christians than in the time when this letter was written. Yet we struggle to have the impact they had. Why?
Knowing and understanding the title ‘saint’ will help us know why. These christians were called saints by Paul. Today we don’t like that word so much. We may feel we are christians but by no means are we saints! Right? Well the word ‘saint’ comes from the greek word ‘hagios’. This refers to those who are set apart for a specific purpose, in other words ‘saints’ are persons possessed of holiness, divinely separated from sin unto God.
These saints in Ephesus were people who were set apart. Not because of any works or deeds they had done or accomplished. Rather based only on the fact of what Jesus did and that they put their faith in what He did. As born again believers of Jesus Christ, brought into a new relationship with Him by God, it is nothing because of their works or what they had done. But only because of who Christ is and what He has done. So these “saints”, are now set apart for Him and His service.
Do you see any difference in these saints and yourself?
You shouldn’t. Dear friend, if you and I have come to faith in Christ by trusting in what Christ did on that cross. Rising again from the dead. We have turned from our sin and daily pursue living a life of righteousness. If this is you, then you and I are saints just as these Paul is referencing.
However, this is something we must understand comes with responsibility rather than piety.
You and I are called to be separate, or to use a more biblical word: sanctified.
There are two verses that come to mind in how we are to live in comparison to the world:
Luke 6:26 ESV
“…Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets…”
John 15:18-19 ESV
18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
Saints in our context are people that have struggles and difficulties, have disturbances at home, problems at work, and even trouble on all sides. Saints are everyday normal people, with one remarkable characteristic; they are different. As the saints at Ephesus faced everyday issues and challenges so do saints today. The difference is how we approach and handle these challenges and difficulties. Saints have a different lifestyle and will therefore live differently than the world.
As we wrap this message up I leave each of us with one question: Are you living differently?
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Heavenly Father thank you for your precious Word. Your Word is life and truth and food for my soul. Please wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me. Teach me to live according to Your will. That the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart would be pleasing to you. That I may live a life that is different and sanctified according to Your great mercy. That all who see me, will praise my Father in heaven. In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Unashamed Boldness and an Uncompromising Life (Daniel 1:8; 3:17-18)
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
——
Ephesians 1:1 ESV
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus…
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
Last time we only made it through the first word of our verse: Paul.
Let us continue in verse 1.
Paul, an apostle…
The word apostle comes from the greek word ‘apostolos’; which speaks of one sent forth from another, often representing a special commission sent by another to accomplish his work. The use of this word (apostolic) was used for ships that had a specific assignment or cargo set for a specific destination. ’Apostolos’ could have also been used for an admiral in charge of a fleet of ships who was sent with a specific purpose by his superior.
We see here that in the general sense anyone or anything can take on the word ‘apostle’ given the above parameters. However in the context Paul uses here (and throughout the New Testament) there is a very specific purpose, calling and sender in regards to an apostle.
…of Christ Jesus…
Paul is the messenger while Jesus Christ is the sender.
The title of apostle has been hijacked by others who claim to profess the name of Jesus. However the Apostle Peter gives us a description of what an apostle is, in the context of scripture and the church. This is the requirement in order to be an apostle then, and still stands today. So beware if anyone claims themself to be an apostle.
Acts 1:21-22 ESV
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”
Peter is defining an apostle as someone who has seen the risen Christ and who was sent forth by Him, and given the full authority of Christ.
Paul, the Apostle of Christ Jesus had first hand eye witness testimony of Jesus Christ in His resurrected form (Acts 9). So Paul meets the qualifications, but how do we know he was sent with a message? Let’s see what Paul says:
Galatians 1:12,15-16 ESV
12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ…15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone…
What’s so powerful is that Paul had every reason in human terms to elevate himself and boast of such a great honor. The introduction of Paul could have been: I Paul, an apostle hand picked by Christ Jesus by the will of God. Yet in his transformed heart, he knew his role in Christ. Paul knew who was God and who was not.
