You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. – Ephesians 4:22-24
What an amazing passage!
The Greek expression Paul uses to describe our spiritual lives actually has to do with dressing and undressing. He is telling us to take off our old selves the way we would take off old dirty clothes and to put on our new selves as we would put on a new jacket or new pair of pants. Oh, if only it were that easy! The truth is that many of us still like our old ratty clothes. Even those of us who want to get rid of them and try to take them off, find that they cling tightly to us and are not as easy to get out of as we thought. Sometimes we try to put our new self on overtop of our old self, but that only gives us temporary, surface level changes. We find that we are really no different at all because our old smelly clothes are still there underneath the new ones, just as stinky and rotten as ever.
Spiritually speaking, we are not capable of undressing ourselves. Just like little children (see yesterday’s devotion) we need help to get undressed. Nobody has described this process better than C.S. Lewis in the third book of his Narnian Chronicles, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The following passages describe how the boy, Eustace Scrubb, who had become a dragon, finally got “undragoned”.
The water was as clear as anything and I thought if I could get in there and bathe, it would ease the pain in my leg. But the lion told me I must undress first… I suddenly thought that dragons are snaky sort of things and snakes can cast their skins. Oh, of course, thought I, that’s what the lion means. So I started scratching myself and my scales began coming off all over the place. And then I scratched a little deeper, and instead of just scales coming off here and there, my whole skin started peeling off beautifully, like it does after an illness or as if I was a banana. In a minute or two I just stepped out of it. I could see it lying there beside me, looking rather nasty. It was a most lovely feeling. So I started to go down into the well for my bathe.
But just as I was going to put my feet in the water I looked down and saw that they were all hard and rough and wrinkled and scaly just as they had been before. Oh, that’s all right, said I, it only means I had another smaller suit on underneath the first one, and I’ll have to get out of it too. So I scratched and tore again and this underskin peeled off beautifully and out I stepped and left it lying beside the other one and went down to the well for my bathe.
Well, exactly the same thing happened again. And I thought to myself, oh dear, however many skins have I got to take off? For I was longing to bathe my leg. So I scratched away for the third time and got off a third skin, just like the two others, and stepped out of it. But as soon as I looked at myself in the water I knew it had been no good.
Then the lion said… “You will have to let me undress you.” I was afraid of his claws, I can tell you, but I was pretty nearly desperate now. So I just lay flat down on my back to let him do it.
The very first tear he made was so deep that I thought it had gone right into my heart. And when he began pulling the skin off, it hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt. The only thing that made me able to bear it was just the pleasure of feeling the stuff peel off…he peeled the beastly stuff right off…and threw me into the water. It smarted like anything but only for a moment. After that it became perfectly delicious and as soon as I started swimming and splashing I found that all the pain had gone from my arm. And then I saw why. I’d turned into a boy again.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I am tired of wearing this old self around, and I am weary of trying to take off in my own strength. I want the new self that you have for me. I confess that I cannot even dress myself. Please help me to become the person you created me to be. Amen
Jeff Frazier
Thursday, April 29
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. – Ephesians 4:14-16
Did you notice that phrase; “we will in all things grow up”?
Do you want to grow up?
Parents don’t want to see their children grow up too soon. Parents worry about the loss of innocence and the passing of the childhood years, but kids are fascinated with the “grown-up” world and are anxious to get there. Of course there is a sense in which it is good for us to remain kids at heart. But there are many ways in which we all need to grow up! This is just as true for us spiritually as it is physically or emotionally.
Paul uses the image of being tossed about by the wind and waves to describe someone who is an infant or spiritually immature. I don’t know about you, but this is a very compelling image for me. I have often felt like I am being tossed about by the waves of others opinions, or blown off course by the temptations and distractions of daily life (I suspect I am not alone in this). Perhaps this is what the writer of Hebrews was getting at when he wrote, “We have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure…”(Heb.6:19)
So…how does growth happen? How do we grow up?
We talk about kids having “growth spurts”, but spiritually speaking, growth is usually something that does not take place suddenly or in spurts. It is a process, and sometimes a painstakingly slow one at that. I know many Christians who are greatly disturbed when they do not find themselves suddenly, remarkably, completely transformed into angelic creatures. They are upset when they find their old life, with all of its habits and temptations, still very much present.
Not only is growth a process, but it is ultimately God’s process! In other words, while we play a part in our growth, it is God who is the source of it. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul put it this way: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
It is good to know that my spiritual growth is not solely dependent on me! If it were simply up to us, there would be a lot more spiritual “cry babies” floating about on the waves of the world. But this does not mean that I have nothing to do with my growth at all. The Bible does not teach that we are to just sit back and wait for God to do everything. He calls and invites us into a relationship in which we have some work to do, a role to play. We are, in a sense, partners in this process of spiritual growth, with God of course retaining the controlling share in the partnership. Notice that Paul says, “We will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” He does not say that we hope to, or we might - he says we will! That should both comfort and challenge you.
It is comforting because God is at work growing us up into the kind of people he desires to be.
It is challenging because we are not yet the kind of people He desires us to be.
Take a few moments to reflect on the spiritual growth that has already taken place in your life…thank God for what He has done in you…
Take a few moments to consider the areas where you still need to “grow up”…ask God to give you the insight to see them clearly and the courage to address them with His help…
Prayer
Oh Father, I confess that in so many ways I am just like helpless little child. I am so easily tossed about and I often lose my way. I desperately need to grow up in You! Help me to cling to You and to see where You are at work helping me to grow. Thank You for not leaving me on my own! Amen.
Jeff Frazier
Did you notice that phrase; “we will in all things grow up”?
Do you want to grow up?
Parents don’t want to see their children grow up too soon. Parents worry about the loss of innocence and the passing of the childhood years, but kids are fascinated with the “grown-up” world and are anxious to get there. Of course there is a sense in which it is good for us to remain kids at heart. But there are many ways in which we all need to grow up! This is just as true for us spiritually as it is physically or emotionally.
Paul uses the image of being tossed about by the wind and waves to describe someone who is an infant or spiritually immature. I don’t know about you, but this is a very compelling image for me. I have often felt like I am being tossed about by the waves of others opinions, or blown off course by the temptations and distractions of daily life (I suspect I am not alone in this). Perhaps this is what the writer of Hebrews was getting at when he wrote, “We have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure…”(Heb.6:19)
So…how does growth happen? How do we grow up?
We talk about kids having “growth spurts”, but spiritually speaking, growth is usually something that does not take place suddenly or in spurts. It is a process, and sometimes a painstakingly slow one at that. I know many Christians who are greatly disturbed when they do not find themselves suddenly, remarkably, completely transformed into angelic creatures. They are upset when they find their old life, with all of its habits and temptations, still very much present.
Not only is growth a process, but it is ultimately God’s process! In other words, while we play a part in our growth, it is God who is the source of it. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul put it this way: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
It is good to know that my spiritual growth is not solely dependent on me! If it were simply up to us, there would be a lot more spiritual “cry babies” floating about on the waves of the world. But this does not mean that I have nothing to do with my growth at all. The Bible does not teach that we are to just sit back and wait for God to do everything. He calls and invites us into a relationship in which we have some work to do, a role to play. We are, in a sense, partners in this process of spiritual growth, with God of course retaining the controlling share in the partnership. Notice that Paul says, “We will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” He does not say that we hope to, or we might - he says we will! That should both comfort and challenge you.
It is comforting because God is at work growing us up into the kind of people he desires to be.
It is challenging because we are not yet the kind of people He desires us to be.
Take a few moments to reflect on the spiritual growth that has already taken place in your life…thank God for what He has done in you…
Take a few moments to consider the areas where you still need to “grow up”…ask God to give you the insight to see them clearly and the courage to address them with His help…
Prayer
Oh Father, I confess that in so many ways I am just like helpless little child. I am so easily tossed about and I often lose my way. I desperately need to grow up in You! Help me to cling to You and to see where You are at work helping me to grow. Thank You for not leaving me on my own! Amen.
Jeff Frazier
Wednesday, April 28
Begin your time with God today by reading and reflecting on this passage…
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. – Ephesians 4:7-13
Question: How is the church supposed to demonstrate the power of God and impact the world?
Is it by some miraculous, wonder-working, dramatic display of divine power? Is it something that captures the attention of the multitudes by miracles? Or is it by the power of big numbers and big budgets? Is it by shouting from the pulpits about how bad the world is today? Is it by exercising political power - getting people together to vote the same way and thus exert pressure upon the government to “do the right thing”? Is that the power of the church? Is it by joining picket lines and sit-ins and walk-outs and rise-ups? Is it by attending conventions and conferences devoted to discussions of various things and the passing of resolutions?
Notice that Paul does not waste time on any of these kinds of activities. He suggests very clearly that the power of the church lies first in the “One who ascended” – that’s Jesus! And second, the power of the church is in each Christian discovering and putting to use the spiritual gift that was given to them when they became a member of the body of Christ.
Ephesians talks a lot about our unity in the church, what we have in common and the power of community. But this does not mean that we are all clones or that we have no individual value. The great theologian Dr. Seuss once said, “You are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than You.”
