TUESDAY May 21, 2024

One Body, One Spirit––One God

Ephesians 4:4-6

There are many different denominations in the Christian church––Baptist, Calvary Chapel, Pentecostal churches, Methodist, Assembles of God, and Lutheran––to name a few. Why then is there so much disunity when we are all one in Christ Jesus?

Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the Baptists not believing in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but the Pentecostals should not push them to believe in the gifts either. We should not argue about speaking in tongues with others in the body of Christ. Just because we differ does not mean we are not brothers and sisters in Christ. We are one body in Christ! Yes, there may be differences in some of our theology, but when you come down to the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross and our salvation, those who are truly in unity in the body of Christ believe the same doctrine.

We believe in the same Jesus Christ! What counts is God’s agape love shown to each other. We should not fight over different beliefs about the Rapture, but we are to be one with each other. We need to start pulling together and not apart. Try to keep unity and peace in the body of Christ by praying and caring for one another.

Imagine, seven times in verses 4-6 is the word one. Can you believe the incredible unity we have with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit? This reveals to us that just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one in unity, so we must be one in Jesus Christ. We are one body whether we are in America, Africa, China or Europe. All around the world Christians are to be one in Spirit and one in Jesus Christ.

Know this: Division is never evidence of true Christianity. If a person does not want to be united, then leave it in God’s hands, and He will deal with them individually. Do not be the one dividing the body of Christ, a family, or a friendship; be the one who is always uniting them.

We cannot expect the world to believe that the Father sent the Son, that Jesus’ claims are true and that Christianity is true, unless the world sees some reality of the oneness of the true Christians.
~Frances Schaeffer~

MONDAY May 20, 2024

The Unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-3

Paul used the word therefore which pointed back to everything God had already encouraged us with in the last three chapters. After we know how spiritually rich we are in Christ, and know our position in Him, we are to walk forward to fulfill the call God has on our lives. The word beseech means that Paul, through the love of Christ, was urging believers to bring God glory in their walk with Him.

There is something beautiful in this text––the four graces of unity. They will bring unity in the body of Christ. The word lowliness describes “humility.” It is a grace whereby we put Christ first, others second, and ourselves last. We are not to place ourselves in the center; we place ourselves at the end. We do not go around bragging how humble we are. “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Humility cannot be phony. It is a genuine work of the Holy Spirit.

The next graces are gentleness and longsuffering. The word gentleness means “benignity––the quality of being kind and gentle” or “kindness.” In the KJV the word gentleness is translated as meekness. The word meekness means “power under control.” Our lives are under the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you show meekness when placed under pressure or frustrating circumstances?

Too often when provoked, we become enraged and out of control. We must walk under the control of the Holy Spirit and bear spiritual fruit: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance... (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). Longsuffering means “patience, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs.” Lastly, bearing or forbearing is a word that means “to bear with” or “to endure a person in the love of God.” Using these graces, be at peace with God and with each other.

God alone can give unity to a church, and he only gives it by sanctifying its members.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

MONDAY May 20, 2024

The Unity of the Spirit

Ephesians 4:1-3

Paul used the word therefore which pointed back to everything God had already encouraged us with in the last three chapters. After we know how spiritually rich we are in Christ, and know our position in Him, we are to walk forward to fulfill the call God has on our lives. The word beseech means that Paul, through the love of Christ, was urging believers to bring God glory in their walk with Him.

There is something beautiful in this text––the four graces of unity. They will bring unity in the body of Christ. The word lowliness describes “humility.” It is a grace whereby we put Christ first, others second, and ourselves last. We are not to place ourselves in the center; we place ourselves at the end. We do not go around bragging how humble we are. “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Humility cannot be phony. It is a genuine work of the Holy Spirit.

The next graces are gentleness and longsuffering. The word gentleness means “benignity––the quality of being kind and gentle” or “kindness.” In the KJV the word gentleness is translated as meekness. The word meekness means “power under control.” Our lives are under the power of the Holy Spirit. Do you show meekness when placed under pressure or frustrating circumstances?

Too often when provoked, we become enraged and out of control. We must walk under the control of the Holy Spirit and bear spiritual fruit: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance... (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). Longsuffering means “patience, forbearance, slowness in avenging wrongs.” Lastly, bearing or forbearing is a word that means “to bear with” or “to endure a person in the love of God.” Using these graces, be at peace with God and with each other.