In fact Paul gives us a clear description of his view of this relationship, where most would boast, Paul remains humbled.
1 Corinthians 15:8-9 ESV
8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Paul considers himself the least of all Apostles, yet wrote most of the New Testament. Paul is a legacy of biblical truth echoed throughout the New Testament and defined by James and Peter:
James 4:6 ESV
6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 ESV
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Paul knew and lived out the secret to success in Christ. Humility.
Although you and I are not apostles under the qualifications that Paul had. You and I that have placed our faith in Christ are still called, chosen and being sent by Jesus Christ. As Paul represents the humility for complete surrender under the Lordship of Christ, so you and I are called to do the same. You and I are called to surrender all to Christ, (Luke 9:23) to turn from our sin and trust in the work of Jesus Christ. To be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).
If these things are true for you, then we too are messengers sent by God. Our message is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our assignment is to proclaim it to all the earth.
Mark 16:15 ESV
15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen (Galatians 6:18).
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Heavenly Father thank you for sending Your Son to die in my place, that His blood cleanses me of all my sin. That there is nothing I can do on my own for salvation. Jesus paid it all. Jesus paid the ultimate price for me. Thank you. Please help me to turn from any sin in my life. Please grow Your fruit in me that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart would be pleasing to You, my God. In Jesus name, Amen.
Going to try something a little different in our prayer request section. I want to keep this more of a revolving door of prayer. With the goal of opening our hearts and minds more to the needs around us, and to the heart of God towards His people.
When prayer requests are sent to me, I will still post them however I will cycle them on and off the current devotions. However I always maintain a prayer request list to always reference and pray through. Which if you don’t already do a prayer request list, I encourage you to do so. So although prayers may not be listed on the current devotion, that does not mean they are forgotten.
Let’s all labor to make prayer as common as breathing in our lives. We’re we live out the command to “pray at all times in the Spirit…(Ephesians 6:18)”
Prayer Requests:
- Love, joy, peace and unity within our own household; or even divided households.
- A personal hunger and thirst for the Word of God
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
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Ephesians 1:1 ESV
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus…
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
It has been almost two months since the last devotion was posted. Without boring you all with excuses, life can get sure busy and distracting. However I am excited to be more intentional in digging back into our Ephesians study. The treasures that await us are immeasurable and my prayer is that we each will deepen our relationship with the God of all creation through this study.
The last devotion posted was Ephesians: An Introduction. Click the link if you need to refresh on where we started. If not let us press on.
Something I did not mention in the introduction devotion was that this is an actual letter written to the church at Ephesus. Throughout the New Testament many of the books are actual letters to individuals or churches. What we will notice is that the format we recognize as a letter today, is very different than during this timeframe.
Starting in verse 1:
Paul…
Where today, we would start a letter with the recipients name and end with the authors name, these letters start with the authors name.
Who is this Paul? Maybe you know of him in great detail, maybe the name just sounds familiar.
The name Paul comes from the Latin word ‘paulos’; which means small or little. Which is kind of ironic because nothing about Paul’s personality, ministry or legacy left in this world represents anything small or little.
The Bible first introduces us to Paul here:
Acts 7:58 ESV
Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
You may be wondering why Paul is referred to as Saul in the above verse. Well there are some very interesting insights in regards to these names.
First of all there is no reference in the Bible of Jesus changing Saul’s name to Paul. Hebrew parents often gave their children a Hebrew name and a gentile name. Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his gentile name. Saul (or even Saul of Tarsus) is the name the Bible refers to him as from Acts 7:58 – Acts 13:9. Then the transition to Paul officially take place.
Let us take a look at these names and see if there is anything noteworthy we can find.
Philippians 3:5 ESV
…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee…
This description of Paul’s background is his official certificate, stamp and papers of being as being Hebrew as all Hebrew could be. In fact so true and devout to the tribe of Benjamin were Paul’s parents that they chose to name him Saul. Many of you may be familiar with the name Saul, let’s take a look at why this name is not only significantly Hebrew but distinguishably proud of the Benjamite lineage.
