Reading The Label

2009-09-03T07:25:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 3:17-19

ESV

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith - that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

*ETS:

I pray that you will prove to be rooted in Christ by your love. I also pray you all may be strengthened in the Spirit to plunge the depths, soar the heights, and explore the infinite glorious realities in Christ - which is the experience of being filled with the fullness of God.

*DTFTD:

Paul's suffering for the faith of the Gentiles was coupled with an unceasing prayer for their maturity in Christ. The church must carefully chart the emphasis of the epistles in the New Testament. The letters to the churches provide the key ministry emphasis for all generations. Mark carefully the content of the letters and you will discover a consistent emphasis: Missions and Evangelism - Preaching the Gospel to the lost; Doctrine - Teaching the saved; Discipleship - Modeling the faith ; Vision / Looking at the world and the future with the mind of Christ; Faith -Believing the truth and practicing it in daily life; Correction - Finding error and making adjustment; and Prayer -Communion with the Father through faith. An ongoing dialogue with God about things as they should be, (i.e., according to His will). The church, (you), must take this model and begin to make it a part of your daily experience. Paul was praying for the saints at Ephesus to go all the way with God. His prayer was a cry for all the saints to join the apostles in knowing what it was like to live in the fullness of God. It is time for the Christian to read the Bible with the intent of making personal application. Do you know the power of the Spirit's leading into the heights and depths of realities in Christ? The thing about prayers is they do not die. Claim God's blessing in Paul's inspired prayer today. Ask God to make real to you all that Paul had in mind as the Spirit inspired him to pen a promise of living in the fullness of God.

*EDS:

"I'm pressing on the up-ward way, New heights I'm gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound, 'Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.' Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven's table-land , A higher plane than I have found; Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
Hymn - "Higher Ground" - Charles H. Gabriel 1856-1932.

INGREDIENTS: Going all the way with God. Word Study: The word "rooted" means "firmly fixed." God wants our lives to be consistent and our practices in faith to be evident. People who see us every day should notice a consistent walk that proves our faith is fixed - firmly fixed!

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-09-02T07:54:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 3:13-16

ESV

So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.

*ETS:

Knowing that I am on a Divine assignment, and knowing that its primary emphasis is telling Gentiles the Gospel of Christ, I would ask you not to worry about any suffering I encounter because of my affiliation with you (i.e., Gentiles). Actually, when I pray, I do not pray to be exempt from trouble, rather I pray that all of God's children would come to know the strength and power of His Spirit within.

*DTFTD:

In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul began to write concerning the content of his prayers for the saints at Ephesus (v17). As he wrote the Spirit inspired a pause, a parenthetical notation, an interjection of major proportion. The Spirit wanted every reader to know exactly who was being prayed for and why. The persons in the focus of Paul's prayer were Gentiles who experienced the resurrection power of God in converting the heart and making a new person in Christ. These new creatures knew the meaning of God's grace and faith in Christ. The saints in the focus of Paul's prayer were individuals instructed in the purposes of God, people who knew the Gospel's powerful elimination of the partition walls of legalism and racism. Inspired by the Spirit, Paul amplified the position of the saints in Christ Jesus, and exalted the privilege of his call to proclaim the message of their blessings in God's grace. Having established the identity of the persons in focus, Paul returns to the subject of his prayer.
First note, Paul did not pray for himself. Paul did not begin his letter to the Ephesians by saying, "I am in trouble! Help! Pray for me that I might be released from suffering!" We might imagine such a response to suffering today, but in the days of the apostles, when actions modeled faith for all generations, the content of recorded prayers focused on the strength to show the faith and glorify Christ. Second, note Paul's last line before returning to his prayer, Paul said, "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory" (Ephesians 3:13). -Williams Trans. Paul wanted the saints to know the glory in suffering. Suffering may be personal, (i.e., you suffer for the glory of God). At other times the suffering may be substitutional (i.e., another suffers for the glory of God on behalf of your faith). Paul was suffering because of the faith of the Gentiles. Jewish leaders were persecuting him for preaching the elimination of the wall of distinction between Jew and Gentile. Paul gladly suffered for the faith of the Gentiles, and he expected them to be settled about the situation. Third, Paul prayed for the saints to be energized by the inner presence of the Holy Spirit. Paul knew the saints were not going to be exempt from suffering, and he also knew the life of Christ would only be seen through the working of the Spirit of God. Therefore, Paul did not establish a "deliverance from suffering" emphasis in his prayer, rather he emphasized an inner strength to face all difficulty with the courage of a conqueror.
What lessons may we learn from the text? 1. We must expect suffering as we talk to our world about Christ; 2. We must come to be mission minded - willing to suffer to get the Gospel out to the ends of the earth; and 3. We must be filled with the Spirit if we are to be equipped for the task of living and sharing our faith.

*EDS:

"Faith of our fathers! living still, In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword, O how our hearts beat high with joy Whenever we hear that glorious word! Faith of our fathers, holy faith! We will be true to thee till death."
Hymn. Henri F. Hemy, 1818-1888.

INGREDIENTS: The prayer of a sufferer filled with joy.Word Study: "I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are for your glory." (Eph. 3:13 _NIV). The word translated "discouraged" may be best understood as the ESV has it "lose heart." It may denote cowardice. Paul does not want the saints at Ephesus to back down nor back away from the expression of their joy in Christ, (thinking such would add to his affliction). "NO!" Paul would cry, "Bring it on! If I am suffering for the expression of your faith my joy will be far greater than any pain I may encounter!"

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-09-01T02:52:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 3:11-12

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith.

*ETS:

This, (the preaching of the grace of God in salvation; the drawing Jew and Gentile into a union with God through the work of Christ; and the proclamation of the riches of Christ to the heathen), was the eternal purpose of God which is executed in the gift of God through Christ. The result? Believers in Christ can boldly come to God by faith.