God alone can give unity to a church, and he only gives it by sanctifying its members.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

SUNDAY May 19, 2024

Walk Worthy of Your Calling

Ephesians 4:1-3

Paul had already taught the Ephesian believers their position in Christ. They were spiritually rich. He knew it was necessary for them to know who they were in Christ before they were assigned to any Christian duty in the church. Believers need security in Jesus Christ. There is wisdom in that.

In Ephesians 4:1, the word therefore took them back to all they had already learned. For the first three chapters of the book of Ephesians, believers in Christ had sat while learning from Paul’s in-depth teaching on who they were in Christ. Now it was time for them to learn how to walk. There must be a consistency in their walk. The Christian life is compared to a walk. The word walk is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to daily conduct.

In the first three verses of Ephesians 4, Paul pleaded for Christians to walk in unity. Unfortunately, among the churches and between each other, there is a lot of disunity. God desires that we unite with the people of God. There must be unity among us, as we walk in the love of Christ: And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us... (Ephesians 5:2).

Paul began Ephesians 4 with our call. We are to walk worthy of the vocation God has called us to fulfill. Has God called you into a professional field? Are you a doctor, a teacher, homemaker, business man, or a student? Then He has a work for you to do in that capacity. Wherever you are in life––serving in the church, in your home, or out somewhere in the world––you can be used by the Lord to lead other people to Christ.

Christ has paid the full price for our redemption, but our walk with God on a daily basis will cost us much. Are we willing, cheerfully, to pay the cost?
~A. W. Tozer~

SATURDAY May 18, 2024

Armed Forces Day

1 Chronicles 12:8

Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. It is a day set aside to hold in high esteem all our brave men and women in the Armed Forces. In 1949, President Harry S. Truman established a holiday so that citizens could honor our military heroes for their dedication in serving their great country––the United States of America.

Originally, there were single-day celebrations for the Army, Navy and Air Force. This format changed on August 21, 1949, when Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of Armed Forces Day, which brought about unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense. The annual celebration now commemorates all branches of the military during one single day.

Armed Forces Day is now a joint celebration of all six branches of the U.S. Military: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and the newly created Space Force. The day honors all people currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Armed Forces Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those who have died, or Veterans Day, which gives honor to all former members of the U.S. Military. Veterans Day will always be held on November 11, no matter what day of the week it falls on. It coincides with similar observances in other countries and commemorates the ending of the fighting between the Allied forces and Germany.

National Armed Forces Day is traditionally celebrated with parades, air shows, or other local celebrations in honor of our military. Our Armed Forces risk their lives to keep American citizens safe. This day is set aside in a show of support and recognition for their selfless sacrifice!

It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world.
~President Dwight D. Eisenhower~

FRIDAY May 17, 2024

The Power That Works in Us

Ephesians 3:20-21

Paul concluded Ephesians 3 with a beautiful doxology––a praise to God. Who is at work in our lives to give us the power to live the Christian life? Who is it that sustains and strengthens us? It is the Person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives us the capacity to be filled with the fullness of God. The Spirit of God gives us passion and power. He enables us to grow in Christ.

You see, apart from Christ, we can do nothing. Jesus taught His disciples to abide in Him. The word abide means “to remain,” “not to depart or not to leave,” and “to continue to be present.” Jesus went on to say ... “for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). When we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ by faith, He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39) to strengthen our inner man. The Spirit’s power gives us the ability to accomplish what He has called us to do.

It was the Apostle Paul who said: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). Paul knew where his strength came from, despite his weaknesses. We must not live the Christian life in our own power, but in God’s. The word power speaks of His dunamis power. The Greek word dunamis is derived from our English word “dynamite.” Christ’s dynamite power resides in us: ...we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV).

Do you know Christ, His power, and His love? I know the love and power of Christ. It is expressed in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” I hope you come to know God’s love for you and the power He has to save.

If the love of God alone can save, then he alone shall have my love.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

THURSDAY May 16, 2024

Make Jesus at Home in Your Heart

Ephesians 3:17-19

Paul’s prayer places great importance on knowing the love of Christ. In the preceding verses, he mentioned the whole family in heaven and earth is named. He was speaking about the Jews and Gentiles, and, as they were now in Christ, they had become one big family. Christians are all knit together in Christ’s love. Paul also wrote a letter to the Colossians, and it had a very similar theme as was penned in his prayer for the Ephesians:

...that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ... (Colossians 2:2).