1 Samuel 9:1-2 ESV
There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. 2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people.
If you were wondering; Yes, this Saul is the same man who became the first earthly king of Israel.
Now if you and I were proud people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, strict in every way to the law and we were going to have a Son born to us. Could you think of a better more Jewish name than, Saul?
We have to try and understand a little bit about this culture and these people. Their lineage was everything. The tribes they belonged to represented everything that was sacred to them in an earthly sense, yet tied them to their creator.
Yet when Saul becomes Paul we see a radical shift in the meaning of names. One represents a deep attachment to culture, to race, to tribe, to physical prowess as seen in 1 Samuel, even royalty. Yet as learned earlier about the Latin origin of Paul, it means little or small.
The transformation of Paul from a proud, violent, zealous Jew to a humble, bold, recklessly compassionate follower of Christ is astounding and clearly a work of the Holy Spirit. Paul left us tons of evidence of this transformation as well.
Philippians 3:4-11 ESV
…though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Here we have in verses 4-6 the resume of resumes for a Jewish born Pharisee. As Paul says; I have all the more reason than anyone to have more confidence in my own flesh, in my own accomplishments, in my pedigree! Then he flips the entire script and says I count everything as loss! As rubbish! He says I have zero righteousness of my own doing or accomplishments! I am willing to suffer even like my Lord unto death, in fact by any means necessary! Wow! That is a radical transformation.
Titus 1:1 ESV
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ…
Philemon 1:1 ESV
Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus…
Here are two introductions that Paul uses about himself, for letters he has written that puts him in the lower classes of society of that day. This is so contrary to who the Bible shows us Saul was, in fact contrary to anyone that has the power, prestige, and education of a man like Saul.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ESV
19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. 21 To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
As with all scripture, this must be taken within its context and that is an entirely different study in itself. But for the sake of this devotion, we are looking at who Saul represented, and now who Paul is after being radically transformed by the Spirit of God. This is radical talk for any average Joe, but here we have someone that had the credentials Paul had. This kind of talk instantly ruined any Pharisee street credit. According to the examples Jesus gave us all through the gospels, the average Pharisee would never act or speak like this.
Although Paul had an extremely unique encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, the message of the gospel has that same transforming power for anyone. As we wrap up this devotion today let us meditate on what Christ did for sinners like Paul and like you and me.
What Jesus Christ did was the most radical act of love in the history of the world. Jesus Christ; sinless, perfect in every way, fully God and fully man gave His life for every enemy; past, present and future. Proclaiming to the world by his actions that if you put your faith in Him, He will not only forgive our sins, but us grant eternal life (John 3:16).
Next week we will continue on in verse 1.
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Heavenly Father help me to delight in the law of the Lord, help me to meditate on it day and night. That I may be like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in its season, having leaves that never wither and prospering in all I do (Psalm 1:1-3). In Jesus name, Amen.
Just a quick note to wish all of you and your families a very merry Christmas. May the goodness and faithfulness of God be upon each and every one of you and your families.
What a treasure we have all received in Jesus Christ, the savior of the world.
Matthew 1:21 ESV
“…She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”
Prayer Requests:
- Connor’s Family
- Lizzie – Burn Victim
- Ashley – Traumatic Brain Injury
- Derek’s Family
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
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Ephesians 1:1-2 ESV
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1)
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
Over the last few months we spent time studying and learning what God has for us in regards to putting on the Whole Armor of God. I learned a lot and I hope you did too.
One of the things I did learn is that the book of Ephesians is very systematic. We dove in to the last chapter and the last real practical teaching in that book. In fact by doing this I feel I did each of us a disservice. Ephesians really builds upon itself and therefore my goal over the next few months is to help all of us have a basic understanding of the entire book.
I am not sure how long this will take, but as I study this book my goal will be to condense what I learn into these devotions. So lets get started with an Introduction to this amazing epistle.