*DTFTD:

As residents of planet earth, we are accustomed to temporary existence. We live in a world where things expire. Our foods have a shelf life, our purchases have limited warranties, and the words, "lifetime guarantee" may be translated, "until you lose your proof of purchase receipt." We are forced to think of a date of beginning and a date of expiration. Even our bodies have a beginning and an end. Enter the words "eternal purpose." What do such words mean to a temporal world. The words are "other world" terms, "outside our world" concepts. The word "eternal" in our text, (Gk. "aion"), brings into view a purpose God initiated that will have no end (eternity future). However, in II Corinthians 4:18 Paul used the word eternal to suggest a privileged focus on things without beginning and without end? It is hard for us to imagine, yet Paul declares that God has an eternal purpose in mind - a purpose that includes our lives (which we think of as temporal). Paul's use of the word "eternal" requires the reader to make a II Corinthians 4:18 adjustment:
"because I do not keep my eyes on things that are seen but things that are unseen. For things that are seen are temporary, but things that are unseen are eternal." (Williams translation).
If you are focused on the things which are seen with the physical eye, you will only see the temporal, but if you are focused on things not seen, you can begin to think with a mind that brings the eternal into view. What should we see in the eternal, what should come into view? As we exercise our privilege to consider the reality of the eternal purpose of God, we will see ourselves wrapped up in a union with Christ, who had no beginning and will have no end. In this eternal state of blessing we are invited to come before God, not as aliens with temporary passes, but as children with bold access. We are not viewed as unacceptable invaders without rights, we are children who are to feel at home before the Father. We do not have eternal passes, we have an eternal position! Our eternal identity is in Christ. Praise God and the Lamb forever! Because of Christ, the believer has eternal position and bold access before the throne of God. Make the II Corinthian 4:18 adjustment to your thinking today and enjoy the blessings of God's grace gifts through Christ.

*EDS:

"His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God; We tread the road of the saints above With shouts of triumph trod; By faith they, like a whirl-wind's breath, Swept over every field; The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shinning shield. Faith is the victory, Oh glorious victory that overcomes the world"
Hymn "Faith Is the Victory" Ira Sankey, 1840-1908.

INGREDIENTS: The joy of being in God's eternal purpose. Word Study: "He planned it through the ages and then did it in Christ Jesus, our Lord. In Him, by believing in Him, we have confidence and can boldly come to God." _ Beck Translation.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-31T06:44:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 3:8-10

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

*ETS:

Talk about grace, God has allowed me, Paul, the least of the apostles and saints, the privilege of sharing the unsearchable riches of Christ with Gentiles. He has also granted me the honor of announcing things that have been hidden from the ages -awesome things concerning Christ and the church - things that will reveal God's wisdom to all spiritual beings in the entire spiritual realm.

*DTFTD:

How does God announce his revelations to the world? He chose to announce the birth of Christ through shepherds who were watching their flocks by night Luke 2:8-15). He chose to announce his thoughts on the value of our contributions by focusing on a woman with two mites (the smallest of coins in Palestine, worth about one-eighth of a cent. Luke 21:1-4). He chose to express his compassion by raising a young man from a coffin (Luke 7:1). He chose to manifest his power over demons by responding to a Syro-Phoenician woman who referred to herself as a little dog (a pet of the house. Mark 7:24-30). He exposed his attitude toward Sabbath restrictions and regulations by touching a woman bent over in body, (i.e., unable to stand erect -Luke 13:10-17). He chose to amplify his dissatisfaction with the carelessness of the teachers of the law by healing a man with dropsy (a condition of fluid retention caused by liver or kidney disease - Luke 14:1-6). Who are all these people? What were their names? What did they do with their lives after their encounter with Christ? We do not know, but we do know that Paul considered himself the least in the ranks of all who were used to make announcements of God's truth. He thought himself the least of all saints, yet God chose Paul to announce the most glorious news of all - the world impacting power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! The secret that had been hidden from the ages was Jesus Christ and his power in the church. The secret is out, and God wants to add you to list of vessels used to announce the glory of God!

*EDS:

A SHORT LIST OF THOSE USED TO ANNOUNCE GOD'S REVELATION: Shepherds watching their flocks by night; a woman with two mites; a young man from a coffin; a Syro-Phoenician woman; a woman bent over in body; a man with dropsy; Paul; and now...YOU.

INGREDIENTS: God's choice of servants used to reveal His secrets .Word Study: "yes, on me, the very least of all His people this unmerited favor was bestowed - that I might preach as good news to the heathen the boundless riches of Christ, and to make clear how is to be carried out the trusteeship of this secret which has for ages been hidden away in God, the Creator of all things, so that the many phases of God's wisdom may now through the church be made known to the rulers and authorities in heaven." - Williams Translation.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-28T05:13:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 3:5-7

ESV

". . . . which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace which was given me by the working of his power."

*ETS:

Through the apostles and the preachers echoing the words of Jesus, God is telling the secret no other generation has heard. The secret concerns Christ and the Gentile. Through Christ the Gentile is partaker of the promise. You are now fellow heirs with God's people, and I have been graced of God to be one of the apostles sharing the secret.

*DTFTD:

Breaking news! This just in! These lines are what the reader should hear when reading Paul's words in our text. Paul was part of a special group of news reporters who had the inside scoop on the greatest story of all time. Paul was sharing a secret no other generation had heard. The secret was good news and it concerned how Gentiles could become part of the blessings of God through Christ.
Suppose I told you I had an inside scoop on a story that would change the world - a story that would change your future forever, (your destiny in this life and in the life to come). Wouldn't you think that should be headline news in every city in the world. That was exactly the kind of news Paul and the other apostles and preachers were sharing. It is the kind of news we have been called to share. When Paul said he was graced of God to be a proclaimer of the good news, he was speaking to all who were hearing and receiving the news. Everyone who hears is graced to hear and responsible to tell what they were graced to hear. The gospel of Christ is heavens news to earth. It is the biggest story to hit our planet. Do you feel graced of God to have heard and been blessed by the greatest news on earth.? If so, join the apostles and preachers in telling the greatest news of all time.