Paul’s desire for the Ephesians was for Christ to dwell in their hearts by faith. The Greek language for the word dwell means “for Christ to make Himself at home in our hearts” or “to settle down.” There must be true repentance and full surrender by faith before Christ “settles down” in your heart. Let me ask you this question: “Have you allowed Jesus to make Himself at home in your heart by faith?”

Once you have made a commitment to follow Christ, you are to become rooted and grounded in His love. The only way you can know the width, length, depth, and height of His love is by your full surrender. Only then will you grow by leaps and bounds. The love of Christ will govern your life, as He continues to fill you with the power of His Holy Spirit.

Every day we should pray and ask Jesus to fill us with His Spirit so that we can operate under His influence. The evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is love. With God’s unconditional love, we can reach people with the Gospel, as they see the love of Christ in our actions and words.

The greatest need in the world is the transformation of human nature. We need a new heart.... We need a heart filled with love and peace and joy, and that is why Jesus came into the world.
~Billy Graham~

WEDNESDAY May 15, 2024

Strength for the Inner Man

Ephesians 3:14-16

God had full possession of Paul’s life. In worship and service to his Lord, Paul bent his humble knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like Paul, we have to keep an attitude of worship as we serve the Lord with our whole being. When we pray, should we always be on our knees? Whether we stand, sit, walk or lie down, the important thing to know is that God sees the position of the heart, and that is what really matters.

Paul’s first prayer was for the believers’ spiritual knowledge (Ephesians 1:15-23). His second prayer for the Ephesian believers began by praying for them to be strengthened with might in the inner man––for power. He also emphasized the necessity for the love of Jesus Christ. A Christian who has grown to be spiritually mature will exercise God’s love toward others.

It breaks my heart when I see someone who has been in the Lord a long time, and they have not grown in the Lord; they are still childish. You can tell they have not grown in the Word of God. They are still falling into the same sins. Their inner man is so weak. It is essential for a Christian to grow in God’s grace, wisdom, knowledge, and in the love of Christ.

We can strengthen our inner man through the power of the Holy Spirit. He enables us to live the Christian life. If you wait on the Lord in prayer, you will find the strength you need. Isaiah 40:31 informs us: ...those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Be in constant communion with the Lord in prayer to be strengthened by Him through His Spirit, walking victoriously in His power.

God does not need your strength: he has more than enough of power of his own. He asks your weakness: he has none of that himself, and he is longing, therefore, to take your weakness, and use it as the instrument in his own mighty hand. Will you not yield your weakness to him, and receive his strength?
~C.H. Spurgeon~

TUESDAY May 14, 2024

Do Not Lose Heart

Ephesians 3:13

Near the conclusion of this great chapter, Paul was concerned for his fellow believers; he did not want them to lose heart. They were feeling sorry for Paul because they had heard of all his tribulations, but he responded with such a good attitude. He was more concerned for them than himself. Besides, through his sufferings, he had become such a tremendous witness to them. Many people in Ephesus came to know Christ. It all worked out for the glory of God!

When Christians go through trials, most of the time I hear murmuring and complaining from them. We all can learn lessons on how we should respond to trials from Paul’s great mindset. Whatever God allows to happen in our lives, in the end, it will bring glory to God if we have the right attitude. In his call to ministry, Paul voiced his steadfastness: Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart (2 Corinthians 4:1 NIV).

In life or death, we are not to lose heart. There are some of you who may be struggling with an illness; perhaps you have cancer, as my beloved wife had. Do not lose heart. I encourage you to always look to the eternal, because one day, we all shall be with the Lord. Think on 2 Corinthians 4:16 to encourage yourself in the Lord: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

I would also like to remind you of the words Jesus said to His Disciples which also apply to us, His followers: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Believers in Christ, do not lose heart. We serve a God who has overcome this world––even death itself.

Never lose heart in the power of the gospel....
C. H. Spurgeon

MONDAY May 13, 2024

Our Access to Christ

Ephesians 3:12-13

Paul had incredibly rich insights for our Christian life. Underline these three important words: boldness, access and confidence. God has given us boldness to preach and proclaim the Gospel. We have access to God as we come to Him through Jesus Christ by faith. We also have confidence that our prayers are going to be heard, and we have the glorious hope of glorification as we are heaven bound.