Who wrote Ephesians?
We find our answer to that question in verse 1 (and also in 3:1); Paul an Apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.
When did Paul write Ephesians?
Paul is believed to have written this epistle around A.D. 60-62 from his prison cell in Rome.
Who are the Ephesians?
The Ephesians were the people of the ancient city of Ephesus which was located in present day Turkey along the western edge. Ephesus was the principal city of Asia Minor at the time, and was well known for its trade and wealth. Ephesus was also well known for having the temple of Diana also called the temple of Artemis. This was the largest greek temple ever built and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
To say the Ephesians understood the glory, praise and splendor of a temple would be an understatement. Not only was this temple a major attraction for visitors and tourists, it was a huge part of trade, idolatry, craftsmanship and wealth that flourished in the city. So when Paul references the Church as a temple (Ephesians 2) the Ephesians had much experience and knowledge to draw from.
What is the central theme of Ephesians?
The book of Ephesians has 6 chapters, and can be split into two major segments. Chapters 1-3 are doctrinal teaching, where Paul gets into spiritual truths that are necessary for every believer to know and to understand. Then chapters 4-6 builds on this with the practical side of now applying these truths in our day to day lives.
Within these chapter divisions we find 6 themes from Paul; the Church is like a body, the Church is a Temple, the Church is a mystery, the Church is a New Man, the Church is referred to as the Bride, the Church is a Soldier.
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Heavenly Father thank you for Your Word. Thank you that Your Word is Truth. That I can rely on Your Word, count on Your Word and trust in Your Word. Please give me a greater understanding of Your Word and a greater desire for Your Word. I thank You and I praise You that You are God and that You chose me before the foundations of the world. In Jesus name Amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Connor’s Family
- Lizzie – Burn Victim
- Ashley – Traumatic Brain Injury
- Derek’s Family
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur – The Armor of God: Praying at All Times
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Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
So far we have gone through verses 10-17, and started verse 18. This week we will finish out verse 18.
The more I read this passage and verse, the more I study what Paul is actually saying here, the more I realize I am in over my head. There is so much being said here, there is so much context to understand here. One devotional falls extremely short from the depth and riches in this passage.
The above link is a message preached by Pastor John on this very verse, that will help give the broader context and fill the gaps I leave here. If this is an area you desire more understanding and equipping, the above message will greatly benefit you. With that being said, let us continue breaking down what is in front of us in verse 18.
Last week we broke down the first half of this verse. We learned that prayer is part of our armor and the importance of praying at all times. We also touched on what it means and looks like to pray in the Spirit. Jesus of course being the greatest example (Luke 22:41-42; Philippians 2:8).
To that end…
Other translations may have ‘with this in mind’ or ‘with this in view’. Basically reminding us to remember the context of not just this passage, but everything Paul has said here in Ephesians.
We are to keep in mind all that God has blessed you and I with (Ephesians 1), what His grace is and does (Ephesians 2). How we are to live and imitate God (Ephesians 4-5) in all that we do and in every relationship we have (Ephesians 5-6). “Finally”(v10), we are to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might and put on the whole armor of God.
…keep alert…
The greek word used here is ‘agrupneo’, which literally means to be awake, without sleep, like having insomnia. The present tense is used here, giving the believer the command that this is our way of living. In our context of prayer, this alertness is a sensitivity and strategic presence of knowing, meeting and/or praying for the needs around us.
Clearly insomnia would be very dangerous and unhealthy physically. What Paul wants our attention on is our spirituality. That our spiritual eyes and heart are always wide open, awake, alert, and continually on standby. It’s the idea of being constantly vigilant in our watchfulness. We never let our guard down, we don’t get overconfident in the flesh thinking we have the strength to not waver when temptation and sin could be lurking. As we have learned our enemy is a roaring lion seeking to kill and destroy (1 Peter 5:8, John 10:10).