One of the indications of our uniqueness is the particular shape of grace God gives to our lives. We are not clones; we are individuals with distinctive personalities and giftedness. There is no one who can say, “I have nothing to contribute to the whole”. It is not too strong to say we, as God’s people, will not be complete or mature if even one person opts out and keeps their gift to themselves.
Okay. So we are uniquely and individually gifted by God, but Paul says that our individual giftedness is for the common good. Peter makes the same point. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4: 10). So our gifts are ours uniquely, but all are given for the common good – in the context of our unity in Christ.
Do you see yourself as uniquely gifted by Christ? You are!
Ask God to give you the insight to identify the gifts He has given you.
Ask God to give you the courage to use your gifts for His glory.
Jeff Frazier
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. – Ephesians 4:7-13
Question: How is the church supposed to demonstrate the power of God and impact the world?
Is it by some miraculous, wonder-working, dramatic display of divine power? Is it something that captures the attention of the multitudes by miracles? Or is it by the power of big numbers and big budgets? Is it by shouting from the pulpits about how bad the world is today? Is it by exercising political power - getting people together to vote the same way and thus exert pressure upon the government to “do the right thing”? Is that the power of the church? Is it by joining picket lines and sit-ins and walk-outs and rise-ups? Is it by attending conventions and conferences devoted to discussions of various things and the passing of resolutions?
Notice that Paul does not waste time on any of these kinds of activities. He suggests very clearly that the power of the church lies first in the “One who ascended” – that’s Jesus! And second, the power of the church is in each Christian discovering and putting to use the spiritual gift that was given to them when they became a member of the body of Christ.
Ephesians talks a lot about our unity in the church, what we have in common and the power of community. But this does not mean that we are all clones or that we have no individual value. The great theologian Dr. Seuss once said, “You are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than You.”
One of the indications of our uniqueness is the particular shape of grace God gives to our lives. We are not clones; we are individuals with distinctive personalities and giftedness. There is no one who can say, “I have nothing to contribute to the whole”. It is not too strong to say we, as God’s people, will not be complete or mature if even one person opts out and keeps their gift to themselves.
Okay. So we are uniquely and individually gifted by God, but Paul says that our individual giftedness is for the common good. Peter makes the same point. “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4: 10). So our gifts are ours uniquely, but all are given for the common good – in the context of our unity in Christ.
Do you see yourself as uniquely gifted by Christ? You are!
Ask God to give you the insight to identify the gifts He has given you.
Ask God to give you the courage to use your gifts for His glory.
Jeff Frazier
Tuesday, April 27
There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. – Ephesians 4:4-6
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Christian denominations? Why so many different kinds of churches?
The British journalist and author Malcom Muggeridge once said that we should view these differences as the different branches of the same tree or different regiments of the same army.
On one hand, there is a sense in which it can be a good thing that we have a variety of traditions, styles of worship and expressions of our faith. But on the other hand, there has certainly been an awful lot of conflict, bitterness, tension and even violence between those claiming to follow Christ throughout the history of the church. I sometimes wonder if God isn’t looking down at all of these silly divisions and infighting and shaking His head thinking “what a mess?” But of course God is bigger than all of our petty squabbles and He is able to build His church and advance His kingdom despite the failures of His people.
This is precisely Paul’s point here in Ephesians 4. He is saying that there is oneness that transcends all of the surface level differences. Catholic - Protestant, conservative - liberal, traditional - contemporary, pipe organ – electric guitar, King James Bible – New Living Bible, stained glass – stained jeans … the list goes on and on. Of course there are some things that we cannot and should not overlook, some things that actually should cause us to divide. There are some beliefs and some behaviors that simply do not belong in the church. The trick is to know the difference! We need the wisdom and grace of the Holy Spirit for this, and even when we disagree or divide, we must remain “completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Eph. 4:1)
The simple truth is that none of us has it all perfectly right when it comes to God. There is no single church or denomination that has a monopoly on the truth (even though some of them say they do). We are all, at best, incomplete and imperfect reflections of who God is and what He wants His people to be.
Paul sums it all up for us in verse 6 when he says that there is “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” All the rest is, as Peter puts it, "in order to bring us to God," (1 Peter 3:18). He is the goal and the aim! As Paul puts it here in Ephesians 4, He is above all, and through all, and in all. He is the end and the beginning; He is the beginning and the end. All things exist because of Him, all things are trending toward Him, all things originated from Him. The mark that we have found him is that we recognize Him as Father, we call Him father. Paul puts it this way in Romans 8, “…but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’”. (Romans 8:15).
The next time you drive by a church, any Christian church, take a moment to pray for the Christians who worship there and thank God that He is bigger than all of our differences and divisions.
Jeff Frazier
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Christian denominations? Why so many different kinds of churches?
The British journalist and author Malcom Muggeridge once said that we should view these differences as the different branches of the same tree or different regiments of the same army.
On one hand, there is a sense in which it can be a good thing that we have a variety of traditions, styles of worship and expressions of our faith. But on the other hand, there has certainly been an awful lot of conflict, bitterness, tension and even violence between those claiming to follow Christ throughout the history of the church. I sometimes wonder if God isn’t looking down at all of these silly divisions and infighting and shaking His head thinking “what a mess?” But of course God is bigger than all of our petty squabbles and He is able to build His church and advance His kingdom despite the failures of His people.
This is precisely Paul’s point here in Ephesians 4. He is saying that there is oneness that transcends all of the surface level differences. Catholic - Protestant, conservative - liberal, traditional - contemporary, pipe organ – electric guitar, King James Bible – New Living Bible, stained glass – stained jeans … the list goes on and on. Of course there are some things that we cannot and should not overlook, some things that actually should cause us to divide. There are some beliefs and some behaviors that simply do not belong in the church. The trick is to know the difference! We need the wisdom and grace of the Holy Spirit for this, and even when we disagree or divide, we must remain “completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Eph. 4:1)
The simple truth is that none of us has it all perfectly right when it comes to God. There is no single church or denomination that has a monopoly on the truth (even though some of them say they do). We are all, at best, incomplete and imperfect reflections of who God is and what He wants His people to be.
Paul sums it all up for us in verse 6 when he says that there is “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” All the rest is, as Peter puts it, "in order to bring us to God," (1 Peter 3:18). He is the goal and the aim! As Paul puts it here in Ephesians 4, He is above all, and through all, and in all. He is the end and the beginning; He is the beginning and the end. All things exist because of Him, all things are trending toward Him, all things originated from Him. The mark that we have found him is that we recognize Him as Father, we call Him father. Paul puts it this way in Romans 8, “…but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father’”. (Romans 8:15).
The next time you drive by a church, any Christian church, take a moment to pray for the Christians who worship there and thank God that He is bigger than all of our differences and divisions.
Jeff Frazier
Monday, April 26
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. – Ephesians 4:1-2
Remember that this letter to the Ephesians was written from the city of Rome where Paul was imprisoned and awaiting trial before the emperor on charges of inciting riots, with the implication even of treason against the emperor himself. Paul was actually chained to a Roman guard day and night. He was the personal prisoner of Emperor Nero, but he never refers to himself as the prisoner of Caesar. He often refers to himself as a prisoner of the Lord. He saw beyond the chains, and the guard, and the imperial processes of justice, to the sovereign hand of Jesus Christ behind all things.
The chapter we will be reading, praying and reflecting on this week is Ephesians 4. It is often titled “Unity in the Body” or “Unity in the Church”, and it is all about the importance of unity among God’s people. But look closely at how Paul begins this chapter. He begins with a personal and individual encouragement and challenge.
What does Paul say is the starting point for unity in the Body of Christ?
He says that unity starts in the individual heart! In other words, unity begins in you!
Unity begins with a humble, gentle and patient spirit in each of us. Notice that Paul does not say we must agree with one another on every issue. He does not urge us to join the same political party or ascribe to the same economic or social ideologies. In fact, Paul says that we are to bear with one another in love. This clearly implies that we will not all agree on all things (if we did, we would have nothing to bear with one another about).
Our politicians talk a lot about the need for unity in our country and bipartisan legislation. But when was the last time you saw any political debate in which you could describe either side as completely humble, gentle, patient and bearing with the other side? (It doesn’t happen!)
How many disputes between neighbors, or fights between family members, or lawsuits between former friends could be avoided if the individuals lived the kind of life that Paul is describing? The fact is that we see disunity all around us today because we do not live this way.
But the church is supposed to be different. The Body of Christ is supposed to operate by a different standard or code. Our unity does not come from a denominational standard or a church program or a clever slogan. Our unity comes from our attitude toward each other, and our attitude comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our example of humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with others in love!
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:5-8
Oh Lord, teach us to live our lives in a manner worthy of You! Give us Your Spirit to teach us to be humble and gentle with one another. Help us in this world of disunity to be an example of Your grace and love. – Amen.
