Devotional Moment

The Message Translation
Ephesians 2:20-22
"He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he's using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day - a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home."

We all have a place in God's Plan!! All of us have purpose and reason for being who we are and where we are. There is no doubt about it. God is minute by minute, second by second, day by day building us into a Holy Temple; a temple in which He dwells.

Stop for a minute and think about it. Christ, himself, is at home with you! That is so cool!

After Paul wrote this to the Ephesian church he expressed how exciting it was for him to be able to share this with them. He says in verse 6, "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus." And then in verse 12 he write, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." This is HUGE.... It was so HUGE for the Gentiles to know that they are heirs, sharers together with Israel. That the God of Israel is their God too. Our God will not leave anyone out that truly desires to follow after Him.

As Christians today, we need to hear this message. Jesus Christ is for the WORLD and everyone in it! He desires to see all people, nations, communities come together as brothers and sisters that care for each other and love each other the way He has called us to.

After Paul had shared this exciting, HOPEFUL news with the church he said a prayer for them and I want to share that prayer with whoever reads my blog and know that as I write this prayer and as I continue to read it over and over again, that it is my prayer for each and every one of us.

Ephesians 14-21
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strenghten you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to konw this love that surpasses knowledge- that yuo may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now, to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen!"