In the Old Testament, once a year the High Priest came before God to intercede for the people and ask God to forgive them of their sins. Believers in Christ do not need a High Priest because they have Jesus who is their High Priest: Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God... (Hebrews 4:14).

As Christians, we have confidence when we pray by faith, knowing we have full access to God’s throne room (Hebrews 4:16). Know this: God will at times allow us to go through difficulties and circumstances that are beyond our control, but we can call upon Him, trusting in His sovereignty. Despite our sufferings and trials, His plans are still being accomplished. Never lose your confidence in God. Fully place your trust in Him. He will help you and bring about His perfect will for your life.

When enduring trials, consider the influence you have on other people’s faith when they see your steadfastness. God will use your life to lead others to Himself. When they realize what God is doing through you, they will rejoice in His goodness and faithfulness.

We have full confidence in Jesus Christ. Our confidence rises as the character of God becomes greater and more trustworthy to our spiritual comprehension. The One with whom we deal is the One who embodies faithfulness and truth––the One who cannot lie.
~A. W. Tozer~

SUNDAY May 12, 2024

Mother’s Day

Proverbs 1:8 ESV

Today is Mother’s Day. My sons have been so blessed to have had a godly mother. Her wise instruction will continue to be with them. It is in their hearts and minds. As we reflect and think about our mothers, those who are still with us and those who are gone, to remember her encouragement, correction and guidance. A mother’s life is dedicated to teaching her children, and her godly precepts should never be forsaken. Know this: She will always have, or had your best interests at heart.

History points to the value of godly mothers who took the time to diligently teach their children God’s Word––mothers who prayed endless hours for them. These faithful mothers influenced their children to know God. We read the results of some of them who taught their children from the time they were young: Jochebed instructed Moses, and He became a deliverer of God’s people. Bathsheba tutored Solomon, and he became Israel’s wisest King. Eunice taught Timothy God’s Word and passed on to him her genuine faith. Under the further tutelage of the great Apostle Paul, he became a young pastor (2 Timothy 1:5-7).

If you have a God-fearing mother who has diligently poured into your life the treasures of God’s Word, then you have so much to be thankful for. Her godly influence has led you on a path to know God and the way of His salvation. She has marked a path for you to follow. Will you walk that path? It will honor her and bring her joy. Although in context the Apostle John spoke this to those he had begotten in the faith as his children, it expresses a mother’s heart and desire for her children: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 4).

On this Mother’s Day, take time to show her how much she is loved and appreciated. Even if your mother does not know the Lord, honor her because God has commanded you to do so: “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise, “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2-3).

My mother was the source from which I derived the guiding principles of my life.
~John Wesley~

SATURDAY May 11, 2024

The Manifold Wisdom of God

Ephesians 3:10-11

Paul shared that salvation was a mystery that had become revealed––it was open for any Jew or Gentile. God’s plan of salvation became known to us through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Salvation is available for all people.

Interestingly, even before the world existed, God knew those who would accept His way of salvation:

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... (Ephesians 1:3-4).

Yet salvation remains a mystery to angels. Nevertheless, they rejoice when one sinner repents and is saved. Jesus said: “...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). It is through God’s grace and only for mankind, not for angels, although they desire to know more about it—things which angels desire to look into (1 Peter 1:12).

Every person has their own free will to choose to accept or reject God’s salvation through Jesus Christ, who is the power and wisdom of God:

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).

Why perish because of your own foolishness? Christ has the power to save you! Be wise; accept the gift of salvation freely offered to you.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
~1 Corinthians 1:18~

FRIDAY May 10, 2024

The Unsearchable Riches of Christ

Ephesians 3:8-9

Notice Paul’s humble attitude. He looked at himself as the least of all the saints. He recognized that apart from Jesus Christ, he could not have become an Apostle. Paul felt it a privilege to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ––to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ––at no cost.

God allows us to be used by Him to give out to others His unsearchable riches found in Jesus Christ––His love, mercy and grace. Listen, the Gospel is free to anyone who wants to hear and receive it. Christ’s unsearchable riches can be found by them. The way of salvation was hidden, but it has been revealed by God through His Son, Jesus Christ. When we begin to understand who we are in Christ, we are able to fully enjoy His unsearchable riches. Talk about being rich! We are rich! Spiritually, we are super-blessed as children of the Lord.