*EDS:

Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere, Go tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Hymn, John W. Work, Jr. , 1907).

INGREDIENTS: Graced to tell. Word Study: Remember "grace" is God's "unmerited favor." (Williams trans.).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-27T05:53:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 3:4

ESV

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ.

*ETS:

Reading this letter, you are being made aware of what has been revealed to me about the secret of Christ.

*DTFTD:

Paul's letter to the Ephesians was a written explanation of the revelation he had received concerning the application of the work of Christ. The "truth," or "mystery" of Christ was that his sacrifice for sin was not limited to the Jew, but was for the Gentile as well. The disciples of Jesus heard Him say, "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold" (Jn 10:16), and ". . .if I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me" (Jn. 12:32). Such words were hints of the mystery and no one asked Jesus to explain. The inclusion of the Gentile in the blessings of the family of God was not a thought in the mind of the disciples of Christ. It took some time for the Jewish disciples to understand the full impact of Jesus' words, "Go and teach all nations. . . "(Matt. 28:19). Preach to the Gentiles? The apostle Paul, who was most qualified to preach to the Jew, was actually called to preach to the Gentile. Confusing? Yes, until the revelation was given to him. Paul was brought to understand the mystery of Christ. He understood that Christ was the fulfillment of the law for all who believe, Jew and Gentile (Rom. 10:4). Paul came to see the mystery in summary: One with Christ and one in Christ. When a person becomes one with Christ, having all the benefits of Jesus' holiness, that person becomes one in Christ with all other believers. The mystery is that of unity with Christ and all believers.
The Jew / Gentile issue of the New Testament times may not as much of a hot potato issue today as it was for believers in Paul's day; however, there is an emphasis for current application. The mystery, (One with Christ, One in Christ), says to the church of all generations to be expressive of the love, unity and harmony in Jesus. The church is a family of faith where people from all walks of life come together as one in Christ. When bikers and cowboys, truckers and doctors, carpenters and engineers, fishermen and pilots,- people from all walks of life meet as one in Christ, the world will know there is something mysterious going on. We might even be asked to explain. Our answer will be Paul's message - Christ!

*EDS:

"I am a stranger here, within a foreign land; My home is far away, upon a golden strand; Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea, I'm here on business for my King. This is the message that I bring, A message angels fain would sing: 'Oh, be ye reconciled,' Thus saith my Lord and King, 'Oh, be ye reconciled to God.' "
Hymn "The King's Business,"
Flora Cassel, 1852-1911.

INGREDIENTS: The mystery of Christ. Word Study: The word translated "mystery" in the ESV is translated "secret" in the Williams translation, and "hidden truth" in the Beck translation.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-26T07:24:00.003-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 3:1-3

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles - assuming you have heard of the stewarship of God's grace that was given to me for you , how the mystery was made know to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.

*ETS:

What have I been writing about? The mystery of God which concerns you Gentiles, a mystery that was given to me as a sacred trust - the very mystery and revelation that has landed me in prison, (surely everyone has heard the talk about my refusal to stop telling Gentiles they can come to God by grace through faith in Christ). Yet in all of this, I consider myself a prisoner for Christ Jesus on your behalf.

*DTFTD:

Ephesians 3:1-3 reminds the Christian of the responsibility he or she has in furthering the Kingdom of Christ. First, Paul could not stop telling about the mystery of God 's reconciliation through faith in Christ. Paul considered the message a sacred trust for which he would give an account. When he mentioned the word "stewardship," he was stressing a commission responsibility. The word he chose for "stewardship" is a compound Greek word (i.e., it is comprised of two or more words). The first word is the Greek word for "house" (oikos) and the second is the word for "law" (nomos). Together the meaning is "the law of the house."(Wuest, vol. 1, 81). The image that would come to mind is one of a house administrator. The house administrator was responsible to take the rules outlined by the master of the house and see to it that everything was attended to according to prescription. The key words in Paul's administration were "God's grace." As an administrator, given charge by the Master, Paul was to publicly proclaim the grace of God, which was a mystery to the world, but a revelation to those who would come to faith in Christ. Christians are no less responsible to echo the message of God's grace to the current generations of the world. Remember, we also will give an account for the sacred trust of the Gospel of God's grace through Christ. Second, Paul's suffering, (his imprisonment), was accepted as an honor in service to others for the cause of Christ. Christians in the United States need such courage and commitment. We should speak the Gospel regardless of the consequence. There should not be any law in our world that would rank above the "law of the house" (our stewardship, our administrative responsibility to fill the every room with the fragrance of God's grace in the work of Christ on the cross). Third, Paul said the stewardship and suffering began at a special moment in his life - the moment of revelation when the mystery was made personal. God divinely communicated grace to Paul's own heart, and from that day he became a steward, a witness, a sufferer for the cause, a prisoner for Christ. Let me ask the following questions: 1. Do we understand our stewardship, our assigned duty of filling the world with the message of God's grace? 2. Are we willing to suffer anything to get the Word of the Gospel to those who have yet to hear? 3. Have you lost the thrill of the day you came to know the Lord? Paul's words in Ephesians 3:1-3 call us to examine ourselves in light of his example.

*EDS:

"Sing them over again to me, Wonderful words of life; Let me more of their beauty see, Wonderful words of life; Words of life and beauty, Teach me faith and duty: Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life."
Hymn: "Wonderful Words of Life" - Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876.

