By the Will of God...

I recently decided to read through an epistle each day. I tell you what, it is hard to read through an entire epistle in one sitting because I want to stop at every sentence and soak it in! Each sentence is a  life-changing revelation that takes a whole week to really grasp! But I decided to read the whole thing to get the big picture, then go back and study verse-by-verse.

Today I read Ephesians.

A couple of things really jumped out and struck me in the depths of my soul.

The very first verse...

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God..."

By the will of God...

Paul was an apostle, not because he chose that, but because by God's grace he was allowed. Only because of Christ's death and resurrection was Paul able to become an apostle, carry God's name,
and preach hope to the Gentiles. 

So then my introduction would go something like this....

Jenica, a daughter and disciple of Christ Jesus, only by God's will, grace, and abundant love.

Wow, that really makes me remember that my very existence is because God wills it! I am left humbled and in awe of my King! Thank you for letting me live and be a part of your Kingdom! How trusting you are, my Savior, to let me carry your name! Help me to wear it with confidence and joy!

The second thing that stuck out to me was chapter 3 verse 10 and 11.

"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Through the Church...

If we ever forget what the purpose of the Church is, this verse will remind us! The Church is supposed to make known the manifold wisdom of God in the heavenly realms. We are meant to shift the heavens! The Church can pray for God to rend the heavens. We can call on his name to come, rescue, save, redeem, restore, and give life! The Church reminds Satan of God's wisdom, strength, power, and might! We, the body of Christ, have the power to defeat and destroy Satan!  Wow.

I don't know about you, but I could write pages upon pages about all the amazing things I read in Ephesians today. It is a wonderful book full of truth and power.

And I'll leave you with a couple of verses to ponder....

5:10 "Live as children of light and find out what pleases the Lord."

5:15 "Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

6:10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his might power."

6:24 "Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love."

I Was Made for Loving You

I've always wanted to be a writer. Most writers have a specific audience, topic, or object they write to or about. Some people write for women or children. Some people write about theology, history, philosophy, gardening, cooking, or health. Others simply write about the daily occurrences in their lives. Most people, however, write about what they value, what they are passionate about, what stirs their soul.

As I sit here and think about what stirs my soul, what makes me giggle with joy, cry with empathy, and live with reckless abandonment, I am moved to only one conclusion.....

Jesus Christ.

However, I realize that I have been valuing people, accomplishment, personal recognition, health, and happiness more than I  value the Gospel.

The moment I realize I do not feel a deep desperate need for my Savior...
an intense longing to be united with Him...
a burning inside that makes me want to scream...
a simple realization that I am nothing with out Him...
a peaceful joy knowing I am loved and treasured by my Maker...

When I realize these thoughts and feelings no longer take part in me on a regular basis...

That's when I know I need to sit...
be still...
know that He is God...
listen...
let him romance me...
and pursue my heart...
to surrender...
confess...
repent...
seek his face...
read his promises...
be reminded of truth...
set my affections on him...
take my eyes off myself...
take my eyes off the world...
take my eyes off of others...
put my eyes on him...
let him captivate me again...
accept his grace and love...
be humbled...
broken...
set apart...
made holy...
renewed...
restored and redeemed...
believe...

And this is where I'm at.

In need of renewal, humility, to be broken, to be restored, and to fall in love again.

Oh God, awaken in me a passion for your name again! I long to desire you like I used to. But I have strayed. I have sought the things of this world. I have lived for my own selfish pride.

And I am left laying on the floor...
defeated...
distracted...
discouraged...

And I am reminded that your grace is sufficient for all.

Even me.

Thank you my sweet Jesus.