"The Blood..."

October 31, 2014

“The Blood…”

Blessings folk!

Ephesians 2:13
13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.


“But now…”
Remember the context from yesterday

“But now…”
In contrast to the past.
In contrast to what we were before.
In contrast to who we were before.
We once were far off from the Lord.

“But now in Christ Jesus….”
Those who are in Christ Jesus - True Believers.

Now, we have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Brought near to what?
We will see more later.

It is the blood of Jesus that brings us near. It is the blood of Jesus that sets us free.
It is the blood of Jesus that empowers and heals.
It is the blood of Jesus, as we will see, that reconciles.

From far off to near...by the blood.

It is by the blood that we live...

"Remember..."

October 30, 2014

“Remember…”

Blessings folk!

Paul called the Ephesians - and us - to remember…
In light of what he had taught to this point, we are to remember.
Remember what?

Ephesians 2:11-12
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands—
12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.


Therefore...again, in the context of what was written earlier in the letter.

We are to remember…

  • that at one time we were Gentiles in the flesh. He is reminding them that they were not Jews...not of the nation of Israel.
  • they were literally called “the uncircumcision” by “the circumcision”...the Jews...the act of circumcision being an act of obedience in the flesh by hands
  • that at that time...when we were Gentiles in the flesh...we were separated from Christ
  • we were alienated from the commonwealth of Israel...not Jews...not of the line of Abraham
  • we were strangers to the covenants of Promise...through Abraham, et. al.
  • we had no hope
  • we were without God in the world
  • we were in/of the world

Such we were.

We have already seen in Ephesians 2 what “we were” and what “we are”.

We have a similar thing here.

We are to remember what were were…

You know what the first Word of verse 13 is…?
“But”… “in Christ”.
Ah.
We will look at that tomorrow.

"Workmanship"

October 29, 2014

“Workmanship”

Blessings folk!

Take a moment to review the context of verse 10…
Then, give great heed and attention to what is said in verse 10…

Ephesians 2:1-10
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 Forby grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
10 
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.


We, True Believers, are His Workmanship.
That is who you are.
Think on that.
The Workmanship of the Most High God.

We are created in Christ Jesus...there it is again...In Him!
In Him we are created.
Why?
For good works.

What do we learn of these works?
God prepared them beforehand.
Before what?
I believe before the foundation of creation was spoken into existence.
God has prepared works for us to walk in.

That is what we as Believers are to do.
Walk in the works prepared for us.
Not the works we create.
Not the deceptive works that man and the evil one throw our way.
The Works prepared for us.

Note, they are prepared.
Not haphazard.
The Lord has a purpose for each Believer.

May we walk in the work that He has purposed before the foundations of the earth.

Remember…
You are His Workmanship.
You are created in Christ Jesus.
The Works are prepared.
Walk in them.

"No One May Boast..."

October 28, 2014

“No One May Boast…”

Blessings folk!

We continue to see who we are as True Believers…
Why...How...When...

Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.


We are saved.
This is only by the grace of God.
We are save through faith.
Faith that is released from God through us.
It is not of our own doing.
The faith is not our own doing.
It is God.
A gift.
There are no works involved.
We do not earn saving grace.
We can boast in nothing…
Other than the mercy, grace and love of the Lord.

A mystery?
Certainly.

Yet the Truth none-the-less.

Rejoice in the saving grace that the Lord releases.
Boast in the Lord and the power of His might.

"You Are In Christ Jesus"

October 27, 2014

“You Are In Christ Jesus…”

Blessings folk!

You were
Now...as a True Believer...you are
Review…
Remember…
Rejoice in what you are now…

Ephesians 2:1-6
2 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
7 s
o that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.


You are loved of God.
You are alive together with Christ...raised from the dead.
You are saved by grace.

You are raised up with the Lord Jesus.
No longer to walk in death
No longer to walk in sin
No longer to live in despair and the distraction of the world

You are seated with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus
At this very moment we are positionally seated with Him!