Jeff Frazier
Remember that this letter to the Ephesians was written from the city of Rome where Paul was imprisoned and awaiting trial before the emperor on charges of inciting riots, with the implication even of treason against the emperor himself. Paul was actually chained to a Roman guard day and night. He was the personal prisoner of Emperor Nero, but he never refers to himself as the prisoner of Caesar. He often refers to himself as a prisoner of the Lord. He saw beyond the chains, and the guard, and the imperial processes of justice, to the sovereign hand of Jesus Christ behind all things.
The chapter we will be reading, praying and reflecting on this week is Ephesians 4. It is often titled “Unity in the Body” or “Unity in the Church”, and it is all about the importance of unity among God’s people. But look closely at how Paul begins this chapter. He begins with a personal and individual encouragement and challenge.
What does Paul say is the starting point for unity in the Body of Christ?
He says that unity starts in the individual heart! In other words, unity begins in you!
Unity begins with a humble, gentle and patient spirit in each of us. Notice that Paul does not say we must agree with one another on every issue. He does not urge us to join the same political party or ascribe to the same economic or social ideologies. In fact, Paul says that we are to bear with one another in love. This clearly implies that we will not all agree on all things (if we did, we would have nothing to bear with one another about).
Our politicians talk a lot about the need for unity in our country and bipartisan legislation. But when was the last time you saw any political debate in which you could describe either side as completely humble, gentle, patient and bearing with the other side? (It doesn’t happen!)
How many disputes between neighbors, or fights between family members, or lawsuits between former friends could be avoided if the individuals lived the kind of life that Paul is describing? The fact is that we see disunity all around us today because we do not live this way.
But the church is supposed to be different. The Body of Christ is supposed to operate by a different standard or code. Our unity does not come from a denominational standard or a church program or a clever slogan. Our unity comes from our attitude toward each other, and our attitude comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our example of humility, gentleness, patience and bearing with others in love!
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death — even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:5-8
Oh Lord, teach us to live our lives in a manner worthy of You! Give us Your Spirit to teach us to be humble and gentle with one another. Help us in this world of disunity to be an example of Your grace and love. – Amen.
Jeff Frazier
Friday, April 23
Ephesians 1:18-23
I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
As children, we all inherit certain things from our parents. We inherit, for example, certain physical or genetic traits – like red hair or brown eyes. We can also inherit certain emotional or personality traits – like a sense of humor or a quick temper. One day, when our parents die, we might stand to inherit material wealth as well. Here Paul begins to describe our inheritance as the adopted children of God himself.
He says God has called us in hope to a “glorious inheritance” – which refers to heaven itself. We have the great hope of eternal life in the presence of our risen King Jesus!
But even before we enter our eternal home, God intends for his power to be available to us now. We have inherited, he says, “his incomparably great power for us who believe.” He goes on to describe that power as being like the power God used when he raised Jesus from the dead. What can that possibly mean for us?
It means that the same power that brought death to life in the resurrection of Jesus can bring death to life in each one of us! It means that by faith God has given us new life where sin had only brought death to our souls. It means that by his power God can bring joy where there was sadness and hope where there was despair. It means that he has granted each one of us power to withstand the temptations and discouragements of our enemy, Satan. It means that we have the power to endure the trials, pain and hardship that might come our way in this life. It means his power is ours – and it is our rightful inheritance as his chosen children!
The third part of our inheritance is often overlooked. Paul writes, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” He is saying that part of our inheritance is the church! Paul is reminding us that “church” is not a place we go once a week to sing songs and hear (hopefully) an inspirational message! The “church” is something we are. By the gracious will of God you and I have been chosen to be part of his body in the world! We have the almost unimaginable privilege of representing our risen and exalted Lord to the world around us – and to each other.
As you close your time with God this week – thank him for choosing you to be his child! Thank him for your inheritance! And ask him to enable you to experience his power in your life and his power in the church – of which you are a vital and irreplaceable part!
Brian Coffey
I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
As children, we all inherit certain things from our parents. We inherit, for example, certain physical or genetic traits – like red hair or brown eyes. We can also inherit certain emotional or personality traits – like a sense of humor or a quick temper. One day, when our parents die, we might stand to inherit material wealth as well. Here Paul begins to describe our inheritance as the adopted children of God himself.
He says God has called us in hope to a “glorious inheritance” – which refers to heaven itself. We have the great hope of eternal life in the presence of our risen King Jesus!
But even before we enter our eternal home, God intends for his power to be available to us now. We have inherited, he says, “his incomparably great power for us who believe.” He goes on to describe that power as being like the power God used when he raised Jesus from the dead. What can that possibly mean for us?
It means that the same power that brought death to life in the resurrection of Jesus can bring death to life in each one of us! It means that by faith God has given us new life where sin had only brought death to our souls. It means that by his power God can bring joy where there was sadness and hope where there was despair. It means that he has granted each one of us power to withstand the temptations and discouragements of our enemy, Satan. It means that we have the power to endure the trials, pain and hardship that might come our way in this life. It means his power is ours – and it is our rightful inheritance as his chosen children!
The third part of our inheritance is often overlooked. Paul writes, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” He is saying that part of our inheritance is the church! Paul is reminding us that “church” is not a place we go once a week to sing songs and hear (hopefully) an inspirational message! The “church” is something we are. By the gracious will of God you and I have been chosen to be part of his body in the world! We have the almost unimaginable privilege of representing our risen and exalted Lord to the world around us – and to each other.
As you close your time with God this week – thank him for choosing you to be his child! Thank him for your inheritance! And ask him to enable you to experience his power in your life and his power in the church – of which you are a vital and irreplaceable part!
Brian Coffey
Thursday, April 22
Ephesians 1:15-19
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in all my prayers. 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. I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Most surveys on this sort of thing indicate that the overwhelming majority of Americans claim to pray every day. Chances are you will direct your thoughts and words toward God in prayer on at least several occasions today.
But the question is “What do we pray about?” or “Who do we pray for?”
Here we get a glimpse into the prayer life of the Apostle Paul himself.
Notice that Paul does not pray for himself; he does not pray that he will be released from prison; he does not ask that the Ephesians pray for him – rather he prays for them!
He prays three ways: first he gives thanks for his Ephesian brothers and sisters and for their faith in Christ. Next, he asks that the Holy Spirit will enable them to grow in their relationship with God. And finally, he prays that their hearts would be open to seeing and realizing the hope and power that is theirs as his children.
What do you think it would mean to these young Christians to know that Paul was thinking of them and praying for them?
The pastors and ministry staff of FBCG gather weekly for a staff meeting – and part of that meeting is devoted to prayer. We pray for the requests that come to us through the “connection cards” that are filled out during our weekend worship services. We also pray for our church family as a whole. Every month our Executive Council – the senior lay leaders of FBCG – also devote part of our monthly meeting to prayer on behalf of our congregation. Hardly a week goes by that I do not receive a note from someone who is reminding me that they are praying for me as pastor.
What a gift God has given us in prayer!
Who do you have in your life that you know prays for you? A friend? A faithful mom or dad? Take the opportunity this week to thank them for their prayers! And who do you pray for regularly? Take the time to send those folks a note – email or old fashioned mail – to let them know you are praying for them.
As you close your time with God today – thank him for the gift of prayer, for the people who remember you in their prayers, and ask him to remind you often to pray for others!
Brian Coffey
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in all my prayers. 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. I pray also 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 the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
Most surveys on this sort of thing indicate that the overwhelming majority of Americans claim to pray every day. Chances are you will direct your thoughts and words toward God in prayer on at least several occasions today.
But the question is “What do we pray about?” or “Who do we pray for?”
Here we get a glimpse into the prayer life of the Apostle Paul himself.
Notice that Paul does not pray for himself; he does not pray that he will be released from prison; he does not ask that the Ephesians pray for him – rather he prays for them!
He prays three ways: first he gives thanks for his Ephesian brothers and sisters and for their faith in Christ. Next, he asks that the Holy Spirit will enable them to grow in their relationship with God. And finally, he prays that their hearts would be open to seeing and realizing the hope and power that is theirs as his children.
What do you think it would mean to these young Christians to know that Paul was thinking of them and praying for them?
The pastors and ministry staff of FBCG gather weekly for a staff meeting – and part of that meeting is devoted to prayer. We pray for the requests that come to us through the “connection cards” that are filled out during our weekend worship services. We also pray for our church family as a whole. Every month our Executive Council – the senior lay leaders of FBCG – also devote part of our monthly meeting to prayer on behalf of our congregation. Hardly a week goes by that I do not receive a note from someone who is reminding me that they are praying for me as pastor.
What a gift God has given us in prayer!
Who do you have in your life that you know prays for you? A friend? A faithful mom or dad? Take the opportunity this week to thank them for their prayers! And who do you pray for regularly? Take the time to send those folks a note – email or old fashioned mail – to let them know you are praying for them.
As you close your time with God today – thank him for the gift of prayer, for the people who remember you in their prayers, and ask him to remind you often to pray for others!
Brian Coffey
Wednesday, April 21
Ephesians 1:11-14
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything to conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.
Again, three words should grab your attention today!
“Heard.”
“Believed.”
“Sealed.”
Paul here has outlined three spiritual events in the life of every believer.
First, he says, “you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.”
Can you recall when you first really heard the gospel?
