Know the Love of Christ
Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 3:13-21. In this Scripture Paul told the Ephesians not to be discouraged because he was in prison, as it was for their honor and glory that he was suffering. Would you be discouraged if your leader was in prison?
Paul says, “For this cause I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the creator of everything in heaven and earth.” This shows Paul’s humility and his reverence for God.
Paul’s desire for the church members was that God would give them inner strength by His Spirit through the riches of His glory. Paul hoped that Christ would dwell in their hearts by faith as they put their trust in Him. Paul wanted them to be rooted and grounded in love. His prayer for them was that they would be able to understand, as all Christians should, how high, how wide, how long, and how deep God’s love is for us. He also desired that they would know the love of Christ, which passes all knowledge and be filled with the fullness of God.
Paul gives glory to God who is able to do more than we could ever imagine by His power that is at work in us. His desire was that God be given glory in the church forever through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul didn’t try to take glory or honor for anything he did. He made sure that whatever he did he gave the glory to God and to Jesus Christ. Paul realized that without God he was nothing, and he could do nothing without the power of God living in him. Paul loved the Ephesians, but he knew that God loved them even more and he wanted them to understand and know the love of God.
I love this Scripture. As you read it, Paul’s prayer is also my prayer for you. Read the Scripture as if Paul were talking to you. I pray that it will help you to understand and know how deep, how wide, how long, and how high God’s love is for you. May you always give God all the honor, glory, and praise for all He has done.
Daily Bible Reading:
Ephesians 3:13-21
13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Things to think about:
- What are some ways we can find strength for our “inner selves” through Christ?
- What are some ways we can know the love of God?
- In what ways have you experienced the immeasurable love of God?
Prayer of the Day:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul is praising and glorifying You. Help us to get a glimpse into how much You love us. We give You praise, honor, and glory for all You have done for us and for the wonderful plan that You had for us from the beginning of time. We love You, LORD. Amen.
Daily Bible Verse:
be filled with all the fulness of God.
– Ephesians 3:19
Featured Book:
The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus
by Deborah H. Bateman
The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.
In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.
The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.
For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.
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Have a blessed day,
Deborah
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