Some Christians sit at home sorrowfully and think about all their problems, but they are missing out on the joy of having God’s unsearchable riches. They need to focus on all Christ has done for them. Why sit and feel defeated in constant worry and anxiety? Allow the Lord to minister to you through the Scriptures. Discipline yourself to have a devotional time in God’s Word and seek Him daily, and you will receive the knowledge and wisdom to solve your problems.

Do not sit at home depressed. Come to church, and after a time of worship and listening to the sermon, you will feel ministered to and encouraged. Then you will begin to praise the Lord and give Him honor and glory for all the unsearchable riches you have in Christ!

Riches of love to sinners as such, and riches of pardon to sinners who repent, are stored up in the Lord Jesus Christ.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

THURSDAY May 9, 2024

The Gospel of Grace

Ephesians 3:4-7

God has revealed His grace to both Jews and Gentiles. As Christians, we must not take advantage of God’s grace that has been freely given to us. There are too many believers who are acting irresponsibly with this precious gift of grace. Have you forgotten what God has said in His Word? Hebrew 9:27 tells us: And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.... Our stewardship on earth is important. We must all give an account of our lives (2 Corinthians 5:10). What are you doing with God’s grace? Grow in grace and share the Gospel of grace with others.

Paul was a minister, “a servant” of God through the power of God’s grace. He looked at Gentiles as lost sheep, but the Jews looked down on them as unclean, untouchable people without any hope of salvation. Paul understood that the Gospel of grace was extended to the Gentiles.

Did you know that in Jesus’ genealogy there are five women mentioned: Tamar who played the harlot, Rahab a harlot in Jericho, Ruth the Moabitess, Bathsheba who committed adultery with King David, and Mary the mother of Jesus? Three of them were considered Gentiles: Tamar thought to be a Canaanite, Rahab another Canaanite, and Ruth.

The Gospel of grace has been revealed to us by God’s Spirit and through His apostles and prophets. Salvation has been extended to all Gentiles. I love to share the Gospel of grace with people. It is as if I am throwing out a rope for them to catch hold of––a rope that pulls them to Christ. Grace is a gift! You lay hold of it when you give your life to Christ.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
~1 Timothy 6:12~

WEDNESDAY May 8, 2024

The Dispensation of God’s Grace

Ephesians 3:1-3

Paul continued his art of writing practical theology in his epistle to the Ephesians. He continued to cover other areas concerning their position in Christ. He had written to them about what God had already done for them: They were chosen, blessed in heavenly places, predestined before the foundation of the world, living to the praise and glory of His grace, redeemed, and filled with the Holy Spirit of promise.

Paul also taught them who they were before Christ in the past: lost in sin and spiritual darkness. In the present: their blessed position in Christ. In the future: the hope of having an eternal inheritance. Paul related to the Ephesians his own present situation––a prisoner for Jesus Christ. He thought it a privilege to suffer for Christ, although, at this time, he was not that uncomfortable. Paul was under house arrest for two years, not suffering in a dungeon.

Paul had such an overflowing desire in his heart to write the epistle to the Ephesian Church. It was a letter filled with God’s love, grace and peace. Paul communicated to them about the mystery of the Church and the dispensation of God’s grace. The word mystery in the Bible is literally “a revelation that was hidden in the past, but has now become revealed.” Paul made known the mystery of God’s grace to the Jews and the Gentiles. The word dispensation speaks of stewardship. It means “a house manager.” Paul was a house manager of the Gospel of grace.

God has bestowed upon your life, His grace––His unmerited favor. Grace was freely given to you; it did not cost you anything. You are now responsible––a house manager of His grace. If you do not understand this mystery of God’s grace working in and through your life, then how can you serve Christ and do want He wants you to do?

If we give God service it must be because He gives us grace. We work for Him because He works in us.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

TUESDAY May 7, 2024

A Prisoner for Christ

Ephesians 3:1-3

Paul the Apostle suffered tremendously for Christ. He was often beaten and imprisoned. During this time, although a prisoner, he found ways to preach the Gospel. Although restricted, he witnessed to the Roman guards who watched over him. He spent his time wisely, writing theological discourses about the mystery of God’s grace in his epistle to the Ephesians. Never for a moment did Paul feel sorry for himself. He knew he was in God’s perfect will.

Like Paul, we can expect times of suffering. It is not always easy to be a Christian. Some of you may be going through mental, emotional, physical, or financial suffering. Every Christian must go through the school of suffering. Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus comforted us.