Was it in Sunday School?
Was it at a Billy Graham crusade?
Was it listening to a preacher on the radio?
But somewhere, somehow, you heard!
And when you heard you believed. That’s the second event in spiritual conversion.
What does it mean to believe?
In the sense Paul means it here to believe is more than to understand intellectually that something is true. I can believe honey is sweet without ever making the effort to actually taste it for myself. But once I actually commit to putting the honey to my lips I believe that honey is sweet. To believe means to understand something is true then to trust that truth enough to commit both your heart and your life to it.
For many of us the moment we heard is closely connected to the moment we believed. But for others many years may have passed between hearing and believing. What is your story? Once you heard – did you move to belief easily or did you have to overcome many barriers to complete faith?
After hearing and believing – Paul says you are “sealed.”
For me, this is the most interesting and powerful of the three words we are thinking about today! “Sealed” is the word Paul uses to describe the activity of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer. It’s a word that would have been used in a business contract in the ancient world – to seal a contract was to come to a binding agreement. Paul is saying that God’s way of “sealing the deal” with us is to send his Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts by faith.
Think about that for a moment!
Paul is saying that at the moment you believed – the Holy Spirit of God took up residence in your heart as a guarantee of both your new relationship with him and your eternal inheritance in heaven.
You might have felt this as a powerful and even very emotional moment. You may not even be aware that it happened – but it did. By faith your heart was sealed by God himself – and the Holy Spirit lives in you!
Brian Coffey
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything to conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.
Again, three words should grab your attention today!
“Heard.”
“Believed.”
“Sealed.”
Paul here has outlined three spiritual events in the life of every believer.
First, he says, “you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.”
Can you recall when you first really heard the gospel?
Was it in Sunday School?
Was it at a Billy Graham crusade?
Was it listening to a preacher on the radio?
But somewhere, somehow, you heard!
And when you heard you believed. That’s the second event in spiritual conversion.
What does it mean to believe?
In the sense Paul means it here to believe is more than to understand intellectually that something is true. I can believe honey is sweet without ever making the effort to actually taste it for myself. But once I actually commit to putting the honey to my lips I believe that honey is sweet. To believe means to understand something is true then to trust that truth enough to commit both your heart and your life to it.
For many of us the moment we heard is closely connected to the moment we believed. But for others many years may have passed between hearing and believing. What is your story? Once you heard – did you move to belief easily or did you have to overcome many barriers to complete faith?
After hearing and believing – Paul says you are “sealed.”
For me, this is the most interesting and powerful of the three words we are thinking about today! “Sealed” is the word Paul uses to describe the activity of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer. It’s a word that would have been used in a business contract in the ancient world – to seal a contract was to come to a binding agreement. Paul is saying that God’s way of “sealing the deal” with us is to send his Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts by faith.
Think about that for a moment!
Paul is saying that at the moment you believed – the Holy Spirit of God took up residence in your heart as a guarantee of both your new relationship with him and your eternal inheritance in heaven.
You might have felt this as a powerful and even very emotional moment. You may not even be aware that it happened – but it did. By faith your heart was sealed by God himself – and the Holy Spirit lives in you!
Brian Coffey
Tuesday, April 20
Ephesians 1:4-7
In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
There are three words (at least) that capture my attention when I read these two sentences. The first word – “predestined” – is a mind-bending theological term that refers to the sovereign will of an omniscient and omnipotent God. Scholars have debated the meaning of the word for centuries and will continue to do so because the word itself is beyond human capacity to understand. In simplest terms it means God does what his will and pleasure demands – and yet allows for human freedom and responsibility. This is a great mystery.
The second word is much more personal – “adopted.” I can remember learning that my best friend in grade school was adopted. Since I was raised by my biological parents, the concept of adoption was foreign to me. But I soon simply accepted that my friend was just like me in that he had a home, a family and parents who loved him like my parents loved me.
To be adopted means to be both chosen and accepted by a new family. In the ancient Roman world it was often a slave child who was adopted into a free family. When this occurred, it meant that the adopted child was completely free from any debts or obligations from his or her previous family, and he or she received all the rights and privileges of the new family.
What a powerful image for what God has done in Christ for each one of us. We were once slaves to sin and death, but by his choice and love have been adopted into a new spiritual family – with a new Father. We have received a new identity in him and have new rights and privileges as his children!
The third word is intensely personal and emotional – “lavished.” When I think of the word “lavish” – I think of how we treat our children on their birthdays. We lavish them with attention and gifts – after all, it is their special day! I think of how grandparents often treat grandchildren – lavishing them with love and affection.
So what does God lavish upon us as his adopted children?
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
God, the proud and loving father, lavishes on his children the riches of his grace – the forgiveness of sins.
Before you end your time with God today – picture yourself standing under a gentle but overwhelming waterfall of his grace – as he lavishes on you his love and forgiveness!
Brian Coffey
In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
There are three words (at least) that capture my attention when I read these two sentences. The first word – “predestined” – is a mind-bending theological term that refers to the sovereign will of an omniscient and omnipotent God. Scholars have debated the meaning of the word for centuries and will continue to do so because the word itself is beyond human capacity to understand. In simplest terms it means God does what his will and pleasure demands – and yet allows for human freedom and responsibility. This is a great mystery.
The second word is much more personal – “adopted.” I can remember learning that my best friend in grade school was adopted. Since I was raised by my biological parents, the concept of adoption was foreign to me. But I soon simply accepted that my friend was just like me in that he had a home, a family and parents who loved him like my parents loved me.
To be adopted means to be both chosen and accepted by a new family. In the ancient Roman world it was often a slave child who was adopted into a free family. When this occurred, it meant that the adopted child was completely free from any debts or obligations from his or her previous family, and he or she received all the rights and privileges of the new family.
What a powerful image for what God has done in Christ for each one of us. We were once slaves to sin and death, but by his choice and love have been adopted into a new spiritual family – with a new Father. We have received a new identity in him and have new rights and privileges as his children!
The third word is intensely personal and emotional – “lavished.” When I think of the word “lavish” – I think of how we treat our children on their birthdays. We lavish them with attention and gifts – after all, it is their special day! I think of how grandparents often treat grandchildren – lavishing them with love and affection.
So what does God lavish upon us as his adopted children?
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
God, the proud and loving father, lavishes on his children the riches of his grace – the forgiveness of sins.
Before you end your time with God today – picture yourself standing under a gentle but overwhelming waterfall of his grace – as he lavishes on you his love and forgiveness!
Brian Coffey
Monday, April 19
Ephesians 1:1-3
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Can you remember the days when people actually wrote letters instead of email or Facebook messages? Can you remember ever saving a letter? I have a couple of boxes in my attic that are filled with letters I have saved for over 25 years. In almost every case I saved those letters because both the person who wrote the letter and the content of the letter was very special to me. So it is a letter we are studying in our current message series, “The Call of Hope: Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians.”
Ephesus was an ancient city not unlike modern day Chicago. A significant economic and cultural center of the great Roman Empire, Ephesus was filled with magnificent buildings, important people and diverse religious and philosophical world views.
As he writes this letter, Paul is in prison. But he wants to send both encouragement and spiritual instruction to the young Christians in Ephesus – to the church that he had personally planted and established several years before.
Notice in the opening words of his letter, Paul establishes both his own authority – “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” – and the identity of his readers – “the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
Then he immediately reminds them of their status before God. They have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing in Christ” – for “he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”
Think for just a moment about what it means to be “chosen by God.”
I told the story in last week’s message about the father who often said to his son at bedtime, “if I could line up all the little boys of the world and then choose one to be my son - I would choose you!” To be chosen is to belong to someone. To be chosen is to feel special to someone. To be chosen is to be loved by someone. Paul is reminding his dear friends in Ephesus – and he is reminding you – that you have also been chosen by God! God wants you to belong to him. He wants you to know you are loved by him. And he wants you to be special – “holy and blameless in his sight.”
With that as an introduction to this letter, it’s easy for me to see why the Ephesians saved this letter to read again and again! Take a few moments to read again those few verses – and ask God to help you grasp in a deeply personal way what it means to be blessed and chosen by him.
Brian Coffey
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Can you remember the days when people actually wrote letters instead of email or Facebook messages? Can you remember ever saving a letter? I have a couple of boxes in my attic that are filled with letters I have saved for over 25 years. In almost every case I saved those letters because both the person who wrote the letter and the content of the letter was very special to me. So it is a letter we are studying in our current message series, “The Call of Hope: Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians.”
Ephesus was an ancient city not unlike modern day Chicago. A significant economic and cultural center of the great Roman Empire, Ephesus was filled with magnificent buildings, important people and diverse religious and philosophical world views.
As he writes this letter, Paul is in prison. But he wants to send both encouragement and spiritual instruction to the young Christians in Ephesus – to the church that he had personally planted and established several years before.
Notice in the opening words of his letter, Paul establishes both his own authority – “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God” – and the identity of his readers – “the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
Then he immediately reminds them of their status before God. They have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing in Christ” – for “he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”
Think for just a moment about what it means to be “chosen by God.”
