Blessed Beyond Measure
Ephesians 1:3-14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Thoughts:
As we begin this week, let's once again reflect on the overwhelming blessings we have in Jesus. Paul's words in Ephesians remind us that we are not just occasionally blessed, but lavishly and eternally blessed with "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." There is an old hymn that we need to remember and act upon. Today, take time to count your blessings in Christ. What spiritual riches have you possibly overlooked or taken for granted? How does recognizing these blessings change you or your perspective about life? Let this awareness fuel your praise and deepen your gratitude to God.
Prayer:
Tell the Lord how much you appreciate and love Him. Take the spiritual list you’ve made and thank Him for each blessing. Be slow and detailed with Him.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Thoughts:
As we begin this week, let's once again reflect on the overwhelming blessings we have in Jesus. Paul's words in Ephesians remind us that we are not just occasionally blessed, but lavishly and eternally blessed with "all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." There is an old hymn that we need to remember and act upon. Today, take time to count your blessings in Christ. What spiritual riches have you possibly overlooked or taken for granted? How does recognizing these blessings change you or your perspective about life? Let this awareness fuel your praise and deepen your gratitude to God.
Prayer:
Tell the Lord how much you appreciate and love Him. Take the spiritual list you’ve made and thank Him for each blessing. Be slow and detailed with Him.
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