In His Presence
Devotional
READ: Psalm 16:11, 2 Peter 1:3, Psalm 46:10, Luke 10:38-42
We live in a fast-paced world. Our culture demands constant effort each day. Individual achievement is paramount, and one grows weary trying to keep up with the daily demands of schedule, work, family, and activities. It is true that "the precious possession of a man is diligence" (Proverbs 12:27).
However, we need time for rejuvenation. Jesus acknowledged this. He often withdrew from the crowds to be alone and pray to God His Father.
We must put first things first. We must not consider service to others as a task or another thing on our to-do list. The Apostle Paul presents this exceptional view in his letter to the Ephesians.
READ: Ephesians 3:14-21
In this passage, Paul is instructing the Ephesians on how to live as Christians. Did you catch it? Paul states that he “bows his knees before the Father . . . so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith . . . so that you will be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ . . . that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”
Paul’s desire for the Ephesians was not to be a “better person,” attend church frequently, or share the gospel more often. He wanted them to fully comprehend how much God loved them.
In Ephesians 1:15, Paul commends the believers at Ephesus for their "faith in the Lord Jesus and love for the saints." Paul points to how they love well and care for others but notice that he first commends them for their faith in the Lord Jesus.
Our ministry does not begin when we mark our calendar for a service opportunity or write down what we can do for others. How do we grow our faith? Time with our heavenly Father.
God loves you! The more you spend time with God, the more you experience His unconditional love. He cannot love you more than He already does. God loves YOU!
If you struggle to find the bandwidth to help others and desire to be equipped, first, come sit at His feet. Read His Word. Meditate on the breadth, length, height, and depth of His love for you. Your heart will become full to overflowing!
We live in a fast-paced world. Our culture demands constant effort each day. Individual achievement is paramount, and one grows weary trying to keep up with the daily demands of schedule, work, family, and activities. It is true that "the precious possession of a man is diligence" (Proverbs 12:27).
However, we need time for rejuvenation. Jesus acknowledged this. He often withdrew from the crowds to be alone and pray to God His Father.
We must put first things first. We must not consider service to others as a task or another thing on our to-do list. The Apostle Paul presents this exceptional view in his letter to the Ephesians.
READ: Ephesians 3:14-21
In this passage, Paul is instructing the Ephesians on how to live as Christians. Did you catch it? Paul states that he “bows his knees before the Father . . . so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith . . . so that you will be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ . . . that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.”
Paul’s desire for the Ephesians was not to be a “better person,” attend church frequently, or share the gospel more often. He wanted them to fully comprehend how much God loved them.
In Ephesians 1:15, Paul commends the believers at Ephesus for their "faith in the Lord Jesus and love for the saints." Paul points to how they love well and care for others but notice that he first commends them for their faith in the Lord Jesus.
Our ministry does not begin when we mark our calendar for a service opportunity or write down what we can do for others. How do we grow our faith? Time with our heavenly Father.
God loves you! The more you spend time with God, the more you experience His unconditional love. He cannot love you more than He already does. God loves YOU!
If you struggle to find the bandwidth to help others and desire to be equipped, first, come sit at His feet. Read His Word. Meditate on the breadth, length, height, and depth of His love for you. Your heart will become full to overflowing!
Personal Reflection
How often do you spend time with God? What keeps you from this time? How can you create margin each day to seek Him and more fully comprehend the riches that have already been bestowed on you in Christ Jesus.
Posted in UR Devotionals