I told the story in last week’s message about the father who often said to his son at bedtime, “if I could line up all the little boys of the world and then choose one to be my son - I would choose you!” To be chosen is to belong to someone. To be chosen is to feel special to someone. To be chosen is to be loved by someone. Paul is reminding his dear friends in Ephesus – and he is reminding you – that you have also been chosen by God! God wants you to belong to him. He wants you to know you are loved by him. And he wants you to be special – “holy and blameless in his sight.”
With that as an introduction to this letter, it’s easy for me to see why the Ephesians saved this letter to read again and again! Take a few moments to read again those few verses – and ask God to help you grasp in a deeply personal way what it means to be blessed and chosen by him.
Brian Coffey
Friday, April 16
How would you describe your church to someone who didn’t know anything about it?
Would you begin by describing the building? Would you talk about the style of music? Would you describe the various ministries and programs of your church? Maybe you would talk about its’ history and denominational background? Perhaps you would mention the preaching and theological convictions of your church?
Read the following description that the apostle Paul gives for the church…
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Paul uses images like fellow citizens, family members, and building blocks to describe the church. However, the whole time he is talking about people. It is the people that make up the church! The church is not the preaching or the programs or the music or even the building – it is the people!
We dare not look for a “perfect church”, because it doesn’t exist. Do you know why the perfect church does not exist? Because there are people in it!
I have a friend in ministry who is fond of saying “If you find the perfect church, you better not go there, because you will screw it up.”
The church in which God dwells is not some ideal, universal, invisible group of people who behave as we think they should. No, the church is the local gathering of God’s people with all its cranks and hypocrites, sinners and saints. We are being built together, we are under construction, and we are becoming what God wants us to be by His grace. Whether the local assembly looks the way we think it should or not, it is God’s temple and we are part of it.
Ask God to help you grasp that you are a fellow citizen and a family member with all of the people you sit with, sing with, serve with and share with each week.
Take a few moments to thank God for your church…Thank Him for making you a part of His Temple!
Prayer:
Father, grant that we your people will be a temple worthy of you, and may your Holy Spirit be so at home in us that the world will long to join us in being a people amongst whom you live and work and express your love. – Amen.
Jeff Frazier
Would you begin by describing the building? Would you talk about the style of music? Would you describe the various ministries and programs of your church? Maybe you would talk about its’ history and denominational background? Perhaps you would mention the preaching and theological convictions of your church?
Read the following description that the apostle Paul gives for the church…
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:19-22
Paul uses images like fellow citizens, family members, and building blocks to describe the church. However, the whole time he is talking about people. It is the people that make up the church! The church is not the preaching or the programs or the music or even the building – it is the people!
We dare not look for a “perfect church”, because it doesn’t exist. Do you know why the perfect church does not exist? Because there are people in it!
I have a friend in ministry who is fond of saying “If you find the perfect church, you better not go there, because you will screw it up.”
The church in which God dwells is not some ideal, universal, invisible group of people who behave as we think they should. No, the church is the local gathering of God’s people with all its cranks and hypocrites, sinners and saints. We are being built together, we are under construction, and we are becoming what God wants us to be by His grace. Whether the local assembly looks the way we think it should or not, it is God’s temple and we are part of it.
Ask God to help you grasp that you are a fellow citizen and a family member with all of the people you sit with, sing with, serve with and share with each week.
Take a few moments to thank God for your church…Thank Him for making you a part of His Temple!
Prayer:
Father, grant that we your people will be a temple worthy of you, and may your Holy Spirit be so at home in us that the world will long to join us in being a people amongst whom you live and work and express your love. – Amen.
Jeff Frazier
Thursday, April 15
Begin your time with God by reading these verses from Ephesians 2:14-18…
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
What is Peace?
We generally tend to think of peace as the absence of conflict. We think of it purely in circumstantial terms, like this is a peaceful evening, or we had a nice peaceful dinner. But Paul seems to be talking about a different kind of peace in this passage.
As a pastor, I sometimes meet with people who are in conflict with someone. They will talk about all of the wrongs that person has done and all of the reasons they are justified in being so upset and angry with them. They talk as if their peace depends solely on what the other person does. They say things like, “If they will apologize, if they will make it right, then I could have peace.”
But peace from the Biblical perspective is something much deeper than external circumstances or the mere absence of conflict. True peace is oneness with Jesus Christ. Anything else is superficial and temporary. Deep down, we know this to be true.
This is why what we call peace among nations never lasts--because it isn't really peace. It isn't oneness at all. It is only weariness with warfare, an agreement to stop it for awhile until we can all recuperate and rearm. Then it breaks out all over again, because nothing is ever settled.
But here Paul gives us the secret of peace – Oneness. The secret of oneness is a Person: “he himself is our peace.” What Paul is saying is that in order to live at peace, you must have peace.
The problem with most of us is that we want to start by trying to clear up only the results of conflict. God never starts there; He starts with the person. He says peace is a Person, and in order for you to live at peace with someone else, you must be at peace with the Person of Christ. If you have His peace, then you can start solving the conflict around you. So the place to start, the origin of peace, is the settling of any problems between you and Jesus Christ.
Spend a few moments thanking God for the peace you have in Jesus Christ…
Bring to mind anyone or any circumstance with which you do not feel at peace…
Ask Him to help you let go of the desire to control the person or situation…
Ask God to remind you that He is your peace regardless of your circumstances…
Prayer:
Oh Father I praise you for the peace you have given me in Jesus Christ. Forgive me for trying to manipulate and control others and myself. Teach me to rest in the peace that comes from knowing and trusting in you – Amen.
Jeff Frazier
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
What is Peace?
We generally tend to think of peace as the absence of conflict. We think of it purely in circumstantial terms, like this is a peaceful evening, or we had a nice peaceful dinner. But Paul seems to be talking about a different kind of peace in this passage.
As a pastor, I sometimes meet with people who are in conflict with someone. They will talk about all of the wrongs that person has done and all of the reasons they are justified in being so upset and angry with them. They talk as if their peace depends solely on what the other person does. They say things like, “If they will apologize, if they will make it right, then I could have peace.”
But peace from the Biblical perspective is something much deeper than external circumstances or the mere absence of conflict. True peace is oneness with Jesus Christ. Anything else is superficial and temporary. Deep down, we know this to be true.
This is why what we call peace among nations never lasts--because it isn't really peace. It isn't oneness at all. It is only weariness with warfare, an agreement to stop it for awhile until we can all recuperate and rearm. Then it breaks out all over again, because nothing is ever settled.
But here Paul gives us the secret of peace – Oneness. The secret of oneness is a Person: “he himself is our peace.” What Paul is saying is that in order to live at peace, you must have peace.
The problem with most of us is that we want to start by trying to clear up only the results of conflict. God never starts there; He starts with the person. He says peace is a Person, and in order for you to live at peace with someone else, you must be at peace with the Person of Christ. If you have His peace, then you can start solving the conflict around you. So the place to start, the origin of peace, is the settling of any problems between you and Jesus Christ.
Spend a few moments thanking God for the peace you have in Jesus Christ…
Bring to mind anyone or any circumstance with which you do not feel at peace…
Ask Him to help you let go of the desire to control the person or situation…
Ask God to remind you that He is your peace regardless of your circumstances…
Prayer:
Oh Father I praise you for the peace you have given me in Jesus Christ. Forgive me for trying to manipulate and control others and myself. Teach me to rest in the peace that comes from knowing and trusting in you – Amen.
Jeff Frazier
Wednesday, April 14
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. –Ephesians 2:10
What a verse! Do you realize what this is saying? When Paul says that you are God’s workmanship, that is the same as saying that you are His masterpiece!
Have you looked in a mirror lately? We don’t always feel like a masterpiece do we? It is very easy to doubt the truth of this verse, but God doesn’t make mistakes and He doesn’t do any average or halfway projects.
Did you know that when God created the cosmos, the creation sang as He did His work? “Where were you,” God asked Job, “when I laid the earth’s foundation…while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38: 4-7). It was spectacular artistry. God Himself looked at the work He was creating, and with the satisfaction of an artist, said, “Good!”
But when He came to create humans, male and female who together reflected His own essential being, He said “Very good!” In fact, after that climax of His artistry, He stopped creating, and took time to reflect and appreciate what He had done. It was perfect.
But here is the really great part…you are not just a masterpiece to hang on a wall and admire, God designed you for a purpose!
Before He even created human beings, He had a purpose in mind for them - the stewardship of the rest of creation (Genesis 1: 28). The first words God spoke to humans were a command to take care of the world that had just been created. While sin eventually marred God’s masterpiece of both humans and the rest of creation, the responsibility of stewardship still remains. In Ephesians 2: 10 Paul expands the original mandate to include all “good works”. That is our reason for being.
We are often reminded (and we need to be) that we are not saved by our good works. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 But, this does not mean that our works don’t matter, they do!
Good works do count – but not for salvation. Finding acceptability with God requires God’s grace, nothing more and nothing less. But finding fulfillment in life involves living as God intended. God has planned good works for us to do, and that is how we find meaning in life.