Why?

So that in the coming ages (there are ages to come!) He might show something to us…
The immeasurable...without ability to measure due to abundance...riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Grace
Kindness
Mercy
Love
All “In Christ Jesus”.

We are “In Christ Jesus”.
Live in Christ Jesus and you will not sin. This is abiding in the Lord.
Live “out of Christ Jesus” and you will sin. Sin=abiding not in the Lord.

Let us live as who we are...“in Christ Jesus”.







"Mercy"

October 26, 2014

“Mercy”

Blessings folk

In verses 1-3 we saw what “we were”…

Ephesians 2:1-3
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.


Now “we are”…
Note the first word…”but”...

Ephesians 2:4-5
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—


God does this.
God saved us.
God forgave us.
God provided the way of salvation.

He did so because:

  • He is rich in mercy
  • He has loved us with great love (even when we were dead in our trespasses)

God made us alive together with Christ.

All this was done in and through the grace of God.

Pure and simple.

We, as True Believers, are who we are because of God’s grace.

Nothing deserved.
Nothing accomplished by us.

Simple grace manifested in love and mercy.

May we live in like manner before one another.

"You Were…"


October 25, 2014
“You Were...”
Blessings folk!
Do you remember how you were before salvation? Before repenting, confessing and baptizing for remission of sins.
Read the next verses in Ephesians...beginning chapter 2. Forget not the context that we have examined.
Note that the first word is “and”. Connects to the previous...
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
This is who we were: - dead in the trespasses and sins - walked in sins - followed the course...the pattern, the path, the things...of this world - we followed the prince of the power of the air...satan - satan’s spirit is now at work in the sons of disobedience - we lived in the passion of our flesh - we carried out the desires of the body...the desires of the mind - we were by nature children of wrath - we were as all mankind
Depressing? No! Statements of fact of who man is without the Lord Jesus
We are to rejoice! Why? The first Word in the next verse “but”...we will examine that tomorrow.
For today, know that if you are True Believer you are not as you were. You do not have to live as before, feel as before, exist as before. You are not as the rest of mankind. You were...
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But, now... You are...

"Seated…Far Above…"


October 24, 2014
“Seated...Far Above...”
Blessings folk!
Let us examine the balance of Ephesians 1.
Note what we learn about the Lord Jesus.
Again, the context of the passage is provided. Read again.
Ephesians 1:15-23
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
We have immeasurably great Power according to what Father has done through the Lord Jesus Christ.
How different the Body of Christ would be if we lived in this truth.
Father raised Jesus from the dead. He seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. Jesus is seated far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. He is above every name that is named. Now...in this age. And in the age to come. There is an age...a time...after this time. Father has placed all things under Jesus’ feet.
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Father gave Jesus as head over all things to the church - the true Body of Christ (not to be confused with the organizations of man). The true church is His Body. The organism of Christ.
The fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Jesus is above all power, over all. He rules over all power/authority/rule/dominion...of man, of satan. He is interceding for us at this moment...between us and Father.
Fear not. We belong to the One Who is over all. Rest. Trust. Rejoice.

"Immeasurable…"


October 23, 2014
“Immeasurable...”
Blessings folk!
It is important to continually refresh ourselves with the Word. Especially a passage like Ephesians. The “bold” print is new for today. The context is important.
Ephesians 1:15-20
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love[f] toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,
The Lord has granted to those that believe Power. Great Power. Immeasurable Power Immeasurable greatness of His Power toward us who believe.
Consider this in light of what we learned yesterday...
Father gives the Spirit.
The Spirit of wisdom. The Spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him. The Spirit that enlightens the eyes of our hearts. The Spirit that is the deposit of Hope that dwells within us. The Spirit that reveals...enables us to know...the hope in which we are called. The Spirit that reveals the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.
Father give immeasurable greatness of His power to us.
Without measure. Without limit. Such is what He releases within every True Believer.
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He did this through the Lord Jesus Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him (Jesus) at His (Father) right hand in the heavenly places.
What does this mean?
Think on it. It shows His love for us. We are not forsaken. We are not powerless. We are not abandoned. We are not .... You get it.
Rejoice in Who you are in the Most High. Rejoice in what He has done...and is doing.

