Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Paul tells us that God reaches out to us through Jesus “making known to us the mystery of his will” (v. 9). God has given us instruction from the very beginning, telling us “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). God gave us all of creation and called us to use it wisely.

However, God has rules for us regarding how we treat what He has given us and each other. We are to respect His creation and our brothers and sisters as we respect Him. We haven’t always been obedient in any of these, using people and things for our own pleasure and gain.

Paul reminds us how richly we have been blessed and the responsibility that comes through our relationship with God. We are called to be part of His work, ensuring that everyone knows of His love for us and our obligation to respond. Those who follow Christ must demonstrate the life He taught us to live, caring for each other and giving praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father.

Gracious God, we come to You in repentance, sorry for our failings. Help us to be strong in our faith, loving You and others as You first loved us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the New King James Version (NKJV).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

This letter opens with praise to God for the blessings He has given us. We are thankful for all these gifts but none is as important as the fact that “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (v. 7). Christ’s sacrifice releases us from the captivity of this world and prepares us for eternal life with Him.

Jesus cared about us more than He cared about Himself, and He calls us to love and serve each other in the same way. He showed us that life was more than just wealth and owning things, that we were created for a higher purpose. We are made to be with Him forever.

We can only speculate about when and how He will return, but we have His promise it will happen. Jesus will come to take us all home. Then we will join the song of all creation “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever” (Revelation 5:13).

Loving Lord, we are grateful for all Your blessings to us. Help us to use our gifts in love for each other and to be ready when Jesus returns for us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the New American Standard Bible (NASB).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, with which He favored us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things in accordance with the plan of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of the promise, who is a first installment of our inheritance, in regard to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Paul tells us that we are God’s chosen, His “own possession” (v. 14), which should give us an idea of how much He loves us. We are part of the family of God, eternally connected to Him and each other. Because we are a family we have different gifts and different responsibilities.

Gods knows each of us better than we know ourselves because He created us. He has a plan for us as individuals and for us all as His people. We may not fully understand our role and the resources He has given, but by accepting the forgiveness He offers, we can live into the life He intends for us.

Many people see New Year’s Day as a chance to start again, to change their hearts and lives. This rededication is a good thing, but God is always ready for us to turn to Him. We don’t have to wait for the beginning of the year to repent and see a new path. God will be waiting for you every day! May we all be blessed in 2021 to better see His plan and answer His call on our lives.

Gracious God, we don’t deserve all the “second chances” You offer us, but You give them to us just the same. Help us to be worthy of the gifts You send, using our blessings to bless others. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Paul uses the word “inheritance” in the heavenly sense in this passage. An earthly inheritance is a gift from one generation to the next intended to provide for them after the passing of their elders. Our heavenly inheritance is a gift from God the Father to provide for us eternally.

In those days an inheritance was a means and an obligation to care for the family as the elders had done, not merely wealth given after their passing. Our gift from God carries a similar responsibility: to share His love and care for His children. Our gifts are not our own but a blessing from Him to go and do in His name.

Jesus came to teach us the joy of that connection, that our task is both serious and wonderful. He has prepared us a place with Him according to God’s promise. Until He calls us home, we are to continue His work, ensuring all hear the message of love God sends us.

Loving Lord, we are glad to be part of what You are doing in creation. Help us to live in You that all people may know the blessing of Your inheritance to us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time —to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him. In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Paul tells us of the blessings God sends to those who choose Him. These aren’t things we can see or touch, but when we believe, they enable us to become brothers and sisters in Christ, part of God’s workforce for the healing of the world. This is a blessing beyond measure, to know and share His love with everyone.

Jesus came to be God with us face to face, teaching and showing us what life in God is all about. He promised when He was no longer with us in person that the Holy Spirit would come to us as God’s presence in our lives (John 14:16). Paul speaks of this as “the down payment of our inheritance” (v. 14).

God has already kept His promise to us, He always does. Now it is our turn to act in faith, to believe in the truth of the Good News and spread it to all the world. We are each called by name to be the representatives of His love.

Gracious God, we are grateful to be Your people, ready to go where You send us to do Your will. Strengthen us to be effective workers for Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).

Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding. God revealed his hidden design to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.

Paul reminds us that God provides “forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace”, thankfully not based on what we deserve, but on His love for us. That is His promise, if we are willing to accept the responsibility that forgiveness entails. He has made a way for us to be reconnected with Him in spite of our failings.

God sent His son to reach us personally, to teach us about this wonderful offer of reconciliation. This blessing is offered to all who will receive it through Jesus. He came as an example of what a life in God could be.

There is nothing we can do to earn this blessing, the only thing we must do to receive it is respond with grateful thanks. God wants to be part of our daily lives, and wants us to share that joy with others. His promise will never change, but it will change us.