Do these trials make you feel restricted and discouraged? Do you think God has abandoned you? These are times of deep darkness. When facing tough circumstances, I encourage you not to worry. Jesus is with you! He will lighten your darkness: For You will light my lamp; the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness (Psalm 18:28).

Christian, we do not even have to fear death. God is in the valley of death with us. He will not forsake you in your hour of need: Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me... (Psalm 23:4). In Christ we have peace.

Most of us remember what it was like to be in bondage to this world and our sin. Now that Jesus Christ has delivered us from evil, are we willing to become His servants, even if that means becoming His prisoner?

In me there is darkness, but with You there is light; I am lonely, but You do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with You there is help; I am restless, but with You there is peace.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

MONDAY May 6, 2024

God’s Dwelling Place

Ephesians 2:21-22

Many people view a church building as the place where God dwells. They may have a sense of awe when entering an old church building with beautiful, stained glass windows. Yet God does not live in a building made with men’s hands. God dwells within us. Believers in Christ become the Temple of God:

...do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Interestingly, the word temple used in 1 Corinthians 6:19 is the same word used for the Holy of Holies in the Jewish Temple where God’s presence dwelt. In the Temple behind the veil, stood the Ark of the Covenant. The lid was called the Mercy Seat. It had two golden Cherubim with wings stretched out covering the Mercy Seat. Once a year, only the High Priest entered there on the Day of Atonement with the blood of an animal sacrifice for his sins and God’s people’s sins.

Hebrews 10:19-22 explains how we are able to come before God’s holy presence anytime because Jesus has made atonement for our sins by His blood:

Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Do you understand the depth of meaning in these verses? At any time, you now have access to God’s throne because of Christ’s shed blood. Today, what will you take to God’s throne room in prayer?

Heaven and earth, all the emperors, kings, and princes of the world, could not raise a fit dwelling place for God; yet, in a weak human soul, that keeps His Word, He willingly resides.
~Martin Luther~

SUNDAY May 5, 2024

The Chief Cornerstone

Ephesians 2:19-20

Before Christ came, there was a great separation between the Jews and the Gentiles. When Christ came, Paul spoke of the unity among them. God is a God of unity, not disunity. God’s grace binds Jews and Gentiles together; they have become one. Gentiles are no longer to be treated as strangers and foreigners; they are brothers and sisters in Christ.

When Paul preached the Gospel, he reiterated the accessibility of God’s salvation to the Jew and Gentile: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek [Gentile] (Romans 1:16). Can you imagine if we had to live by the Jewish Law? Thank God for the grace of God!

In Christ, we are one big family––fellow citizens of heaven. All racial distances and divisions have been overcome by Jesus Christ. We are one body through one Spirit (Ephesians 2:14-16). Believers from all over the world are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints––believers who are set apart for God.

Paul used a metaphor to explain our Christian unity––a building. We are members of the same household. Christ’s Church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone. We are called living stones. Our bodies have become the Temple of the living God: ...you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5). This is so beautiful!

Think about it: A building is aligned with the cornerstone. It is the first stone laid in the foundation. As a Christian, is your life aligned with Christ––your Chief Cornerstone?

“Behold, I [God] lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”
~1 Peter 2:6~

SATURDAY May 4, 2024

You Just Need Jesus

Ephesians 2:16-18

Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the Cross made a way for both Jew and Gentile to be reconciled to God. Therefore, there should be no disunity in the body of Christ. Jesus Christ is the Mediator for Jew and Gentile to receive salvation and to have access to God the Father:

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time... (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

When a person accepts Jesus as the only way for their salvation, they immediately have an open door to God the Father. Try any other way, and God is unreachable. Men have tried to reach God through their own methods: good works, obeying the Jewish Law, or man-made traditions. They even attempt to reach Him through some person other than Christ––Mary the mother of Jesus, the Pope, Buddha, or Krishna––but it does not work that way. God the Father is accessible through Christ alone. You just need Jesus!

One of Jesus’ Disciples, Thomas, was very troubled. The Lord had told the Disciples that He was going away, but Thomas was not sure where He was going or the way (John 14:1-5). Consider the profound truth in Jesus’ answer to Thomas that helped calm his concerns: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Thomas did know the way! It was through Jesus!

Have you been trying to reconcile yourself to God through your own ways? There is only one way. You just need Jesus!