INGREDIENTS: Stewardship, suffering, and a special moment. Word Study: "Mystery" is "a secret purpose of God which when uncovered is understood by the Spirit -taught believer." (Wuest, vol. 1).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-25T05:53:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:20 b - 22

ESV

20b ". . . Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling for God by the Spirit."

*ETS:

Christ Jesus is the key, the corner stone to the whole structure, and you are the holy temple he is building for the dwelling of God by His Spirit. As Jew and Gentile come together in Christ the temple grows and expands. You are part of the living temple of God!

*DTFTD:

Our God does not dwell in temples of human construction (Acts 17:24). Actually, according to the Old Testament, when King David suggested the building of a temple for God, God replied, "In all the places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, 'Why have you not built me a house of cedar?'" God did not ask David or any leader to build him a house. God did allow Solomon to build the temple for His Name, but the temple was never the dwelling place of God. So why the temple? The temple in Jerusalem was filled with symbolism that spoke of many realities in God's covenant with his people. God's name was associated with the temple and the temple provided opportunity for the people of God to obey the law in reference to sacrifice and worship. In Jesus' day things were different. When Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem, he did not think nearly as much of it as did the disciples. The temple of Jesus' day was a monument to King Herod's architectural reputation and part of his political strategy to keep peace with the Jews while enforcing Roman law. Jesus told the disciples of the time when not one stone of Herod's temple would be left upon another, for it was not the dwelling place of God (Matt. 24:2). What the disciples failed to see was the Temple of God standing before them in the person of Jesus Christ. Speaking of his body Jesus said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" ( see John 2:19-22). The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ started the construction of the temple of God's dwelling. Today, all who are in Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, are part of God's holy temple. The church is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 6:19), and every member of the church must yield his or her body, as a living sacrifice to God for his use and glory (Romans 12:2; I Cor. 6:20).

*EDS:

I am resolved to follow the Saviour, Faithful and true each day; Heed what He sayeth, do what He willeth, He is the living way.
I will hasten to Him, hasten so glad and free, Jesus, greatest, highest, I will come to Thee.
Hymn, "I Am Resolved" James Fillmore 1849-1936.

INGREDIENTS: God's Spirit dwells in the Christian. Word Study: "together" is used twice in out ESV translation and each use is compounded with the preceding word. For example in verse twenty-one the Greek word is translated using two words "framed together." The Greek is comprised of two words, one meaning "joint" and the other meaning "lay." Literally the word speaks of a well compacted, close fitting union. The Church should display a unity that is strong in fellowship and faith. The other word is translated "builded together." (v22). The Greek words here would speak of the Christian's need of others in body for completeness in construction. We are one in Christ and we need one another in order to be what God has designed.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-24T04:58:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:20

ESV

"built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.

*ETS:

Who says the Jew and Gentile are now one? The special messengers (apostles) and the inspired expounders (prophets) who proclaim to you Jesus Christ. It is like the apostles and prophets are the foundation whereon you stand, but Christ Jesus himself is the cornerstone -everything is set in order and comes together in Christ.

*DTFTD:

"God's Vital Word" is another title for my blog. You can read the label to get an overview of a passage, but hopefully you are also reading the Word of God. We must realize how vital the Word of God is to our growth as the body of Christ, and therefore how essential it is for those who have the responsibility of proclaiming the Word to give diligence to accurate proclamation. The Apostle Paul did not lay claim to a title that granted him exclusive privilege of proclamation of the Word of God. His mention of the prophets alludes to the list of gifts in Ephesians 4:11, and clearly implies the responsibility of all current evangelists, pastors and teachers to echo with accuracy the message originally given by the Apostles of Christ. The gifts Christ gave the church are individuals who have been given some particular responsibility in conveying the Word of God for the benefit of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16). I am honored to be pastor of a church with gifted teachers of the Word of God. I appreciate their diligent labor in conveying the message of Christ. However, I have one question: If we truly believe the apostles and prophets have given foundational teaching that brings into focus the cornerstone, Jesus Christ, why would we not faithfully attend gatherings where this teaching is echoed by gifted teachers? I encourage you to make use of the gifts God has given. Attend the teaching sessions of those gifted to convey the glorious truth of Christ. If your church offers Sunday School, join a class. If your children are not in Sunday School, enroll them this Sunday! If your church has home Bible study groups, become an active faithful member. Don't let yourself off the hook, don't make excuses, take this as a vital assignment. You are built on the apostles and prophets, and the more you get under those who are gifted to echo their teaching the more you will sense your unity in the body of Christ.

*EDS:

"Enduring Word, thy strength abides
Like mountains firm, and ocean tides;
Man's feeble works grow old with time,
But thou art ageless and sublime:
What lasting splendor crowns thy page
Wherein God writes our heritage!"
(Hymn,"Revealing Word, Thy Light Portrays" - Dimitri S. Bortniansky, 1752-1825)

INGREDIENTS: The importance of the ministry of the apostles and prophets in proclaiming Christ. Word Study: The word "prophets" in the Christian church refers to a person gifted for the exposition of divine truth (Mounce, Interlinear for the Rest of Us, pg. 885).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-21T06:29:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:19

ESV

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

*ETS:

You are now a citizen of Heaven, with all the rights and privileges afforded every saint. Before you came to know Christ you were a stranger to the things of God and a foreigner to heaven. Now you are a citizen of heaven and a foreigner to the world. But wait, that's not all, you are also a member of the household of God! Heaven is your home and God is your father!