The goal is not to be rule keepers and legalistic law abiders. Rather, as born again Christians, we walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16), we are to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and therefore enabling us to pray at all times in the Spirit (v18).
Maybe your wondering like me, what that looks like. How do I not be a strict law abider, following all the do’s and don’t of scripture; yet be led by God’s Spirit?
Great question. We learn how to do this by learning who God is through the study of His Word. For the Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), it is useful for correcting and equipping us (2 Timothy 3:16). That is why we need to mediate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8), and make it a part of our daily spiritual diet for survival (Matthew 4:4). Allowing the Word to renew our minds daily, not conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2).
This desire, this hunger drives us to keep alert (agrupneo).
…with all perseverance…
There is not much explanation needed for the word ‘all’ here. Biblically this is full surrender, full trust, ‘all in’ to God’s calling.
Perseverance comes form the greek word ‘proskarteresis’ which is to be strong, steadfast or firm. It gives us the ides of doing something with intense effort, not letting challenges or obstructions deter the effort and determination.
As I have heard before, a test of ones character is what it takes to stop him.
So how easily are you and I deterred from reading God’s Word? Praying for the needs of others? Praying for the salvation of others? Can you and I persevere through tiredness? Irritation? Frustration? Personal loss?
…making supplication for all the saints…
Supplication or petition is a word we covered earlier, from the greek word ‘deesis’. It is the idea of urgent requests exclusively made to God to meet a need.
What makes prayer so powerful in the life of a believer, is its the transforming humility that moves man from self-reliance to God-reliance. From self-supporting to God-supported. It is the conduit where God’s Spirit, mercy and grace can flow into the fleshly heart and mind of man. When man is too reliant in his own strength and wit there is no appeal or need to pray.
The word saints comes from the greek word ‘hagios’. It refers to holy ones, or ones set apart for a special purpose. As followers of Jesus we are called to be sanctified or set apart, that is our calling. So all those in Christ are saints, holy ones because of who Christ is and what He has done.
Since we know that we have an enemy seeking to destroy us. We also know that we need God’s armor to defend and attack against the schemes of our enemy. We now use prayer to engage in the warfare, not just for ourselves but for the saints. The saints we know personally and the saints we don’t know domestically, nationally and even globally.
We can be a unified front for the kingdom of God when we pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication, keeping alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
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Heavenly Father teach me to be more like You. Please give me a greater desire for You and Your Word. Teach me to pray in the Spirit at all times. Keep me alert with all perseverance. Give me a heart for the saints that I may always make supplication for them. So that Your name is glorified and Christ is exalted in all we do. In Jesus name, Amen.
Prayer Requests:
- Connor’s Family
- Lizzie – Burn Victim
- Ashley – Traumatic Brain Injury
- Derek’s Family
Updates:
Lizzie – its been a slow and painful recovery from another burn surgery. One area could possibly be infected which could potentially lead to another surgery. So we are continuing to pray for rapid healing, removal of pain and no infection. Most importantly that God will continue to draw her heart closer and closer to Him. Thank you Lord.
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Sermon of the Day:
John MacArthur Daily Broadcast
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Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…
Grace and Peace to you all. I hope and pray this message finds you well in the Lord Jesus Christ. To whom belongs all the glory, honor and praise both now and to the day of eternity.
So far we have gone through verses 10-17, this week we will start in verse 18.
As we close out our keynote passage it may appear that we have finished talking about the armor of God. However we would be amiss to think so. Not only does verse 18 give us the final aspect of God’s armor, even more so its the glue that binds it all together.
…praying at all times in the Spirit…
This is very consistent with everything Paul has pointed to all throughout the his writings in the New Testament. We are told to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), be devoted to prayer (Romans 12:12), to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).
Maybe your wondering why this command to pray at all times in the Spirit is added at the end of God’s Armor. Given everything we have learned so far and been commanded by Paul, how does this command bind it all together?