"The Spirit…"


October 22, 2014
“The Spirit...”
Blessings folk! These verses are some of my favorite portions of the Word of the Most High.
Again, a long sentence. Let us take it a bite at at time...
Ephesians 1:16-18
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints...
We looked at verses 15-16 yesterday.
What do we learn in 17-18?
God the Father: - Father of glory - God of our Lord Jesus Christ - Gives the Spirit
We see the Triune nature of the Godhead in verse 17.
Father gives the Spirit. The Spirit of wisdom. The Spirit of revelation in the knowledge of Him. The Spirit that enlightens the eyes of our hearts. The Spirit that is the deposit of Hope that dwells within us. The Spirit that reveals...enables us to know...the hope in which we are called. The Spirit that reveals the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints.
There is more. For today, meditate/reflect upon theses profound truths. This is who we are in Him. This is what He has done for us. Rejoice!
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"For this Reason…"


October 21, 2014
“For This Reason...”
Blessings folk!
Ephesians 1:15-16
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,...
For this reason... What reason?
Paul had heard of their faith in the Lord Jesus. He had heard of their love toward all the saints.
For this reason... Paul gave thanks to God for them. He did so without ceasing. He remembered them in his prayers.
We are to do likewise.
Do we give thanks for one another...for the Body of Christ? Do we remember?
When someone “crosses your mind”, do you pray for them? Give thanks for them?
If the Body did so, it would do great harm to the kingdom of darkness. Fear, resentment, bitterness, hatred and the like will not grow in the Light of Love, Thanks and Remembrance.
Live in the Faith of the Lord. Love the saints. Give thanks without ceasing. Remember one another in prayer before the Most High.
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"Sealed - In Him"


October 20, 2014
“Sealed - In Him!”
Blessings folk!
To this point we have seen that “in Him” we are... - Blessed with every spiritual blessing in the the heavenly places - Chosen before the foundation of the world - Predestined for adoption as sons - Redeemed through His blood - Forgiven of trespasses - Lavished with grace - United with Him - Obtainers of an inheritance
Now...another “in Him”...
Ephesians 1:13-14
13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Note the sequence... - When you heard the Word of truth...the gospel of your salvation - When you believed
Have you heard the true gospel? Have you believed the true gospel?
Why do I ask?
So many have heard religious platitudes and doctrines of men, yet have not heard the true gospel. So many have heard the true gospel, yet have not believed.
How can one tell?
If you have heard... If you have believed... Then, you are are sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit seals us...until that day.
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The Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance...until we acquire possession of the inheritance.
All to the praise of HIs glory.
Selah! Think on this. Reflect on this. Meditate upon the truths. Sealed. Protected. To the praise of the glory of His grace. In Him...

"In Him, Inheritance"


October 19, 2014
“In Him, Inheritance”
Blessings folk!
To this point in Ephesians we have seen at least two important repeated phrases.. - “in Him” - “to the praise of His glory...”
See what we learn...
Ephesians 1:11-12
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
In Him...
  • -  we have obtained an inheritance...those who believe unto salvation
  • -  we have predestined for this according to the purpose of Him who works al things
    according to the counsel of His will. The wonder and glory of the Godhead (a word that has been eliminated from contemporary translations...to the our detriment.)
    What is the outcome?
    - so that we might be to the praise of His glory

    As Believers we are not to forget this.
    We have obtained an inheritance...now and to come. We are predestined.
    We have purpose in the Most High.
    He works all things according to His counsel.

    We are to the praise of the glory of His grace.
    Therefore,
    Why worry?
    Why fret?
    Why be anxious? Why fear?