Jesus is the only way because the Bible says it to be true. Why? Because only He can bridge the gap between God and man; there's no other way.
~Norman Geisler~

FRIDAY May 3, 2024

He Is Our Peace

Ephesians 2:14-15

Paul declared to all believers that Christ is our peace. His sacrifice broke down the middle wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles. There was a physical wall between Jews and Gentiles in the Temple. The wall separated the Gentiles in an outer court of the Jewish Temple. The Temple was the place where animal sacrifices were carried out, as well as worship. According to the Law of Moses, a person could be stoned to death if they approached the inner court––the Holy of Holies. Warnings in Greek were posted on the walls. If a Gentile entered, their death was of their own doing.

Through Christ, the Christian Jew became one with the Christian Gentile. There was no longer to be any wall of prejudice: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). Grace stood on the Jew and Gentile. God is a God of unity.

Within the inner Temple hung a thick curtain. Only the High Priest was permitted to pass behind this veil. Once a year, he entered into God’s presence for all of Israel to make atonement for their sins (Leviticus 16). The veil separated sinful men from entering the Holy of Holies before a holy God (Isaiah 59:1-2).

Remember, when Christ died on the Cross ... the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom... (Matthew 27:51). This signified that the way to enter into God’s holy presence was now open for all people––both Jews and Gentiles––through Christ alone. Do you have peace with God? The way is open. Do not hesitate to receive Christ as your own.

I am ready to meet God face to face tonight and look into those eyes of infinite holiness, for all my sins are covered by the atoning blood.
~R.A. Torrey~

THURSDAY May 2, 2024

National Day of Prayer

2 Chronicles 7:14

We are still a nation in crisis. Sadly, many people in America have stopped seeking God. There is a huge shift towards liberalism. As a nation, we have lost our moral and spiritual compass. A great many of our nation’s leaders have moved away from biblical principles that were set down by our Founding Fathers:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Our current administration in the White House has created laws that have brought upon us death instead of Life, suppression instead of Liberty, and unhappiness instead of Happiness: Death, because of state-funded abortions and open border policies, which have given opportunity for criminal, illegal immigrants to murder and assault our innocent citizens and brave police officers.

Suppression, because with restrictive freedoms, we no longer have freedom of speech in America. How many people have been thrown into jail for what they have said or for whom they have supported? Peaceful citizens praying for the unborn have been wrongfully jailed. Supporting a political candidate has caused people to be jailed.

Unhappiness, because inflation has caused families to experience poverty, and they cannot afford to eat! Small businesses have gone bankrupt. What has happened to America? We need to return to God!

If we, as God’s people, turn from our wicked ways, humbly seek the face of God and pray, then maybe God, in His mercy, will hear our cries from heaven, and heal our land. We can change the destructive course of our country through humble repentance and our sincere prayers.

The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected, in one indissoluble bond, the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity.
~John Quincy Adams~

WEDNESDAY May 1, 2024

The Blood of Jesus Christ

Ephesians 2:11-13

Paul brought to mind that the Gentiles––called Uncircumsion by the Jews––were once without Christ. They could not be among the commonwealth of Israel and had no part in the promise of the Jewish Messiah. At one point in time, Gentile nations had no hope of salvation, being alienated from the Jews and separated from Christ. It really was a black picture of hopelessness. Yet because of the shed blood of Christ, Gentiles were brought near and salvation was made available to them.

Did the Gentiles need to be circumcised to be saved? No––no one could not be saved through keeping the Law. In the Old Testament according to the Law, God’s people would have to kill a lamb or other unblemished animal for a sin offering. Yet the blood of animals became only a temporal covering for sin. Jesus became the Lamb of God, and His precious blood paid the redemption price in full:

...knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Before coming to Christ, we were hopeless––without God, eternally lost, and in spiritual darkness. In Christ, we are saved. The blood of Jesus Christ has taken away our sin once and for all: ...we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10). Redemption through Christ has paved the way for us to have a relationship with God.

The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

TUESDAY April 30, 2024

We Are God’s Workmanship

Ephesians 2:10

Paul taught the believers in Ephesus that they were God’s workmanship. The word workmanship in the Greek language is the word poiema. This is where we get our English word “poem.” The word workmanship can also mean that we are God’s “work of art” or His “masterpiece.” In His hands, our lives become something of such beauty. As we are now in Christ, when others look at what God has masterfully done in our lives, they will give Him the glory.