*DTFTD:

Every person is born a true citizen of this world, loving the world and its ways. Before knowing God through Christ we conducted ourselves according to the system of the world and we understood the worldliness in those living about us. Being of the world, we were foreigners to heaven, and alien to the things of God. When God's sovereign grace moved our hearts to conviction by the Spirit, we began to feel uncomfortable about our worldly ways. God continued to lure us, pressing on us the sense of needing to become clean. Coming to a point of desperation, we cried out to Christ for rescue. Repenting of our filth, (sin), and believing God for cleansing through the blood of Christ, we were converted. Once saved, we lost our citizenship on earth and were granted temporary visas to remain here for purposes of the King and Kingdom of Heaven. When we enjoy our rights and privileges as citizens of heaven it becomes obvious to citizens of the earth we are foreigners. The world should know we are different. We are sons and daughters of God, members of the royal family in heaven. Has the world recognized you as an alien? Has anyone asked to see your visa or passport? How long has it been since you told someone the story of how you became a citizen of heaven, a member of the household of God? Don't you think it's time the saints give the world a wake up call. The church needs to let the world know aliens are living among them.

*EDS:

While passing through this world of sin, and others your life shall view, Be clean and pure without, within, Let others see Jesus in you. Let others see Jesus in you, Let others see Jesus in you . Keep telling the story, be faithful and true , Let others see Jesus in you. (Hymn, "Let Others See Jesus in You" B.B. McKinney, 1922).

INGREDIENTS: The reality of your citizenship. Word Study: The verse begins with the words "so then" which represents a need for review of the truths previously stated. "So then" also draws a line where considerations of the past transition into an emphasis on the present result.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-20T05:13:00.003-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:18

For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father

*ETS:

It is only through Christ Jew and Gentile have access to the Father and only through him do we come into oneness in the Spirit of God.

*DTFTD:

Access to God was a very important subject in the Jewish faith. When Jews gathered for worship at the Temple, the presence of God was represented by the Most Holy Place. Just outside the partition and veil was the next section called the Holy Place. Beyond the Holy Place there were decending steps and assigned partitioned sections limiting access. Outside the Holy Place was the court of priests descending from the Court of Priests were steps which led to the Court of Israel, (the access limit for the Jewish men). Descending down other steps one would come to the Court of women (the access limit for Jewish women). Outside the inner wall of the Sanctuary, at the lowest and most outer enclosure was the Court of the Gentiles. There were signs with inscription in Latin and Greek forbidding Gentiles to go beyond their assigned area on the pain of death. The Jews had assigned the Court of the Gentiles to be a place of confusing activity. In the Court of the Gentiles Temple currency was purchased at a profit and sacrifices were sold for a profit. This activity angered Jesus , who ran the money changers out of the Court of the Gentiles, preaching that even the Court of the Gentiles was the Father's House, which was to be a house of Prayer. Ironically the Jews in the inner sanctuary were no closer to God than the Gentiles in their lowest assigned place. Only Jesus could provide access to God. He provides access to all - no partitions separating groups by race or sex. By grace through faith in Christ all can come freely into the presence of God.

*EDS:

Jesus our Great High Priest has torn down the partition walls, giving all access to the Father.

INGREDIENTS: The Christian privilege of access to God. Word Study: Greek word "prosagoge"means admission into the presence of. .

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-19T02:17:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:16-17

ESV

. . . and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

*ETS:

Jesus wanted to bring sin and its hostility to an end. He wanted to bring humanity, (Jew and Gentile), back into relationship with God. The only way this could be done was for sin to be removed. Therefore, on the cross, Jesus took sin upon himself and put away the hostility. Jesus, having come, now preaches peace to the world through His Spirit in the Church (the reconcilied, the redeemed).

*DTFTD:

In the heart of every person there is an inborn hostility. Sin is the root cause of the hostility and the power of its working. The enmity works against peace and promotes everything that is contrary to the will of God. Jesus knew his mission on earth was to deal with sin, remove the hostility, and make a way for mankind to be reconciled to God. The angels of heaven preached his mission: "He shall save his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21); "Peace on earth" (Luke 2:14); "He shall be called Immanuel, God with us" (Matt. 1:23). Do you know the power of the mission of Christ personally? Has he delivered you from the power of sin? Does His peace reign in your heart? Do you have a relationship with God through Christ? The evidence of peace with God is an outworking peace with others. You can not be forgiven by God without becoming a forgiving person. You can not know God's love for you without becoming one who loves those about you. The end to the hostility vertically works out horizontally. Knowing God's grace through Christ means knowing God's peace. Knowing Christ leads to sharing God's grace and peace with others.

*EDS:

"We are one in the Spirit, We are one in the Lord, and we pray that all unity may one day be restored and they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, they will know we are Christians by our love." (Song, "We Are One in the Spirit," by Peter Schote, 1966).

INGREDIENTS: Reconciliation through Christ.Word Study: Reconcile means to "bring together again." In the text, the root Greek word and its prefix implies reinstatement - the bringing together of two in one body - unity in Christ. (Companion Bible).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-18T04:55:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:15

ESV

by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace.

*ETS:

The Jew / Gentile division focused primarily on the law of God. Jews observed the law, but could not obey it completely. Gentiles were non-observers - they had no connection with the law and broke it without concern. The law separated Jew from Gentile. However, according to the law, both Jew and Genitle were sinners, (therefore the law separated both, Jew and Gentile, from God). Jesus, having been made flesh, fulfilled the law, and though he was holy, paid the penalty for sin. In his body the law's demands were met and sin's debt was paid. Christ offers Jew and Gentile a new life - a life where sin's debt has been paid, holiness is bestowed forever, and the peace of God guides all relationships.

*DTFTD:

The ETS for today's devotion is more the essence of the text in summary, than the essense of the text in a sentence. Paul's divinely inspired statements are all-encompassing truths centered on God's grace and goodness in the Gospel of Christ. The believer should never forget Jesus suffered the penalty of sin, though he never sinned, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (II Cor. 5:21). When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we become new creations (II Cor. 5:17). We are no longer Jews or Gentiles, bond or free, we are HIS! In the beginning, God, through Christ (John 1:3), created man, not by speaking him into existence, but by forming him with his hands (Gen. 2:7). Jesus came to perform one more miracle in creation. With his hands nailed to the cross, Jesus created a new man, a crucified man. On the third day he breathed life into the new man and in resurrection Jesus became the first born of many new creatures! (Rom. 8:29). The new man, the new creature, is crucified to the world, resurrected to God's kind of life, and is ever living in the power of God through Christ.