As we have stated many times already in this study, and I will unashamedly say again; we are in a battle; in fact it is a war. A spiritual war where souls are in the balance. God desires that all men are saved (1 Timothy 2:4), however our enemy the devil seeks to devour (2 Peter 5:8) and to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10).
If we attempt to enter or engage in this spiritual war with our natural strength we are already defeated. You and I will naturally operate in the flesh, God operates in Spirit. Our nature is carnal and fleshly so by default this is our operating system (Romans 6-7). When we are born again, or when we become a new creation in Christ, being saved by putting our faith and trust in who Jesus is, and what Jesus did (Ephesians 2:8-9). We now have the Holy Spirit living in us. As I recently heard in a sermon by Pastor John, our old nature is not removed, rather our new nature, is added (Ephesians 4:17-24).
What I am trying to say is that praying at all times in the Spirit does not come naturally. I’m sure many of you will agree with me, our fleshly nature is very good at trying to do things on our own. We love to be the master of our own ship, the captain at the helm which doesn’t leave much time for praying to the sovereign God of the universe. Who created all things including you and I.
So an intermittent, casual attempt at prayer will not suffice in the battle.
…with all prayer and supplication.
The greek word for prayer combines ‘proseuche’ which is the word to bring toward or before, plus ‘euchomai’ which is to pray or vow (‘proseuchomai’). The idea is to bring something forward, in this context with prayer it is to bring a prayer request. In early greek culture an offering was brought with a prayer for acceptance (in fact this is common practice for other cultures as well today. Like the Hawaiian culture still brings a physical offering to their gods). Things changed over time for the Christian and the thing brought before God was a prayer, where prayers appealed to God for His presence.
Supplication or in other translations petitions comes from the greek word ‘deesis’ which is to want, to beg, to pray. Making specific needs known, conveying an urgent request to meet those needs.
As we read this, I believe it is healthy to reflect on how we pray. Do we appeal or desire for God’s presence? Is our list of requests centered around ourselves? Are we open to God saying ‘No’ to our requests?
Or to think for some of us that maybe have been walking with the Lord for a while. Has our prayers changed over time? Has God’s desires become our desires? Or do our prayers still revolve around me and temporal things?
The more You and I spend time in God’s Word we get to know Him. We learn His commands, His principles, but more importantly we learn His heart. When we learn God’s heart more and more it transforms our prayers. Praying in the Spirit is not fighting for what I want, its seeking, surrendering and trusting in what God wants.
Jesus gave us the greatest example of this in the garden of Gethsemane.
Luke 22:41-42 ESV
And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”
Jesus put forth his requests, his prayer was for God the Father to remove the cup from Him. Remove the pain, remove what He was about to endure, remove the separation that was coming from God the Father. Basically, can we do this another way!
Yet, Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8).
This is an example of how to make our prayers and supplication known to God and praying in the Spirit. Willing to surrender our will over His will, knowing what His will is as it aligns with His Word.
For some of you Paul’s command here may be a well oiled machine by now. Always walking in the Spirit, praying at all times in the Spirit and growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. However, maybe some of us are not there and thats okay. The amazing thing is that if we desire to be there, and seek the Lord with all our heart, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
God sent His Son to die in our place (John 3:16), so that His blood would wash away all our sins. As far away as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). We also have eternal life through believing in who Jesus is and what He did for us (Ephesians 2:8-9). God did not leave us without direction or answers. Even when it comes to prayer, God wants us to know Him and make Him known. God sent us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit who is our counselor, our helper and will guide us into all truth (John 16:7-15). For He is the Spirit of Truth.
So again; let us pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
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Heavenly Father thank you for who You are. Thank you for loving me so much that You sent Your one and only Son to die a horrific death in my place. Thank you for sending Your Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me into all truth. Please teach me, please help me to learn how to pray at all time in the Spirit. Please help me to bring all prayer and all supplication before You with holy hands. Give me a soft heart, fully surrendered to Your will over my life. In Jesus name, Amen.
I-Challenge You 