Life Journal June 5, 2008
Today's readings: Proverbs 30-31; Psalms 33; Ephesians 1

Remembering Who I Am

Scripture

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else--not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.

Ephesians 1.15-23

Observation

We are not left to our own devices--we have wisdom and the power of God available to us!

Application (How will I be different today because of what I have just read?)

It is easy to feel alone and powerless in today's world--we look at world leaders, the rich and we are quick to feel as if we have no power. But that is the lie of the enemy.

I love this Scripture because it reminds me of who I am and what I have as a believer in Jesus Christ. Spiritual wisdom is available to me for the asking. The opportunity to grow in the knowledge of God is available to me if I am willing to be open and to read God's Word and spend time in quiet prayer. And God's Spirit--the Holy Spirit--dwells in me--filling me with God's amazing power. And yet, so often I live a powerless life--allowing sin and the world to control me.

Today, I am reminded who I am in Christ. Today, I am reminded that the church is Christ's body--and is made full and complete by Christ--who fills all things everywhere with himself! Today, I will strive to walk and live a life that is Spirit filled.

Prayer

Father God, my prayer today is the same as Paul's prayer--for me and for Your church. Lord, let us no longer be weak and downtrodden. . .let us claim and walk in the power and strength that You bring to us in the person of Your Holy Spirit. Lord, in You we have the victory. In You we have the power. In You we have the freedom to be the people You have called us to be. Let us live accordingly.