*EDS:

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, Freely bestowed on all who believe; You that are longing to see His face, Will you this moment His grace receive? Grace, grace , God's grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace grace, God's grace, Grace that is greater than all our sin.
"Grace Greater Than Our Sin" Julian H. Johnston, 1849-1919.

INGREDIENTS: The work of Christ in creating a new man. Word Study: Jesus was God and man, the new man Jesus creates is the Christian - God in man. The Christian is not God, rather he has been made one with God by the work of Christ.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-17T07:55:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:14

ESV

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.

*ETS:

Jesus has planted peace in our hearts and lives. In our hearts we have peace with God and in our lives we have peace with others. He has removed racial prejudice and hostility to bring peace where there was none. His work on the cross has changed our lives completely. We are now part of a family without racial tensions and barriers. The Jew / Gentile war is over. All races may now lay claim to being God's children because of Jesus' work on the cross.

*DTFTD:

According to the record of the Old Testament, God called the children of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to be his chosen people. God also ordered his chosen people not to intermarry with other people groups. Why? We will limit our answer to two reasons: 1. The first reason Jews did not intermarry with Gentiles was religious. God wanted to have a people that would provide a testimony of his continuing work in the world. The world would know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was not like any other god. Intermarriage would have allowed other races to bring other gods into the family and eventually the distinction of deity would have become blurred, if not totally erased (Dt. 7:3-4); 2. The second reason Jews did not intermarry with Gentiles is prophetic. God promised Abrahan a seed (a Son), who would change the world. The promised Son would be a blessing to all nations. The prophecy spoke of Christ (Galatians 3:29). God would be very protective of the genealogy through which Christ would come into the world. The list of names in the genealogy of Christ points to people who had faith in Jehovah and believed the prophecy of a coming Son (Matthew 1:1-17). When Jesus came into our world, assuming the title Son of God, there was no question as to the deity in the title. Jesus was the Son of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. We should also remember that Jesus' title, "Christ," was a direct reference to his being the promised coming Son, he was and is the Messiah - The Anointed One. After the coming of Christ the racial barrier was broken down. The separation of Jew and Gentile served no purpose. Christ is the promised Son who has fulfilled the prophecies to prove his identity, and because he has paid the price of sin on the cross, all are invited into the inter-racial family of God (Galatians 3:27-28). Christians are privileged to have brothers and sisters all over the world. Our family lives in many cultures, speaks many languages, and has one common bond - a relationship with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The Christian family is filled with love and excited about the fact that our Father is continuing to adopt unique people into our fellowship.

*EDS:

The Christian family is huge! It is comprised of people from many nations. The family is continuing to expand. Pray for our brothers and sisters on mission telling the story of Christ to the world.

INGREDIENTS: The Christ has come and a family of faith is being brought together because of his finished work on the cross of Calvary. Word Study: Jesus is our "peace (our bond of unity and harmony) " Amplified Translation.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-14T04:13:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:13

ESV

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

*ETS:

What a difference Christ has made in your lives! You were away from God, but now, being in Christ, you have been brought into all the blessings of God by the blood of Jesus, which was shed for the remission of your sins.

*DTFTD:

Two very important doctrines are in the text: 1. The doctrine of atonement; 2. The doctrine of the church. The definition of the word atonement can be remembered by dividing the word into three parts (at...one...ment). "Ment" is not a word, so think of the word "mint" as in minting coins, which works well for a memory aid because minting is about the process of transferring an image from a die to a coin resulting in a finished process and fixed image. In Christ we are called to be "at one" with God, (reconciled), and being cleansed of sin by the blood of Jesus, God no longer sees us as sinners, but as individuals bearing the image of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1: 13). When we read in the Bible any reference to our oneness "in Christ," or any reference to the "blood" of Christ, we are, in some way, reading about atonement. Our text uses both references, "in Christ" and "the blood" of Christ. When Adam and Eve sinned they marred the image of God, in which they were formed, and fellowship was broken. Sin changed everything in the garden of Eden. But Christ came to restore and reconcile. His work on the cross, shedding blood for the remission of sins, made it possible for sinners to be forgiven and to become one with God. The image of sinlessness and the glory of Jesus Christ, (II Thess. 2:14), can now be restored as Jesus stands resurrected and ready to grant his holiness to our account, placing us in union with himself. From this teaching Paul relates a particular result that should be visible through the Church, (i.e., the called out ones). Being in Christ means our old life passes away and all things become new (II Corinthians 5:17). Like the Ephesians, we have lived with prejudice and hatred, pride and jealousy, strife and contention, but Christ has called us to unity. The Church is called to display a harmony that stands in contrast to the divisiveness of our past prejudices. The Church is called to live in unity with God and in fellowship with the saints in Christ. The Church is comprised of individuals who have been reconciled to God by the atoning work of Christ; individuals who are restored and bear the stamp of God's glory, (i.e., filled with the Spirit and becoming like Christ); individuals who now live in close communion with others who are in Christ.

*EDS:

"In Christ now meet both East and West, In Him meet South and North; All Christly souls are one in Him, Throughout the whole wide earth." (From the hymn "In Christ There is No East or West" by John Oxenham, 1852-1941).