    Live in the inheritance that is yours...to the praise of the glory of HIs grace...
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"Mystery"


October 18, 2014
“Mystery”
Blessings folk!
Ephesians can be overwhelming with the sheer amount of information that is included with every word/phrase.
That is the reason that we must review the context repeatedly.
Read the passage again. Give close attention to verses 9-10.
Ephesians 1:1-10
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Review. We are: - blessed in Christ Jesus - chosen - holy - blameless - predestined - adopted as sons - redeemed - forgiven - lavished with grace
Now, note: - The Lord lavished His grace on us in all wisdom and insight by making known to us
the mystery of His will. In the Word a “mystery” is that which was unknown previously.
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The Lord had not revealed it. This mystery is according to His purpose. The Purpose is
set forth in Christ. - The mystery?
- It was a plan for the fullness of time. - To unite all things in Him...in the Lord Jesus Christ. - To unite all things in heaven and in earth.
Meditate upon the wonder of all that have been revealed. The wonder...the glory...of the revealed mystery of all united in Christ.
Seek the illumination of the Spirit. He will reveal much.

"Lavished..."

October 17, 2014
“Lavished...”
Blessings folk! We continue through Ephesians 1...
Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Yesterday we was that “in Him” we have... - redemption through His blood - forgiveness of our trespasses - according to the riches of His grace.
He did this lavishly! In all His wisdom. In all His insight.
The full wisdom and insight of God is poured out upon those who will believe.
Without limit. Without measure. Lavishly.
Therefore, why should we doubt? Why should we fear? Why should we live in any other manner other than vessels of the Presence of the Most High? Kingdom vessels.
Rejoice!

"In Him..."


October 16, 2014
“In Him...”
Blessings folk! In this next portion of Ephesians 1 we begin to encounter a repeated phrase - “in Him”. Note what we learn from “in Him”...
Ephesians 1:7-10
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In Him...in the Lord Jesus Christ... - we have redemption through His blood - we have forgiveness of our trespasses - all according to the riches of His grace...
This is what the Lord has done for man. This is what we receive when we repent, confess, call upon the Lord and are saved.
Through His blood we are redeemed...restored from sin into a holy relationship with Father...forgiven of sins.
We do well to remember and reflect upon this.
Forget not what He has done. Forget not who you are...”in Him”.
...to be continued...
If you have not repented, confessed, called upon the Lord...today is the day of salvation. Repent from dead religious works and enter the Life of the Kingdom.
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"…to the Praise of His Glorious Grace…"


October 15, 2014
“..To The Praise of His Glorious Grace...”
Blessings folk!
Blessed be God the Father. Blessed be the Lord Jesus Christ. They have blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world. Therefore, we are to be holy and blameless before Him. He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ. Why? According to the purpose of His will...and verse 6...
Ephesians 1:1-6
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
To the praise of His glorious grace. A phrase that continues to bring forth depth of understanding.
His grace is abundant and merciful. His grace is to be praised. All that we have seen that He has done has been “to the praise of His glorious grace.” Then... “With which He has blessed us in the Beloved.”
His grace is manifest in the Beloved...in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Lord Who saved us. It is the Lord Who sends the Holy Spirit from the Father to dwell in us.
Live today as we are empowered... To the praise of the glory of His grace.
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"Predestined"


October 14, 2014
“Predestined”
Blessings folk!! Hear the Truth of the Most High...
Ephesians 1:5
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3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,...
As we saw yesterday... - we should be holy and blameless before Him in love... - In love He predestined us...
Yes. Predestined. People from my “background” are filled with fear (something that should never happen with a Believer) over the word and concept - Predestined.
I remember in the ole college days I was constantly asked “do you believe in predestination?”
The issue is not whether “I believe” something. The issue is “what saith the Word?”
The debate arises as people seek to parse and define words in their own ways.
The simple truth is this - the Lord predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ... He did this “before the foundation of the world”. We see this in verse 4...chosen in Him.
Why? According to the purpose of His will...(more later)
Rejoice in your adoption. Know that the purpose of the will of the Lord is good.