Gracious God, we are thankful for Your love and the coming of Your son to show us how to live. May we hear Your call on our lives and go to tell the Good News to everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Ephesians 1:3-14, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).

Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven. God chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless in God’s presence before the creation of the world. God destined us to be his adopted children through Jesus Christ because of his love. This was according to his goodwill and plan and to honor his glorious grace that he has given to us freely through the Son whom he loves. We have been ransomed through his Son’s blood, and we have forgiveness for our failures based on his overflowing grace, which he poured over us with wisdom and understanding. God revealed his hidden design to us, which is according to his goodwill and the plan that he intended to accomplish through his Son. This is what God planned for the climax of all times: to bring all things together in Christ, the things in heaven along with the things on earth. We have also received an inheritance in Christ. We were destined by the plan of God, who accomplishes everything according to his design. We are called to be an honor to God’s glory because we were the first to hope in Christ. You too heard the word of truth in Christ, which is the good news of your salvation. You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit because you believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the down payment on our inheritance, which is applied toward our redemption as God’s own people, resulting in the honor of God’s glory.

Paul begins his letter to the congregation in Ephesus with a reminder of God’s blessing and His plan for us. He tells them (and us) that we are called to be part of what God is doing in the world. Before going into any specific instruction or other issues, Paul calls them to remember who they are and what God intends for them.

What a wonderful way to begin any activity, by recalling our purpose and the joy we have in the Lord. God wants to be involved in our everyday lives, to be present with us to encourage and comfort us. Through His inspiration, any task we are called to becomes holy work.

Consider your relationship with God in everything you do, even the most common things. By including Him in all our activities, we maintain a closeness that enables us to call on Him in difficult times. When we need strength, He is always there.

Loving Lord, we are Your children, created by Your hand and breath. Help us to live in You and You in us, that we may follow the way You have prepared for us and share Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture for Sabbath is Matthew 2:13-23, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.” But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child’s life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Often I read passages such as this and think “if only God spoke that clearly to me, it would sure be easier!” God is more than willing to do so, but it is important that I make time to speak with Him, that I am prepared to receive His word and that I put what He has told me into practice. God is waiting to share with us but we must be willing to put aside the daily distractions we engage in and give Him our attention.

We have gotten so used to constant mental input and stimulation that we almost need to be shocked into quiet time to listen for God’s voice. Then when we are finally silent and open, we are anxious for an immediate response, the same way we are used to from text messages, email or the internet. We seem to think everything, including God responding to us, has to happen right now!

God is always ready to share with us, but we must be ready to accept His word and His way. We don’t get to dictate how it happens. He knows our hearts and when we make time for God, He will always make time for us.

Heavenly Father, our lives have become so busy! We fill every spare moment with “stuff”, which often interferes with our relationship with You. Help us to slow down and be intentional about our connection, listening for Your word and sharing Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 2:13-23, taken today from the New International Version ( NIV).

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Not everyone was overjoyed about the birth of Jesus. Some highly placed people were threatened by the arrival of the new King and sought to destroy Him because they feared losing their power and position. Rather than rejoicing, they were plotting.

This wasn’t part of God’s plan and He sent an angel to warn Joseph of the danger. Joseph listened and his family was protected through their obedience. Later, they return to their homeland when God told them it was safe.

Jesus was persecuted for His life and ministry from the very beginning. However, Joseph and Mary protected Him as a child because they listened and obeyed God. We can protect Christ living in us the same way, by hearing God’s call and avoiding the distractions and dangers the world has for us. Protect your faith by listening for God’s voice and following the lessons Jesus teaches us.

Gracious God, we want to keep Your commandments in our hearts and in our lives. Help us to hear the guidance You give and share Your love with everyone. Amen.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. John 3:16‭-‬17

Merry Christmas! May the joy of the season confirm the truth of the blessing we have received. Christ is born, glory to God in the highest!

The prophet Isaiah spoke of God’s promise to all of us long before Jesus came to be with us. God works on His own time, and while we may be impatient, it won’t change the eternal schedule He has set. As we celebrate His arrival this Christmas, we have been in a period of separation from each other, waiting for the time that it will be safe to gather again without fear of illness. God still teaches us patience, even in difficult situations.

The Gospel of John tells us the reason for His coming. Yes, He wants us to know Him, but He came specifically to save us. God wants us to change our hearts and lives, turning away from sin that we might live with Him forever.

May we still know the joy of His love, remembering His promise and the responsibility a connection to God through Jesus lays on us. Our situations may be different but our obligation to Him has not changed. Let us thank God for the gift of Christ in our lives and go to be the people He calls us to be.

Gracious God, we thank You for the greatest gift ever given, our Lord Jesus Christ. Bless us to be a blessing to Your world. Amen.