INGREDIENTS: Jesus brings his people together.Word Study: The words, "But now" speak of the drastic change God makes in the lives of those who are cleansed by the blood of Christ and brought into the fellowship of the new covenant.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-13T05:20:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:11-12

ESV

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands - remember that your were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

*ETS:

At one time there were two groups of people: 1. The first group of people were those who expected the Messiah, (a people proud of their heritage marking their bodies in a way that reminded them they were the people of promise), I am talking about the Jews; 2. The second group of people were those not in the first group, I am talking about you Gentiles. Remember when you did not know anything about the need of a Savior, and were without any knowledge of the Holy Scripture to inform you? At that time you did not know God, you were living without hope .

*DTFTD:

In our text the Apostle Paul takes the Ephesians down memory lane to remember the time when they didn't know anything about sin, the consequences of sin, the need of a Savior, or God's love. They were of a race without hope and without God. However, the Jews were a race of people with knowledge of a coming Savior. The Jews had the Holy Scriptures to inform them of sin, the consequences of sin, the need of a Savior and of God's love. Simply stated there was a time when the Jews were "in the know" and all others were left without knowledge because the Jews were strictly forbidden to have any dealings with the Gentiles. At the time of Paul's writing everything had changed. The promise of the coming Messiah had been fulfilled and all of mankind, Jew and Gentile, was being granted the privilege of hearing the good news of salvation through Messiah, Jesus Christ. The world still had its Jews and Gentiles, but a new group had emerged -the saints of God - a group who dropped their racial distinctions to become one in Christ. Three groups remain today: 1. The people who know about God, but do not know him; 2. The people who do not know about God, and therefore can not know him; and 3. The people who know God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are in the third group you have the privilege of being one in the Spirit with many people from many backgrounds, and your concern is for the people of the world (those in the other groups) who have one common problem, the do not know God. Throughout this day we will encounter people who do not know God. Our responsibility is to pray for them and share Christ with them when we have opportunity.

*EDS:

Before salvation we were part of a mixed up world. Since salvation we have become reconciling, peace making people, on mission to help others see their need of God's love and salvation in Jesus Christ.

INGREDIENTS: Our life before Christ. Word Study: The word "Uncircumcision" was a name of contempt, flung out at the Gentiles by the Jews. (Wuest, vol. 1). The Jews and Gentiles had contempt for one another. Paul reminded them of the days when they were part of a world filled with racial tension and religious ignorance, but Christ made a difference! He did and He does.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-12T07:53:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:10

ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God hath prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

*ETS:

Do works have a place in the Christian life? Yes! First God works in our hearts, forgiving our sins and freeing us from the power of sin. When our hearts are pure and we have been placed in union with Christ, God works through us. What works does God work through us ? God works through us works we have been prepared to do, works he has preplanned for his glory and our good, works that can only be accomplished through our union in Christ.

*DTFTD:

Ephesians 2:10 brings Matthew 7:22 to mind. Many will say to the Lord in the day of judgment, "Lord, Lord, did we not . . . do many mighty works in your name?" These words will be spoken by people who will believe they have many works to their credit, works Jesus will reward. Much to their surprise instead of being rewarded, their works will be rejected. The message is simple, not all works done in the name of Jesus are acceptable. Jesus will reject many works done in his name, and will call those who participated in such things "workers of lawlessness (Matthew 7:23). However, there are works that play a major part in the Christian life. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." The works we must do are the works referred to as "the will" of the Father. The will of the Father is revealed in the words of Christ, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). The works God foreordained the believer to walk in are the works outlined in the words of Jesus. In salvation we are placed in Christ, in service we obey his word by the power of his Spirit. The works we must focus our attention on are not those of our own design, but the works outlined in the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.

*EDS:

No one will be justified by the works of the flesh. The only works that will be remembered in eternity are divine works - the work of God in saving the sinner and the work of God empowering the saved to do his will.

INGREDIENTS: A focus on the subject of works. Word Study: The word "walk" is peripateo, "to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to order one's behavior." (Wuest, vol. 1). The will of God is not a part time or pass time activity for the believer.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-10T21:08:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:8-9

ESV:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

*ETS:

Salvation is a gift of God, offered by the grace of God, which must be accepted by faith in Christ. Only the works of Christ in securing our salvation are worthy of praise. The works of man, which usually result in self-confident boasting, are totally worthless in the process of salvation.

*DTFTD:

A rich young ruler once asked Jesus, "What must I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). In response Jesus told the young ruler to obey the commandments of God (Mark 10:19). The ruler boasted, "I have kept the law from my youth" (Mark 10:20). Jesus appreciated the young ruler's devotion, but after giving him one instruction his glee turned to gloom. Jesus said, "Go, sell all that you have, give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me" (Mark 10:21). The Bible tells us the young ruler went away sad, for he had great possessions (Mark 10:22). The story of the young ruler is a reminder that mankind wants to do something to be saved. In all religions outside of Christianity, works plays a very important part of salvation. Yet Christianity is not a religion of man, and it is not about works of mankind. Actually the commandments of God recorded in the Old Testament were given to prove the inability of the flesh to live holy. The young ruler was tested in many areas of the law with one simple instruction. The young ruler's failure, and Jesus' commentary on the matter, caused the disciples to ask, "who can be saved?" (Mark 10:26). Jesus responded, "With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible"(Mark 10:27). The bottom line is that no one is capable working their way to salvation. If someone, (other than Christ), could do the deeds of the law without fail, pride and boasting would result, proving the impurity and corruption of the heart. Our hearts are not pure, therefore our deeds are unacceptable. God's response to our inability was to provide salvation as a gift made available through Christ. Faith is the only part required of us, we must repent of sin and trust in Christ. However, even in the requirement of repentance and faith God's grace must provide aid.

*EDS:

"No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from his hand. Till he returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand" ("In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty and Stewart Townend).