Prayer:
Father, sometimes I forget who I am and why I am here. Thank you that I am your masterpiece, created in your image. Thank you also that you have created me to do Your good works. Help me by your Spirit not to miss these opportunities. - Amen
Jeff Frazier
What a verse! Do you realize what this is saying? When Paul says that you are God’s workmanship, that is the same as saying that you are His masterpiece!
Have you looked in a mirror lately? We don’t always feel like a masterpiece do we? It is very easy to doubt the truth of this verse, but God doesn’t make mistakes and He doesn’t do any average or halfway projects.
Did you know that when God created the cosmos, the creation sang as He did His work? “Where were you,” God asked Job, “when I laid the earth’s foundation…while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38: 4-7). It was spectacular artistry. God Himself looked at the work He was creating, and with the satisfaction of an artist, said, “Good!”
But when He came to create humans, male and female who together reflected His own essential being, He said “Very good!” In fact, after that climax of His artistry, He stopped creating, and took time to reflect and appreciate what He had done. It was perfect.
But here is the really great part…you are not just a masterpiece to hang on a wall and admire, God designed you for a purpose!
Before He even created human beings, He had a purpose in mind for them - the stewardship of the rest of creation (Genesis 1: 28). The first words God spoke to humans were a command to take care of the world that had just been created. While sin eventually marred God’s masterpiece of both humans and the rest of creation, the responsibility of stewardship still remains. In Ephesians 2: 10 Paul expands the original mandate to include all “good works”. That is our reason for being.
We are often reminded (and we need to be) that we are not saved by our good works. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 But, this does not mean that our works don’t matter, they do!
Good works do count – but not for salvation. Finding acceptability with God requires God’s grace, nothing more and nothing less. But finding fulfillment in life involves living as God intended. God has planned good works for us to do, and that is how we find meaning in life.
Prayer:
Father, sometimes I forget who I am and why I am here. Thank you that I am your masterpiece, created in your image. Thank you also that you have created me to do Your good works. Help me by your Spirit not to miss these opportunities. - Amen
Jeff Frazier
Tuesday, April 13
Begin your time with God today by thanking Him that you are alive. Just take a moment or two and praise God for the gift of life…for lungs that work and eyes that see and a body that works (reasonably) well. Too many of us take this for granted, but the truth is that the very fact that we live is a gift from God!
This is not only true physically, but it is also true spiritually…
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
The most important truth in all of Christianity is stated right here: We are made alive together with Christ.
Notice that Paul says “with Christ” three times: We are “made alive with Christ.” We are “raised up with Christ.” We are made to sit with Him. He has come to live in us, and He has joined Himself to us, and we are one person with Him. That is the most important fact upon which to build all the rest of Christian faith and experience--this amazing, wonderful, incredible statement that we are made alive with Jesus Christ.
Your spiritual life is inseparable from the life of Christ (remember that apart from Him you are dead). You are a part of Him and He is a part of you! In John 15, Jesus used the image of a vine and its’ branches to communicate this concept to His disciples. The vine is the source of life for the branches, but you can’t always tell where the vine stops and the branches start. The point is that they share one life together and they cannot be separated without causing the death of the branch. So, again…Jesus Christ is your life!
There is one more thing about this passage: these verbs are all in the past tense. This is something that has happened, not something that is going to happen. It has already occurred when you believed in Jesus Christ. You don't have to work toward it. It is not something that only the super-spiritual achieve after years of effort. It is something that is already true, and every Christian has this experience. We have been made alive in Jesus Christ. We cannot be the same again. Even if we try, we won't be able to. I know a pastor who will sometimes say to people who get discouraged with their Christian life, “Well, quit then, go back. Try not to be a Christian. See what will happen.” They can't do it, and they know they can't, because they are new creatures, made alive in Jesus Christ.
Close your time with God by thanking Him again for the amazing gift of life in Christ!
Jeff Frazier
This is not only true physically, but it is also true spiritually…
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
The most important truth in all of Christianity is stated right here: We are made alive together with Christ.
Notice that Paul says “with Christ” three times: We are “made alive with Christ.” We are “raised up with Christ.” We are made to sit with Him. He has come to live in us, and He has joined Himself to us, and we are one person with Him. That is the most important fact upon which to build all the rest of Christian faith and experience--this amazing, wonderful, incredible statement that we are made alive with Jesus Christ.
Your spiritual life is inseparable from the life of Christ (remember that apart from Him you are dead). You are a part of Him and He is a part of you! In John 15, Jesus used the image of a vine and its’ branches to communicate this concept to His disciples. The vine is the source of life for the branches, but you can’t always tell where the vine stops and the branches start. The point is that they share one life together and they cannot be separated without causing the death of the branch. So, again…Jesus Christ is your life!
There is one more thing about this passage: these verbs are all in the past tense. This is something that has happened, not something that is going to happen. It has already occurred when you believed in Jesus Christ. You don't have to work toward it. It is not something that only the super-spiritual achieve after years of effort. It is something that is already true, and every Christian has this experience. We have been made alive in Jesus Christ. We cannot be the same again. Even if we try, we won't be able to. I know a pastor who will sometimes say to people who get discouraged with their Christian life, “Well, quit then, go back. Try not to be a Christian. See what will happen.” They can't do it, and they know they can't, because they are new creatures, made alive in Jesus Christ.
Close your time with God by thanking Him again for the amazing gift of life in Christ!
Jeff Frazier
Monday, April 12
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,
in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. – Ephesians 2:1-2
How is that for some cheerful words to start your Monday?
This idea that we are dead, absolutely spiritually dead without Christ, is rather offensive to most people in contemporary culture. We will readily admit that we are not perfect, that we have some things that are wrong with us, that we need a little help in our lives, but “dead”…well that is a little extreme.
We would like to believe that while we might need some help along the way, we are quite capable of fixing what is wrong with us, changing our own lives. This is the myth of popular psychology and the modern self-help movement – “You can fix you.” The Bible says – “No you can’t!”
Look at the contrast between these two statements…
At some point in our lives, the realization dawns upon us that freedom does not come from external situations or circumstance. At this moment, we begin an irreversible inner quest for liberation. - Deepak Chopra (popular self-help guru)
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. – Romans 7:18
Do see the radical difference? The question is, does salvation or deliverance come from within ourselves or from outside of ourselves? If Paul is correct and we are totally dead apart from Christ, then salvation cannot come from within!
The central message of our culture is that with the right information, the right techniques, the right guru or personal trainer, etc. you can change you.
The heart of the Gospel message is that you are DEAD without Christ (and someone who is dead can’t do much about their deadness), but there is One who can!
Do you recognize that Jesus has not just given you some inspiration or encouragement to live better, but that He has brought you from death to life?
I Praise You, Jesus, that You dare to tell me the truth about me even though I don't want to hear it. I know that I was dead before you brought me to life and I would be hopelessly lost without You. Thank You that you do not leave me in this hopeless state. - Amen
Jeff Frazier
in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. – Ephesians 2:1-2
How is that for some cheerful words to start your Monday?
This idea that we are dead, absolutely spiritually dead without Christ, is rather offensive to most people in contemporary culture. We will readily admit that we are not perfect, that we have some things that are wrong with us, that we need a little help in our lives, but “dead”…well that is a little extreme.
We would like to believe that while we might need some help along the way, we are quite capable of fixing what is wrong with us, changing our own lives. This is the myth of popular psychology and the modern self-help movement – “You can fix you.” The Bible says – “No you can’t!”
Look at the contrast between these two statements…
At some point in our lives, the realization dawns upon us that freedom does not come from external situations or circumstance. At this moment, we begin an irreversible inner quest for liberation. - Deepak Chopra (popular self-help guru)
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. – Romans 7:18
Do see the radical difference? The question is, does salvation or deliverance come from within ourselves or from outside of ourselves? If Paul is correct and we are totally dead apart from Christ, then salvation cannot come from within!
The central message of our culture is that with the right information, the right techniques, the right guru or personal trainer, etc. you can change you.
The heart of the Gospel message is that you are DEAD without Christ (and someone who is dead can’t do much about their deadness), but there is One who can!
Do you recognize that Jesus has not just given you some inspiration or encouragement to live better, but that He has brought you from death to life?
I Praise You, Jesus, that You dare to tell me the truth about me even though I don't want to hear it. I know that I was dead before you brought me to life and I would be hopelessly lost without You. Thank You that you do not leave me in this hopeless state. - Amen
Jeff Frazier
Friday, April 9
Prayer: Thank the Lord for the truth of his resurrection and for inviting you to live in a personal relationship with him.
Read:
John 20:10-18
Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
Jesus said, “Do not hold onto me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your God, to my God and your God.”
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
“I have seen the Lord!”
This five word statement lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Mary does not try to explain how the stone was rolled away; she does not try to prove the scientific possibilities of the resurrection; she does not offer a theological or philosophical argument – she simply testifies to what she has experienced, “I have seen the Lord.”
Surrounded by a world steeped in skepticism and unbelief, we sometimes feel we need to produce convincing arguments for the truth of our faith. But while science, history, philosophy and theology should be pursued vigorously as we defend our faith, perhaps the most powerful testimony we can ever offer is simply, “I have seen the Lord!”
