Reading for Instruction

Our church has begun a series on Ephesians. Pastor Jeff says we will be in this book for for a couple years! This is exciting because after a few weeks I already feel like I am understanding the book so much better. As we have been reading through this great book, I keep stopping at these passages written by Paul:

"14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:14-20

This has continued to remind me that my knowledge and love for Christ is so much smaller than I desire it to be. God is so infinitely powerful and strong-everything is done according to His will, and He has allowed us to be a part of it. I have been in awe this week of His awesome power and love.

Pastor Jeff also taught the other week that we need to be reading the word on a daily basis for instruction of living NOT simply a daily devotion. The devotions we read each day need to give us more than a little "pick-me-up." Really, they should remind us of our unrighteousness and ability to do anything good without the Lord, and thus challenge us to live for Him, and rely on Him, trusting Him in ALL we do and say. The Bible is here for instruction of living. These commands do not simply apply when they are convenient in our lives--they are meant to be lived out daily and consistently. This often means that we have to make hard decisions, but they are ultimately decisions that are good and honoring to our Lord which should always be our goal.

I am thankful for all that I, as well as what Brandon and I are learning together through this series. Meeting Wednesday night with our house group has been just an enjoyable and edifying as we flush out these truths.