13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.
14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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What an amazing concept that God, knowing who we were, selected us to be part of His Church.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
II Thessalonians 1- Separation from God
6 For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,
7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
...
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Paul was encouraging the Believers at this church with the fact that God is the final Judge. He knows all the affliction His people have endured and plans to give justice. Godly (righteous, pure, holy & just) judgment is severe. Vs 9 above tells of the severity, to be eternally separated for the presence of God and His power. The eternal fact is the most unsettling, but we know Hell will be a horrible place of pain, hatred and agony, forever.
God has a standard of HOLY PERFECTION, period. We all must be judged according to perfection, an none of us alone even come close. Thank God for His salvation plan, Jesus Christ. Even though none of us come close to the standard set out by God, He has provided for us to be viewed as Holy. God send Jesus to remove all the sin we commit in our lives and because of that we can be judged as Holy, if only we place our faith in Christ.
7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire,
8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,
...
Read More
Paul was encouraging the Believers at this church with the fact that God is the final Judge. He knows all the affliction His people have endured and plans to give justice. Godly (righteous, pure, holy & just) judgment is severe. Vs 9 above tells of the severity, to be eternally separated for the presence of God and His power. The eternal fact is the most unsettling, but we know Hell will be a horrible place of pain, hatred and agony, forever.
God has a standard of HOLY PERFECTION, period. We all must be judged according to perfection, an none of us alone even come close. Thank God for His salvation plan, Jesus Christ. Even though none of us come close to the standard set out by God, He has provided for us to be viewed as Holy. God send Jesus to remove all the sin we commit in our lives and because of that we can be judged as Holy, if only we place our faith in Christ.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I Thessalonians 5- Pastor Appreciation
12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
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This chapter had much to say about right living... But I was immediately struck by these two verses. Our pastors (and leadership team) work diligently for one goal, to train others in the saving knowledge of Christ and train believers to serve as God has called them. There is probably more to it than that, but trying to boil it all down succinctly was kinda tough...
I am thankful that I attend a fellowship of believers, where the Bible is preached. There is no holds barred... They teach on sin, they teach on Salvation, they confront the hard issues and stand "their" ground (actually it is the Truth of Scripture). They encourage, exhort and discipline when necessary. But regardless of the situation they drive us back to The Word.
We need to remember how hard our pastors work, and encourage them whenever we can. More than anything, we need to pray that our Pastors will continue to fight the good fight and follow Christ's calling.
13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
Read More
This chapter had much to say about right living... But I was immediately struck by these two verses. Our pastors (and leadership team) work diligently for one goal, to train others in the saving knowledge of Christ and train believers to serve as God has called them. There is probably more to it than that, but trying to boil it all down succinctly was kinda tough...
I am thankful that I attend a fellowship of believers, where the Bible is preached. There is no holds barred... They teach on sin, they teach on Salvation, they confront the hard issues and stand "their" ground (actually it is the Truth of Scripture). They encourage, exhort and discipline when necessary. But regardless of the situation they drive us back to The Word.
We need to remember how hard our pastors work, and encourage them whenever we can. More than anything, we need to pray that our Pastors will continue to fight the good fight and follow Christ's calling.
Monday, May 24, 2010
I Thessalonians 4- Rapture
13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.
14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18Therefore comfort one another with these words.
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14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
15For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.
18Therefore comfort one another with these words.
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Friday, May 21, 2010
I Thessalonians3- Engouragment
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,
7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;
8 for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
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What a blessing it is to encourage others by our faith. Trials are difficult circumstances that God uses to train, discipline and grow us. They are part of normal life, everyone of us goes through different types for various reasons. BUT one thing is certain, that even trials are part of God's will.
Is your faith encouraging to those who know you? What can you do to encourage others with your faith?
7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;
8 for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
Read More
What a blessing it is to encourage others by our faith. Trials are difficult circumstances that God uses to train, discipline and grow us. They are part of normal life, everyone of us goes through different types for various reasons. BUT one thing is certain, that even trials are part of God's will.
Is your faith encouraging to those who know you? What can you do to encourage others with your faith?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
I Thessalonians 2- Pleasing God, not men
4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.
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Putting the things of this world in the eternal perspective really helps me understand what is important in life. Yes, things are not going well at work, but what does God want me to do? Continue to serve Him in everything I say, think or do. God is sovereign! There is nothing that is out of His control. What others think about us is far less important than what God knows about us.
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Putting the things of this world in the eternal perspective really helps me understand what is important in life. Yes, things are not going well at work, but what does God want me to do? Continue to serve Him in everything I say, think or do. God is sovereign! There is nothing that is out of His control. What others think about us is far less important than what God knows about us.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
I Thessalonians 1- In Tribulation with Joy
5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.
6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
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These two verses provide tons of encouragement and direction, but I will only scratch the surface.
1) The gospel is Powerful!
2) We are to prove what the gospel has done in our lives, with actions.
3) We should be imitators of Christ!
4) We are to be filled with Joy even during trials and tribulation. This is only made possible with Christ, through the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit!