Because of the resurrection, Jesus is alive. Because Jesus is alive, he is personal. Because Jesus is personal, we can know and experience a relationship with him through the Holy Spirit. Because we have a relationship with Jesus, we have the great privilege of bearing witness to that relationship.
The next time you feel somewhat intimidated by a world that seems to challenge your faith at every turn, remember that you don’t need to have an answer for every skeptical question. Although there is great historical and scientific evidence to support the Biblical story, you just need to bear witness to the truth that Jesus is alive – and that he lives in your heart by his Spirit!
Take a few minutes and write down in your own words how you came to know Jesus and what his presence in your life means to you.
Read:
John 20:10-18
Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
Jesus said, “Do not hold onto me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your God, to my God and your God.”
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
“I have seen the Lord!”
This five word statement lies at the heart of the Christian faith. Mary does not try to explain how the stone was rolled away; she does not try to prove the scientific possibilities of the resurrection; she does not offer a theological or philosophical argument – she simply testifies to what she has experienced, “I have seen the Lord.”
Surrounded by a world steeped in skepticism and unbelief, we sometimes feel we need to produce convincing arguments for the truth of our faith. But while science, history, philosophy and theology should be pursued vigorously as we defend our faith, perhaps the most powerful testimony we can ever offer is simply, “I have seen the Lord!”
Because of the resurrection, Jesus is alive. Because Jesus is alive, he is personal. Because Jesus is personal, we can know and experience a relationship with him through the Holy Spirit. Because we have a relationship with Jesus, we have the great privilege of bearing witness to that relationship.
The next time you feel somewhat intimidated by a world that seems to challenge your faith at every turn, remember that you don’t need to have an answer for every skeptical question. Although there is great historical and scientific evidence to support the Biblical story, you just need to bear witness to the truth that Jesus is alive – and that he lives in your heart by his Spirit!
Take a few minutes and write down in your own words how you came to know Jesus and what his presence in your life means to you.
Thursday, April 8
Prayer: Thank the Lord for his power to bring life to that which is dead – and thank him for bringing new life to your heart through faith.
Read:
Luke 24:1-6
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
I can only imagine that the angels were smiling when they asked the terrified women this question! After all, it was obvious what the women were doing. Jesus was dead – they had come to anoint his body for burial according to ancient Jewish custom. Where else were they supposed to look for him?
But the angels knew something the women didn’t – no tomb could contain him and death could not keep him – Jesus was alive!
In many ways, the question still stands for us today: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
We believe, of course, the story of the resurrection. We know that Jesus is alive. But still we have a tendency to seek “the living among the dead.” That is, we spend much of our time and energy seeking meaning and joy in the “dead things” of this world rather than in the living Christ!
Take some time in prayer to allow the Holy Spirit to show you any ways in which you are “looking for the living among the dead.” Is there any way in which you are trying to find life in pursuits, priorities, or people that actually may be bringing spiritual death (or at least sickness)? Ask the Lord to help you refocus your heart on his truth and his life!
Brian Coffey
Read:
Luke 24:1-6
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”
“Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
I can only imagine that the angels were smiling when they asked the terrified women this question! After all, it was obvious what the women were doing. Jesus was dead – they had come to anoint his body for burial according to ancient Jewish custom. Where else were they supposed to look for him?
But the angels knew something the women didn’t – no tomb could contain him and death could not keep him – Jesus was alive!
In many ways, the question still stands for us today: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
We believe, of course, the story of the resurrection. We know that Jesus is alive. But still we have a tendency to seek “the living among the dead.” That is, we spend much of our time and energy seeking meaning and joy in the “dead things” of this world rather than in the living Christ!
Take some time in prayer to allow the Holy Spirit to show you any ways in which you are “looking for the living among the dead.” Is there any way in which you are trying to find life in pursuits, priorities, or people that actually may be bringing spiritual death (or at least sickness)? Ask the Lord to help you refocus your heart on his truth and his life!
Brian Coffey
Wednesday, April 7
Prayer: Thank God for being so willing to spend time with you personally today. Ask him to allow you to sense his nearness as you open his word.
Read:
John 20:10-16
Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
“Why are you crying?”
It’s a question every parent asks a thousand times. As our children grow up they skin their knees, suffer bumps on the head, and strike out in little league baseball games. As a result they cry. And a caring parent responds by scooping the child up in his or her arms and saying, “Why are you crying?” or “Tell me where it hurts.”
Mary has gone to the tomb in order to perform the ritual of anointing Jesus’ body properly for burial (a task which there was no time to accomplish on the day of the crucifixion). She is brokenhearted for many reasons. She has lost her Lord; she has lost her Teacher; she has lost a great friend; she has lost hope.
So great is her sorrow that she fails to recognize the one standing before her. He asks gently, “Woman, why are you crying?”
Like a loving parent holding a crying child, Jesus invites her to open her heart to him. “Why are you crying?” “Tell me where it hurts.”
And he does so for each of us as well.
Take some time in prayer to invite Jesus to walk with you through the rooms of your heart. Allow him to ask you, “Why are you crying?” He cares about your pain and he wants to bring comfort and healing to the places that hurt the most. Will you share your pain with him? Will you allow him to touch the part of you that you most often hide from others?
Thank him for knowing and speaking your name today!
Brian Coffey
Read:
John 20:10-16
Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
“Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
“Why are you crying?”
It’s a question every parent asks a thousand times. As our children grow up they skin their knees, suffer bumps on the head, and strike out in little league baseball games. As a result they cry. And a caring parent responds by scooping the child up in his or her arms and saying, “Why are you crying?” or “Tell me where it hurts.”
Mary has gone to the tomb in order to perform the ritual of anointing Jesus’ body properly for burial (a task which there was no time to accomplish on the day of the crucifixion). She is brokenhearted for many reasons. She has lost her Lord; she has lost her Teacher; she has lost a great friend; she has lost hope.
So great is her sorrow that she fails to recognize the one standing before her. He asks gently, “Woman, why are you crying?”
Like a loving parent holding a crying child, Jesus invites her to open her heart to him. “Why are you crying?” “Tell me where it hurts.”
And he does so for each of us as well.
Take some time in prayer to invite Jesus to walk with you through the rooms of your heart. Allow him to ask you, “Why are you crying?” He cares about your pain and he wants to bring comfort and healing to the places that hurt the most. Will you share your pain with him? Will you allow him to touch the part of you that you most often hide from others?
Thank him for knowing and speaking your name today!
Brian Coffey
Tuesday, April 6
Prayer: As you focus your mind and heart on God’s word today, ask the Holy Spirit to identify and remove any distraction or barrier that might keep Jesus from speaking to you.
Read:
Mark 16:1-7
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don’t be afraid," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"
We all carry stones in our backpacks – some are heavier than others. The stone in Peter’s backpack was marked “regret.” Remember that it was Peter who had three times denied that he even knew Jesus on the night of Jesus’ arrest and mock-trial. Peter’s courage had failed him and he had failed his Lord and Master.
Notice the very specific message of the angel; “But go, and tell his disciples, and Peter…” Just two words, “and Peter,” but those two words made all the difference! Can you imagine what those two words did for Peter? Not only was Jesus risen from the dead, but Jesus wanted to see Peter! Even though he had abandoned his Lord to torture and death – Jesus still loved him and would restore him by his forgiving grace.
Do you have any stones marked “regret” in your backpack?
Take some time in prayer to identify these heavy and painful stones – put them before the Lord – then ask and allow him to take them from you and carry them for you!
Brian Coffey
Read:
Mark 16:1-7
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don’t be afraid," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"
We all carry stones in our backpacks – some are heavier than others. The stone in Peter’s backpack was marked “regret.” Remember that it was Peter who had three times denied that he even knew Jesus on the night of Jesus’ arrest and mock-trial. Peter’s courage had failed him and he had failed his Lord and Master.
Notice the very specific message of the angel; “But go, and tell his disciples, and Peter…” Just two words, “and Peter,” but those two words made all the difference! Can you imagine what those two words did for Peter? Not only was Jesus risen from the dead, but Jesus wanted to see Peter! Even though he had abandoned his Lord to torture and death – Jesus still loved him and would restore him by his forgiving grace.
Do you have any stones marked “regret” in your backpack?
Take some time in prayer to identify these heavy and painful stones – put them before the Lord – then ask and allow him to take them from you and carry them for you!
Brian Coffey
Monday, April 5
As you begin this week with God – take a few moments to reflect in prayer on the power and truth you celebrated yesterday – Jesus is risen! Hallelujah, he is risen!
Read the great story again.
Mark 16:1-7
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don’t be afraid," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"
"Who will roll the stone away?"
The question that was on the grieving women’s minds that morning long ago was natural.
The stone was large. The stone was heavy. The stone was immovable.
Of course, they were talking about the stone that sealed the tomb that held the body of their Lord Jesus. But, perhaps, the stone can be seen to represent more than just a large rock.