A number of people feel discontented when looking in the mirror at their reflection. Perhaps they do not like their nose or something else they feel is a flaw. God sees us so differently. He does not differentiate between the tall or small, the handsome or the plain-looking person. He looks at the heart. As Christians, we have become His sons and daughters, and we have no need to be insecure about our outward appearance.

It is important to understand that we first need to learn how rich we are in Christ. Once we become grounded in His Word, we are to become active in the work He has called us to do. Listen, God has created us for good works! He wants you to be productive in your Christian life. Get involved, and do not remain inactive. People can see us as the trophy of Jesus Christ as we serve Him.

The word prepared means “ordained.” God has ordained a course for your life––a preordained plan. There is something God wants you to do. This good work is for you to do specifically––not for anyone else. He desires to use you to manifest His grace, love and mercy to many lost people living in a world of spiritual darkness.

God neither chose them or called them because they were holy, but He called them that they might be holy, and holiness is the beauty produced by His workmanship in them.
~C.H Spurgeon~

MONDAY April 29, 2024

God’s Gift of Grace

Ephesians 2:7-9

In the future to come, God will finish what He has begun in your life: ...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). We are billionaires in the Kingdom of God, not in silver or gold; but through the grace of God, we have received many spiritual riches.

Think about it. We are saved by grace through faith. It is nothing of ourselves; it is the gift of God. As sinners, we have placed our trust in Jesus Christ for our salvation. Therefore, we cannot brag or boast about it. Nobody can earn their salvation through any kind of good works. Some people think they are saved because of their church membership, and others by their generous giving to the poor. There are those who believe they are saved through their parent’s faith––not so. It is a miracle, a new spiritual birth, just as Jesus said: “Very truly I [Jesus] tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:5 NIV). God gets all the glory.

Salvation must be found by every individual. Every person has an opportunity to come to know God’s grace. The Holy Spirit will convict them of their sinfulness, and He will lead them to repentance. This is entirely the work of God: Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? (Romans 2:4).

Do not despise the riches of God’s goodness. The Lord is so patient with you. He desires to lead you to the Cross of Christ, the very place where the burden of your sin can be left, and you can know His forgiveness.

Grace is that in God which brings into favor one justly in disfavor.
~A.W. Tozer~

SUNDAY April 28, 2024

God Is Rich in Mercy

Ephesians 2:4-6

Charles Spurgeon, a great orator, gave many sermons on these two words––But God. We were without God, walking in this world without any real purpose, following the crowds and the course of this world. But God, through His mercy, got a hold of our lives, and there was a dramatic transformation––a real change. The Holy Spirit dwells in our lives, and He made us alive. Our past life is dead. Everything is brand new!

Seriously, we are not missing anything, as some people may think, because we have gained so much in Christ, and that is what counts! Our sins would have condemned us to an eternity without God, but now we are saved––we have an eternal hope. Our salvation came about because of God’s mercy. John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” We are saved by God’s grace.

God loved us in times past as sinners (Romans 5:8). In our present life in Christ, we are so richly blessed! We are to live in the light and not in darkness:

Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts (Romans 13:12-14).

Right now, in the present, we experience the same Resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead. We do not have to wait until we die! We walk in newness of life because of His Resurrection power working in and through us. We also look to the future when we shall be perfect––glorified––all because of God’s great mercy. Our salvation is all God’s work––His love, grace and mercy.

God leads us to eternal life not by our merits but according to his mercy.
~Augustine~

SATURDAY April 27, 2024

Spiritually Dead

Ephesians 2:1-3

Paul made us the center of his conversation. He revealed our past position before we came to Christ––spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins. As sinners, we lived in the lust of our flesh, walking according to our carnal desires and appetites. We sinned willfully and had no spiritual life. We lived in rebellion and disobedience as children of wrath under God’s judgment. We had no hope!

Satan dominates the lives of nonbelievers. As the father of all lies (John 8:44), he deceives them. They are convinced that there is no life after death. They are led to believe that God is not real. They are deceived into thinking, Live for today! Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die!

The devil desires the destruction of people’s souls in hell: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). The truth is, it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

Satan was once a beautiful angel. In pride and rebellion, he thought he could overthrow God’s throne. What happened to him instead?

...war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, ... the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (Revelation 12:7-9).

The book of Revelation reveals an unseen realm. There is now an ongoing battle for the souls of men. Pray that people’s eyes would be open to the Gospel message and their hearts ready to receive Christ.

...if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ ... should shine on them.
~2 Corinthians 4:3-4~