"Chosen"

October 13, 2014

“Chosen”

Blessings folk!

Paul had greeted the Believers at Ephesus…
  • by declaring his calling...an apostle by the will of God
  • by reminding them of who they were...saints, faithful in Jesus Christ
  • by speaking grace and peace to them...from Father through Jesus

Paul then…
  • blessed God
  • reminded them of every spiritual blessing they, we, have in the Lord

Now, read the next verse...new daily portion will be in bold…

Ephesians 1:3-4
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love...


Ephesians 1...well, all of Ephesians has Truth that many within the Body of Christ do not want to consider. We do well to learn the Truth, then bring our thinking into alignment with the Truth.

Verse 4 tells us a profound truth.

We are chosen in the Lord Jesus before the foundation of the world.
Before anything was spoken into existence, Believers were chosen.
It is that simple.
Chosen.
Of course, immediately folk want to the go to the corollaries of the mind of man.
Do not do that yet.
Simply know that we are chosen before the foundation of the world.
This means the world was “founded”...laid...created.
We were chosen before then.

To what purpose were we chosen?
To be holy before Him.
To be blameless before Him.
In love…?

In the “contemporary” translations of the Word “In love…” is placed at the beginning of a new sentence which carries over to verse 5.
This might be correct.

Here is the Authorized Version…

Ephesians 1:4
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:


We are to be holy and without blame before Him in love.
No doubt.

As we will see tomorrow, the “contemporary” versions state “In love He predestined us for adoption…”
Also, no doubt true.

Today, know that you are…if a a True Believer...

  • chosen before the foundation of the world by the Most High
  • chosen to be holy before Him in love
  • chosen to be without blame before Him in love
  • chosen by Him in love for adoption…

Due to this choosing, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places is ours.
Why worry?
Why fret?
Why doubt?


"Blessed Be…"

October 12, 2014

“Blessed Be…”

Blessings folk!

A major portion of the first chapter of Ephesians is one long sentence.
Therefore, we will take it a nugget at a time. Happy

Give attention to how Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, begins this portion of the letter.

Ephesians 1:2
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,...


Paul begins with blessing God.
A good place for the beginning of all things.
Bless God.
If we bless God, we will not sin.
It has been said that sin can be defined as “ingratitude toward God.”
When we bless God we give thanks...we praise Him for Who He is...what He does...His love, His grace, His mercy.

God is Father of the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is an interesting statement.
He is Father, yet Jesus was not ‘created’.
Jesus is “begotten”.
He is the very image and impression of Father.
Many a cult has a foundation in an incorrect understand of the nature of The Godhead.

Father has blessed us in Christ…

Paul blesses Father.
Then, Paul acknowledges the blessing that Believers have in the Lord.

We are blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing.
Nothing is withheld.
Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.
Think on that.

Though we are in this world, positionally we are blessed beyond expressions.

Rejoice in this blessing!











"Grace and Peace…"

October 11, 2014

“Grace and Peace…”

Blessings folk!

Psalm 119 gives us much information related to the Law of the Lord.

How does this relate to the Body of Christ?
How do we as New Covenant Creations live?

Reflecting upon this...time to examine Ephesians. Happy

Read the following
Often we give little heed to the “intros”.
Examine every phrase.
Every word.
What do you learn about the author?
What do you learn about the recipients?

Ephesians 1:1-2
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul…

  • an apostle…one sent forth as a messenger...of Christ Jesus
  • an apostle by the will of God. Not the will of Paul. Not the will of man. God.
  • spoke grace to the Ephesians
  • spoke peace to the Ephesians
  • acknowledged that the grace/peace are from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Recipients/Ephesians
  • saints...they were True Believers
  • they are in Ephesus
  • they are faithful in Christ Jesus. Not faithful in their ability. Not faithful in their strength.