Maybe the stone can be seen as the pain, regret or grief that we carry in our own hearts. I believe that every human being carries an invisible “backpack” with them through life. In that backpack are “stones” – pains of different shapes and sizes. Some of the stones we put in the backpack ourselves through our own choices. Some of the stones are put into our backpack by others – intentionally or unintentionally – and often by people that we love. Like the stone the women anticipated facing that day – the stones of our hearts are also large, heavy and seemingly immovable. And we drag them with us throughout our lives – assuming that we must.
But notice that when the women get to the tomb the stone has already been rolled away. That which they feared; that which they believed to be immovable; that which stood as a barrier between themselves and Jesus – had already been removed!
The same is true for us today. Because Jesus is alive, because he has the power to defeat death itself, he also has the power and authority to move the stones of our hearts.
What weight do you carry with you today that Jesus would like to remove?
Spend a few moments in prayer – ask him to show you the “stones” that you carry with you that he would like to carry for you!
Brian Coffey
Read the great story again.
Mark 16:1-7
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome brought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
"Don’t be afraid," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'"
"Who will roll the stone away?"
The question that was on the grieving women’s minds that morning long ago was natural.
The stone was large. The stone was heavy. The stone was immovable.
Of course, they were talking about the stone that sealed the tomb that held the body of their Lord Jesus. But, perhaps, the stone can be seen to represent more than just a large rock.
Maybe the stone can be seen as the pain, regret or grief that we carry in our own hearts. I believe that every human being carries an invisible “backpack” with them through life. In that backpack are “stones” – pains of different shapes and sizes. Some of the stones we put in the backpack ourselves through our own choices. Some of the stones are put into our backpack by others – intentionally or unintentionally – and often by people that we love. Like the stone the women anticipated facing that day – the stones of our hearts are also large, heavy and seemingly immovable. And we drag them with us throughout our lives – assuming that we must.
But notice that when the women get to the tomb the stone has already been rolled away. That which they feared; that which they believed to be immovable; that which stood as a barrier between themselves and Jesus – had already been removed!
The same is true for us today. Because Jesus is alive, because he has the power to defeat death itself, he also has the power and authority to move the stones of our hearts.
What weight do you carry with you today that Jesus would like to remove?
Spend a few moments in prayer – ask him to show you the “stones” that you carry with you that he would like to carry for you!
Brian Coffey
Friday, April 2, 2010
Begin your time with God by reading the following verses…
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today — yes, tonight — before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
- Mark 14:26-31
It is hard to blame the Peter and the other disciples for their bold promises of loyalty and faithfulness to their master.
Think about it for a minute…what would you have said to Jesus if He told you that He was going to have to die and you were going to desert Him? Would have said; "Gee that sounds depressing, I hope I don’t blow it Jesus?"
The disciples weren’t being insincere; they meant what they said at the time. They just didn’t have any idea of what was to come later that night and they didn’t have any idea of what was really in the depths of their own hearts. Of course we know that Peter will deny his Lord and they will all desert Jesus when He needed them most.
It is not that Peter does not love Jesus, he does! He loves Him very much and his devotion in that moment is genuine. But Jesus knows Peter (and us) completely. He knows that none of us posses a love or devotion strong enough to overcome our fear, insecurity and sinfulness.
No disciple, then or now, can remain perfectly faithful to Jesus purely in their own strength. They could not, and neither can you.
What Peter (and the others) will discover later when they meet the resurrected Christ is that it is not the strength of their love for Jesus that matters, but it is the strength of His love for them!
Do you love Jesus? (It is okay to say yes…) If you love Jesus at all it is because He has loved you first and enabled you to love Him! This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. – 1 John 4:10
Lord Jesus I confess that although I love you, I am still weak and unfaithful, but I praise you that my salvation does not depend on the strength of my commitment to you, but on the unbreakable power of Your love for me! - Amen
Jeff Frazier
When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. "You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today — yes, tonight — before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.
- Mark 14:26-31
It is hard to blame the Peter and the other disciples for their bold promises of loyalty and faithfulness to their master.
Think about it for a minute…what would you have said to Jesus if He told you that He was going to have to die and you were going to desert Him? Would have said; "Gee that sounds depressing, I hope I don’t blow it Jesus?"
The disciples weren’t being insincere; they meant what they said at the time. They just didn’t have any idea of what was to come later that night and they didn’t have any idea of what was really in the depths of their own hearts. Of course we know that Peter will deny his Lord and they will all desert Jesus when He needed them most.
It is not that Peter does not love Jesus, he does! He loves Him very much and his devotion in that moment is genuine. But Jesus knows Peter (and us) completely. He knows that none of us posses a love or devotion strong enough to overcome our fear, insecurity and sinfulness.
No disciple, then or now, can remain perfectly faithful to Jesus purely in their own strength. They could not, and neither can you.
What Peter (and the others) will discover later when they meet the resurrected Christ is that it is not the strength of their love for Jesus that matters, but it is the strength of His love for them!
Do you love Jesus? (It is okay to say yes…) If you love Jesus at all it is because He has loved you first and enabled you to love Him! This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. – 1 John 4:10
Lord Jesus I confess that although I love you, I am still weak and unfaithful, but I praise you that my salvation does not depend on the strength of my commitment to you, but on the unbreakable power of Your love for me! - Amen
Jeff Frazier
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Today is "Maundy Thursday". The word Maundy comes from a latin word mandatum which means "command". This stems from John 13:34 where Jesus said, "A new command I give you: Love one another."
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup," saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
- Luke 22:14-20
I want to draw your attention to the very first thing Jesus says to His disciples in the passage above. He says that He has eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with them before He suffers.
Why do you think Jesus says this? Is Jesus just really, really Hungry? He has eaten many meals with His disciples and they have shared Passover suppers together every year. What is so special about this meal?
This is the Passover meal at which Jesus would introduce the concept of the Lord’s Supper or Communion. Of course His disciples would not fully understand the meaning of His words until after His death & resurrection. The Passover was a celebration of God’s deliverance of His people from slavery and oppression in Egypt. Jesus was showing His followers, through the elements of the Passover meal, how He was the fulfillment of all that it symbolized. He (Jesus) was to become the source of God’s deliverance for all people from the power of sin & death!
One reason then that Jesus was so eager to eat this Passover with His disciples was that He knew He would be introducing a whole new purpose and understanding for this meal which would be celebrated by His followers all over the world for centuries to come.
But there is another reason for His eagerness to eat this meal with His followers. These men were His closest friends. Jesus had chosen each one of them to follow Him. He had walked, talked, laughed, cried, ate, slept, taught & prayed with these men. They had spent years sharing their lives together. Now it is the eve of His suffering and death, His arrest, trial, and execution await Him. It only makes sense that He (Jesus) would want to be with those closest to Him in a moment like this, wouldn’t you?
When we come to the Lord’s Table, we do so not just as isolated individuals, but also as a community of people in need of grace. What we have in common far outweighs all of our differences – we are all followers of Jesus!
Do you believe that Jesus eagerly desires for you to come to His table?
Do you, like Jesus, eagerly desire to take communion with those closest to you?
Do you look forward to coming to His table together?
Lord Jesus, We praise you for the beauty of your sacrifice and we know that we are hopelessly lost without you. We thank you Lord that you eagerly desire for us to come to your table and share in your grace and mercy. - Amen
Jeff Frazier
When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes." And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup," saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
- Luke 22:14-20
I want to draw your attention to the very first thing Jesus says to His disciples in the passage above. He says that He has eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with them before He suffers.
Why do you think Jesus says this? Is Jesus just really, really Hungry? He has eaten many meals with His disciples and they have shared Passover suppers together every year. What is so special about this meal?
This is the Passover meal at which Jesus would introduce the concept of the Lord’s Supper or Communion. Of course His disciples would not fully understand the meaning of His words until after His death & resurrection. The Passover was a celebration of God’s deliverance of His people from slavery and oppression in Egypt. Jesus was showing His followers, through the elements of the Passover meal, how He was the fulfillment of all that it symbolized. He (Jesus) was to become the source of God’s deliverance for all people from the power of sin & death!
One reason then that Jesus was so eager to eat this Passover with His disciples was that He knew He would be introducing a whole new purpose and understanding for this meal which would be celebrated by His followers all over the world for centuries to come.
But there is another reason for His eagerness to eat this meal with His followers. These men were His closest friends. Jesus had chosen each one of them to follow Him. He had walked, talked, laughed, cried, ate, slept, taught & prayed with these men. They had spent years sharing their lives together. Now it is the eve of His suffering and death, His arrest, trial, and execution await Him. It only makes sense that He (Jesus) would want to be with those closest to Him in a moment like this, wouldn’t you?
When we come to the Lord’s Table, we do so not just as isolated individuals, but also as a community of people in need of grace. What we have in common far outweighs all of our differences – we are all followers of Jesus!
Do you believe that Jesus eagerly desires for you to come to His table?
Do you, like Jesus, eagerly desire to take communion with those closest to you?
Do you look forward to coming to His table together?
Lord Jesus, We praise you for the beauty of your sacrifice and we know that we are hopelessly lost without you. We thank you Lord that you eagerly desire for us to come to your table and share in your grace and mercy. - Amen
Jeff Frazier
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