Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (NIV)
Observation:
“17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,…”
Like Paul, I too am praying for you, the people of Rock Church to first of all receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and then for the Spirit of God to enlighten you, opening your eyes and your hearts to his plan for your life. And the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him above the heavenly realm is at work in you. Can you imagine the power of the Holy Spirit to move in people’s lives is available to all who believe that Jesus is the Christ. This power can move mountains and can influence lives all to the Glory of God! Do not be afraid to use the power of the Spirit in you to make a difference in this world.
Application:
The “Spirit of wisdom and revelation,” (Ephesians 1:17) The Spirit of God is given to every believer so that we might know God better. As we cooperate with God’s Spirit in us, God will reveal God’s Self to the believer so that the believer may be built up in their faith and actions. As we trust God and move in God’ Spirit we can be very powerful influencers in the world, bringing people to faith in God.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I give thanks for the people at Rock Church. I give thanks for their faith in you as Lord and God of their lives. My prayer is that the Power of the Holy Spirit in them will encourage them to be bold in their faith and cause their faith to move into action. All this through the Power and the Presence of Your Holy Spirit in them. Allow others that know them to know you as well because they will be able to see You in them. May we all be better reflections of your love, grace, and justice all to the Glory of God. Amen!