This is who we are as True Believers…
  • saints...holy ones
  • faithful

Does this describe us?

This is what we are to do…
  • impart grace to one another
  • speak peace to one another.

Do we?

Let us do so...impart grace, speak peace…
This is the will of God.

"Seek Your Servant"

October 10, 2014

“Seek Your Servant”

Blessings folk!!

Psalm 119...the final verses!
Yes, it is the “longest chapter” in the Bible.
It is a profound declaration of the Power of the Word of the Lord...His commandments, precepts, instructions, rules, etc.

Now, give heed to how the Psalmist closes…

Psalm 119:175-176
175 Let my soul live and praise you,
    and let your rules help me.
176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
    for I do not forget your commandments.


Our life comes from the Lord.
Continued life is from Him.
The Psalmist cries to the Lord to “let my soul live”.
To what purpose?
To praise the Lord.

We see that it is the rules of the Lord that help us.

The Psalmist closes in an interesting and humbling manner.
He acknowledges that he had gone astray...like a lost sheep.

He then cries out to the Lord seek him.

Interesting.

Have we asked the Lord to seek for us?
Have we asked the Lord to seek your servant?

Today, allow the Lord to seek and search the innermost parts.
Allow Him to place His loving finger upon things.
What change might He make?







"Long…"

October 9, 2014

“Long…”

Blessings folk!

For what do you “long”?
What is the desire of your heart...the deepest desire?
What do you meditate upon, reflect upon, seek with passion?

Psalm 119:174
174 I long for your salvation, O Lord,     and your law is my delight.

The Psalmist was experiencing difficult trial and tribulations.
He has cried out to the Lord for rescue.
He proclaims to the Lord that he longs for salvation.
He knew his salvation was in the Lord.
He knew that salvation was to be provided.
He did not know when.

In the time of waiting, He delighted in the Law of the Lord.
He rested in the Truth of the Lord.
He delighted?
Joy in the midst of suffering.
Joy in the midst of waiting.
Joy in understanding that the Lord does only what is best for those that His.

Delight in the Lord as we long for His salvation…
The salvation that True Believers experienced at a puncticular moment...
The salvation that True Believers live in now…
The salvation that True Believers will experience in the future…

Rejoice in the True Salvation...

"Let Your Hand Be Ready..."

October 8, 2014

“Let Your Hand Be Ready…”

Blessings folk!

We are drawing to the end of Psalm 119...an amazing declaration of the wonder and glory of the Word of God.

Look at this...

Psalm 119:173
173 Let your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.


The Psalmist had made a choice.
He chose the Precepts of the Lord.
What were the other options?
Self desires.
Options of the world.
Etc.

Due to this choice, the Psalmist knew that he could ask.
Let Your hand be ready to help me.
The Psalmist knew that the Hand of the Most High would help.
Do we know?
Have we experienced?
Do we rest and trust in the Hand of the Lord?
Or, do we trust in our abilities until “we can do no more”, then call upon the Lord?

The Lord desires to help.

The Word tells us that the eyes of the Lord are roaming to and fro across the earth looking for a man whose heart He can strengthen...for someone who He can be strong “in the behalf”.

2 Chronicles 16:9
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.


Be that person.
Be the one whose heart is perfected toward the Lord.
Otherwise, we will have done foolishly...we will have wars. (The context is interesting&hellipWinking

"My Lips, My Tongue"

October 7, 2014

“My Lips, My Tongue”

Blessings folk!

What comes forth from your mouth?
What do your lips articulate?
What is revealed about your heart through your speech?

Sadly, in many professing believers all that is spoken are cutting words, doubt, fear, anxiety, bitterness, unforgiveness, religious platitudes, rebellion, deceit, envy, mumbling, grumbling, complaining, gossip, division, turmoil, lies, etc. etc.