6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,
Read More
These two verses provide tons of encouragement and direction, but I will only scratch the surface.
1) The gospel is Powerful!
2) We are to prove what the gospel has done in our lives, with actions.
3) We should be imitators of Christ!
4) We are to be filled with Joy even during trials and tribulation. This is only made possible with Christ, through the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Colossians 4- Our Speech
5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
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Definitely a challenging statement... in stressful situation or times of discomfort it is easy to get distracted from what is really important. God has called us to be ambassadors of Him in this world. We need wisdom in what to say and how to say it. Some people are difficult to talk to, they always seem to be picking a fight, but that doesn't mean we should engage them.
Give me wisdom Lord. Help me always to be a light for You.
6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Read More
Definitely a challenging statement... in stressful situation or times of discomfort it is easy to get distracted from what is really important. God has called us to be ambassadors of Him in this world. We need wisdom in what to say and how to say it. Some people are difficult to talk to, they always seem to be picking a fight, but that doesn't mean we should engage them.
Give me wisdom Lord. Help me always to be a light for You.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Colossians 3- Chosen by God
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
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This entire section is filled with Truth and instruction on how to live a Christ-like life. But what really stands out to me is that God chose us...God, the infinite, omniscient, matchless One, who knows everything about each of us, still chose us. In fact He not only chose us, but He chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place.
Think about that... God asked His Son to take all the filthy, vial, disgusting sin of mankind and bear it while being the sacrifice so that we could spend ETERNITY in heaven with God and our Risen Savior!
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Read More
This entire section is filled with Truth and instruction on how to live a Christ-like life. But what really stands out to me is that God chose us...God, the infinite, omniscient, matchless One, who knows everything about each of us, still chose us. In fact He not only chose us, but He chose to send His Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place.
Think about that... God asked His Son to take all the filthy, vial, disgusting sin of mankind and bear it while being the sacrifice so that we could spend ETERNITY in heaven with God and our Risen Savior!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Colossians 1-Kicking and screaming
13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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What a picture of salvation, although unexpected. We all think of salvation as an "awakening" or "accepting Christ" and there are definitely some similarities to those actions. Verse 13 portrays the event quite differently. Before Christ we were all wondering around with no ability to chose anything except for what sin to commit next. In fact, before Christ, we could not do anything "good" according to God's standards. That is utter darkness.
Then we are "transferred" into the kingdom of light, Jesus Christ's realm, what we know as salvation. I remember a message preached several years ago where my pastor dissected this term "transferred". What struck me was that this term is actually used of moving people AGAINST THEIR WILL! He used the term "deported, kicking and screaming". Talk about a vivid analogy. God in His infinite wisdom knew what was best for us and moved us against our natural will.
Thank you God for you amazing plan! Help me to share it with everyone I meet.
14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Read More
What a picture of salvation, although unexpected. We all think of salvation as an "awakening" or "accepting Christ" and there are definitely some similarities to those actions. Verse 13 portrays the event quite differently. Before Christ we were all wondering around with no ability to chose anything except for what sin to commit next. In fact, before Christ, we could not do anything "good" according to God's standards. That is utter darkness.
Then we are "transferred" into the kingdom of light, Jesus Christ's realm, what we know as salvation. I remember a message preached several years ago where my pastor dissected this term "transferred". What struck me was that this term is actually used of moving people AGAINST THEIR WILL! He used the term "deported, kicking and screaming". Talk about a vivid analogy. God in His infinite wisdom knew what was best for us and moved us against our natural will.
Thank you God for you amazing plan! Help me to share it with everyone I meet.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Philippians 4- Content
11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
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What an encouragement. I have been blessed beyond measure, yet I still find myself at times looking for more. Paul is reminding us that we have been filled with the power, through Christ, to live contentedly wherever He has placed us. That means when God is blessing with plenty of money, after a pay cut, after a lost job or any time.
We must remember that God is in control. There is nothing that happens that is outside of His watchful eye. His plans are not always the same as mine, but His plans are always better.
The final verse (v13) reminds us that on our own we are hopelessly lost to be discontent, at times even in the best situations, without Christ who gives us strength. That is our selfishness.
Are you content in Christ today? Are you living your life to the fullness that you have been called to?
12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.
13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
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What an encouragement. I have been blessed beyond measure, yet I still find myself at times looking for more. Paul is reminding us that we have been filled with the power, through Christ, to live contentedly wherever He has placed us. That means when God is blessing with plenty of money, after a pay cut, after a lost job or any time.
We must remember that God is in control. There is nothing that happens that is outside of His watchful eye. His plans are not always the same as mine, but His plans are always better.
The final verse (v13) reminds us that on our own we are hopelessly lost to be discontent, at times even in the best situations, without Christ who gives us strength. That is our selfishness.
Are you content in Christ today? Are you living your life to the fullness that you have been called to?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Philippians 3- Perfect in Christ
12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
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What a prize, what a goal, what a calling: to be made in perfect Christ likeness. That is our unattainable goal here on earth, yet we strive to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us and begin the transformation through His power. What an majestic God we serve, who can transform a person like me, into perfection.