We should be as Jesus.
He only spoke words that Father said.
He only did deeds that Father instructed.

Give heed to what the Psalmist did…

Psalm 119:171-172
171 My lips will pour forth praise,
    for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue will sing of your word,
    for all your commandments are right.


His lips “poured forth praise” to the Most High.
Praise to Him.
Praise for Him.
Why?
Because the Lord teaches him His statutes.

Do we praise the Lord for such?

His tongue sang of the Word of the Lord.
Why?
Because all His commandments are right.

The praise of God should literally be pouring forth from our mouths.
Does it?
Our tongue should sing of His Word...without ceasing we should be speaking forth the Word of the Lord.

Do we?

If not, why not?
If not now, when?

"Understanding"

October 6, 2014

“Understanding”

Blessings folk!

We are drawing to the end of Psalm 119.
One last stanza.
So much Truth related to the Word of the Lord and our relationship with Him is found in this Psalm.
Meditate upon it the balance of life.

Psalm 119:169-170
Taw
169 Let my cry come before you, O Lord;     give me understanding according to your word! 170 Let my plea come before you;     deliver me according to your word.

The Psalmist wanted understanding according to the Word of the Lord.
So should the cry of our heart be.

It is only the Lord that gives understanding.
Not man.
Not institution.

Only the Lord.

He will respond to our cry for understanding.

His Word is understanding.

He will deliver us...according to His Word.

The Psalmist continues to plea to the Lord for rescue, for deliverance, etc.

He waits patiently.

So should we.

Today, rest in the understanding of the Lord.
Seek more.
Be at peace in Him.
Rejoice!


"Great Peace…"

October 5, 2014

“Great Peace…”

Blessings folk!

So many Believers do not live in peace.
The peace is there.
They choose to live in the stress and anxiety of the day.
Give heed to the Word of the Lord.
Watch what brings peace.

Psalm 119:165-168

165 Great peace have those who love your law;
    nothing can make them stumble.
166 I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
    and I do your commandments.
167 My soul keeps your testimonies;
    I love them exceedingly.
168 I keep your precepts and testimonies,
    for all my ways are before you.


Those who love the law of the Lord have peace…great peace.
Nothing can make them stumble.

Think about that again.
Loving the Law of the Lord brings great peace.
This requires knowing the Word of the Lord.
If we know His Word, nothing can make us stumble.
A bold truth!

The Psalmist hoped for the salvation of the Lord...while doing the Lord’s commandments.

He did the commandments.
His soul...the seat of the emotions...kept the Lord’s testimonies.
He loved the testimonies of the Lord, His precepts, His testimonies...exceedingly.

The Psalmist then acknowledges that all his ways are before the Lord.

So it is with us.
All our ways are before the Lord, whether we acknowledge such.

Do you have peace?
If not, is not through any fault of the Lord.
Peace is to be had.
Do that which brings peace.

"Seven Times A Day…"

October 4, 2014

“Seven Times A Day…”

Blessings folk!

The next stanza…

We learn more about the attack coming against the Psalmist.
Princes were persecuting him - political.
They were persecuting without cause. Unfounded.

The Psalmist continues to respond as we have seen.

Psalm 119:161-164
Sin and Shin
161 Princes persecute me without cause,     but my heart stands in awe of your words. 162 I rejoice at your word     like one who finds great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor falsehood,     but I love your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise you     for your righteous rules.

His heart stands in awe of the Words of the Lord.
Does ours?

He rejoices in the Word of the Lord...as in when one finds great spoil.
Do we?

He loves the Law of the Lord.
He hates and abhors falsehood.
Do we?
(So much falsehood within the professing church)

Then this insight into the life of the Psalmist...we do not know who wrote it...likely David, Daniel or Ezra.
Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.
Seven times a day the Psalmist set aside a time to praise.
We do not know the schedule
Here is an option…

6 am
9 am
noon
3 pm
6 pm
9 pm
Upon the night bed…

Psalm 63:6
6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches,

Do we rejoice in the Word of the Lord?
Without ceasing?
On a regular, time-consuming basis?
On what does our mind meditate?

"The Sum of Your Word Is Truth"

October 3, 2014

“The Sum of Your Word Is Truth”

Blessings folk!

The Psalmist is reaching conclusions related to the Word of God.

Repeatedly...and here again...he speaks of the nature of the Word of the Lord…

Psalm 119:157-160
158 I look at the faithless with disgust,
    because they do not keep your commands.
159 Consider how I love your precepts!
    Give me life according to your steadfast love.
160 The sum of your word is truth,
    and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.


The Psalmist was disgusted by the faithless who did not keep the commands of the Lord.

Do we react that way?
Not hatred toward a person, rather disgust that they would forthrightly and cognitively decided to reject the commands of the Most High.

Then, the Psalmist ask the Lord to consider something.
Consider how he loved the precepts of the Lord.
Based upon that consideration, he then asked that life be granted unto him...according to the steadfast love of the Lord.

We can approach the Lord through and because of His Word.

Then, a profound summation…

“The sum of Your Word is Truth…”

All of the Word of the Lord is truth.
Not just a portion.
Not just the part we “like”.
All.
Often I wonder what part of “all” people do not understand…

Then…
“Everyone of Your righteous rules endures forever.”
The Lord’s rules are righteous.
They have to be.
He is Righteous.
They endure forever.

Live in them…through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rejoice in them...through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rest in the Truth that the Word of the Lord endures forever.
He is the Word. Happy

"Great Is Your Mercy…"

October 2, 2014

“Great Is Your Mercy…”

Blessings folk!

In Whom do you trust in times of trial, tribulation, fear, terror?
In Whom do you trust when all about lie, cheat, steal?
In Whom do you trust when the domestic enemy is greater than the foreign?
In Whom do you trust when disease and plagues break forth?

Hear what the next stanza says...

Psalm 119:153-156
Resh
153 Look on my affliction and deliver me,     for I do not forget your law. 154 Plead my cause and redeem me;     give me life according to your promise! 155 Salvation is far from the wicked,     for they do not seek your statutes. 156 Great is your mercy, O Lord;     give me life according to your rules.

The Psalmist calls upon the Lord to…

  • to look upon his affliction
  • to deliver him
  • to plead his cause
  • to redeem him
  • to give him life

All based upon the Promise the Lord made and the fact that the Psalmist has not forgotten His law.

The Psalmist reminds the Lord (that is always an interesting thing...many times in the Word we see people reminding the Lord of His promises, of His commandments, of His Word) that the wicked do not seek His statutes.

Salvation is far from the wicked.

Then, the foundational Truth...great is the mercy of the Lord.

It is through His mercy that we have life.
It is through His mercy that we are delivered from the evil one.
It is through His mercy that we exist.

Therefore, as we face today and the days ahead that He might grant, may we realize, rejoice and revel in the Mercy that He has granted unto us.


"Draw Near…"

October 1, 2014

“Draw Near…”

Blessings Folk!

The persecutors were drawing near.
The enemy was approaching.
They are far from the Law of the Lord.
They are full of evil purpose.

What is one to do?
Heed the Word of the Psalmist.

Psalm 119:149-152

149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
    O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
    they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
    and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
    that you have founded them forever.

The Psalmist continues to call upon the Lord…

  • “hear my voice according to your steadfast love”
  • “give me life”...based on Your justice
  • he reminds the Lord of His love

The Psalmist declares that the Lord is near and that all His commandments are true.
The Psalmist knows that the testimonies of the Lord were founded forever...from the furthest past to the endless future.

As the enemy draws near, the Lord is nearer.
Believers need to remember this.
We need to live in this now…even more so as the dark days increase.
We are in training...the battle is on the horizon.

The enemies are drawing near...in all arenas.
Do you draw near to the Lord?