Thank You Lord for my salvation! Give me strength, humility and power to walk in Your ways and to live Christ in every thing I do...
13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Read More
What a prize, what a goal, what a calling: to be made in perfect Christ likeness. That is our unattainable goal here on earth, yet we strive to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us and begin the transformation through His power. What an majestic God we serve, who can transform a person like me, into perfection.
Thank You Lord for my salvation! Give me strength, humility and power to walk in Your ways and to live Christ in every thing I do...
Monday, May 10, 2010
Philippians 2- Relationships with other believers
1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
...
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I was reminded of a relationship to a coworker I have by this passage. I work with another believer who I often have a difference of opinions with. These are work related, not theological, mostly unimportant topics. However, this verse brings me back to the root of the matter... I'll repeat the verses now, because they are so clear they need no interpretation or explanation (emphasis mine):
"make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,..."
Wow! Lord help me to love You and bring glory to You and Your Son. I am dependent on You alone to make this change in me...
2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
...
Read More
I was reminded of a relationship to a coworker I have by this passage. I work with another believer who I often have a difference of opinions with. These are work related, not theological, mostly unimportant topics. However, this verse brings me back to the root of the matter... I'll repeat the verses now, because they are so clear they need no interpretation or explanation (emphasis mine):
"make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,..."
Wow! Lord help me to love You and bring glory to You and Your Son. I am dependent on You alone to make this change in me...
Friday, May 7, 2010
Philippians 1- Worthy of the Gospel
27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
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This verse is definitely one that we all need to act out. These believers were encouraged to be known for their firm stance in on the gospel in which they were of one mind. The Christian community in general is not known for this. Unbelievers see the "church" as a splintered group of factions, that do nothing but fight among ourselves.
I really appreciate this verse because it gives us individual instruction "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ", as well as how we should behave as a community.
Does your community know you (and your church) as one that is "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"?
Read More
This verse is definitely one that we all need to act out. These believers were encouraged to be known for their firm stance in on the gospel in which they were of one mind. The Christian community in general is not known for this. Unbelievers see the "church" as a splintered group of factions, that do nothing but fight among ourselves.
I really appreciate this verse because it gives us individual instruction "conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ", as well as how we should behave as a community.
Does your community know you (and your church) as one that is "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel"?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Ephesians 6- Slaves (employees) of Christ
5 Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ;
6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ...
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When I read this and other related passages, I am reminded that my work is not all futile as Solomon proclaimed in Ecclesiastes. Regardless of my position, title compensation level or status, I am still here for one reason; To serve Christ and bring Him glory.
As these verses indicate, bringing Christ glory with my job is done by working diligently, and with devotion. My actions are viewed by believes, unbelievers and even heavenly beings. What I do is proof of Christ's saving power in my life.
It is important to note that later on in this same chapter Paul is reminding us that we need to be dependent on God's power to enable us, not our own:
"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."
6 not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, ...
Read More
When I read this and other related passages, I am reminded that my work is not all futile as Solomon proclaimed in Ecclesiastes. Regardless of my position, title compensation level or status, I am still here for one reason; To serve Christ and bring Him glory.
As these verses indicate, bringing Christ glory with my job is done by working diligently, and with devotion. My actions are viewed by believes, unbelievers and even heavenly beings. What I do is proof of Christ's saving power in my life.
It is important to note that later on in this same chapter Paul is reminding us that we need to be dependent on God's power to enable us, not our own:
"10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might."
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Ephesians 5- Make the most of your time
15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit...
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This section of scripture came with perfect timing. I have been trying to be effective in accomplishing my job, but progress has been slow. There are so many legitimate things that require my attention, that I have very little time left to do the truly important things in my position.
We have been called to "...do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:23-24). When I am not effective, I am not serving Christ as I should. My work related activities are a direct reflection of what Christ has done in me.
Are you displaying Christ in your work? Lord help me to make the most of the time you have given me!
16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit...
Read More
This section of scripture came with perfect timing. I have been trying to be effective in accomplishing my job, but progress has been slow. There are so many legitimate things that require my attention, that I have very little time left to do the truly important things in my position.
We have been called to "...do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve" (Colossians 3:23-24). When I am not effective, I am not serving Christ as I should. My work related activities are a direct reflection of what Christ has done in me.
Are you displaying Christ in your work? Lord help me to make the most of the time you have given me!
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ephesians 3- Strengthend to know God's love
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
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Lord, help me to be motivated to serve you in everything. Help me to meditate on your Scripture. Use your Spirit to teach me. Remind me to be prayerful. Draw me close to You. I am nothing on my own, so strengthen me so that I may serve You.
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
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Lord, help me to be motivated to serve you in everything. Help me to meditate on your Scripture. Use your Spirit to teach me. Remind me to be prayerful. Draw me close to You. I am nothing on my own, so strengthen me so that I may serve You.
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