INGREDIENTS: An explanation of salvation. Word Study: "this is not your own doing" MacArthur says, ". . . 'this' refers to the entire previous statement of salvation, not only the grace but the faith. Although men are required to believe for salvation, even that faith is part of the gift of God which saves and cannot exercised by one's own power" (MacArthur Study Bible).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-10T06:28:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:6-7

ESV

and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

*ETS:

On the cross Christ established a union with us, a union that not only allowed him to pay for our sin, but to establish our place in heaven through resurrection. Even now we are seated with him in the heavens, (i.e where he is we are represented), and where he is we will be for eternity to the glory of God's kindness and (super) abounding grace.

*DTFTD:

In our text the phrases "with him" and "in Christ Jesus" are used two times. Our union with Christ is the major emphasis. When Jesus was on the cross the union was made a reality. Before we ever knew Him as Savior, he knew the experience of becoming sin for us (II Cor. 5:21). As Jesus spoke his last words from the cross, ("It is finished"), our old life was put to an end and our sinful being was buried with Christ. Jesus' resurrection was the announcement of newness of life, and his ascension into the heavens was the proclamation of his going to prepare a place for us. Heaven is more our home than earth, and because of our oneness with Jesus we are being represented there now. I long for the day when all believers are home in heaven where God is being glorified for his super abounding grace because of our citizenship through Christ.
"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore." (Lyrics to "This World is Not My Home" by Hank Thompson).

*EDS:

On the cross Jesus proved his love and longing to be one with us. He took our sin, put it away forever, and established our place with Him in heaven. What super abundant grace! To God be the glory forever and ever!

INGREDIENTS: A statement of the finality of our salvation to the glory of God forever. Word Study: "Paul does not say, 'God's grace,' nor even 'the riches of his grace,' but 'the sur-(super) passing riches of his grace.' As Paul sees it, there is nothing narrow about this grace of God, nothing stingy. It reaches to even to 'the chief of sinners' (Paul himself) . . . ." (NTC, Hendricksen).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-07T03:20:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:4

ESV:

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved -

*ETS:

But God, the ever merciful, because He loved us with an everlasting love, enacted His will and by His matchless grace changed our situation by bringing us out of sin and death - making us alive in Jesus Christ.

*DTFTD:

Ephesisans 2:4 is a commentary on the Christian' s pre-conversion condition and God's activity in salvation. Prior to salvation the Christian was dead in trespasses. Let me break down that little phrase. We were "dead" which means we were separated from God, the originator and sustainer of all true life. We were dead "in trespasses" which means we were habitual sinners - unable and unwilling to participate in any activity that would constitute change in our sin -loving nature. Prior to salvation, every person is separated from God and the very thing he or she loves, (sin), makes them incapable of doing anything to remedy the separation. "But God . . . ." Hallelujah! A two word miraculous response to our three word crisis (dead in trespasses). God worked when we could not. Salvation is what God has done for us, because he loved us. In mercy and great grace he performed a miracle of deliverance for us and in us. We were dead, but He made us alive in Christ! Praise God for the riches of His mercy, for the everlasting power of His love, and for the greatness of His grace which He has displayed in bringing us to life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

*EDS:

" That's why he died on Calvary, because when I could not come to where he was he came to me." (Words from Squire Parsons' song "He Came to Me")

INGREDIENTS: A commentary on the Christian's condition prior to salvation, and God's response. Word Study: The interjection, "by grace you have been saved" is a periphrastic construction, (making use of a finite verb and a participle). It should read, "by grace have you been completely saved, with the present result that you are in a saved state of being." The emphasis is on a past event with a result that persists through the present time. (Wuest Word Studies, Vol 1).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-06T04:29:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:3

ESV:

.. . . . among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

*ETS:

when we look at the world and worldliness around us, in many ways, we must truly say, "been there, done that."

*DTFTD:

Prior to being saved every Christian lived as salve to sin - understanding worldly ways, thinking worldly thoughts, and participating in worldly deeds without restraint or conviction. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). In essence, when it comes to living as a child of wrath, every Christian has been there and done that. When it comes to unrestrained sinful living every person on the planet is part of the "been there, done that" family. Paul's use of the words "children of wrath" is a reference to two specific ideas. First, the word "children" in the Greek is from the root that means "to give birth to." Paul is reminding us that all of humanity is born with the exact same sin nature. Second, Paul's use of the words translated, "of wrath," is his way of reminding us that all were born with a nature that stands in opposition to holiness and invites the wrath of God. All have the same sin nature, all have sinned, but not all have come to realize their sin nature invites the wrath of God. When a person realizes the fact of sin's death grip, and the certain pending wrath of God, he or she will greatly appreciate the next six words in Paul's letter, "but God being rich in mercy" (v4). From wrath to riches, praise God, what a story! Is it your story?

*EDS:

We all understand the sin nature, and we all need the grace of God for forgiveness and salvation.

INGREDIENTS: We were sinners in the hands of an angry God, but God who is rich in mercy changed the ending of our story. Word Study: The word "desires" is thelema, "desires that come from the emotions. Thus the life of the unsaved is swayed by the emotions rather than reason" (Wuest Word Studies, vol. 1).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-05T04:40:00.003-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:2

ESV:

in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.

*ETS:

In the life you lived before knowing Christ, you walked in sin, going along with the world and its worldly ways of thinking, following the leadership of the enemy of God who propogates a spirit of disobedience. You know the spirit of which I speak, the spirit that is now evident in all who live to disobey God.

*DTFTD:

"Roll back the curtain of memory now and then, show me where you brought me from and where I could have been. Remember I'm human, and humans forget. So remind me, remind me dear Lord." (from the Alison Krauss song "Remind Me, Dear Lord").

We should be thankful for the ability to remember, but we should be careful in our use of memory. Paul is calling on the Ephesian saints to remember their life prior to their relationship with God through Christ. Paul is not asking them to remember the sins they committed in their old life. No one who is truly saved desires to relive in memory the evil of their past life and Paul would not encourage such activity. Actually since we can sin in our hearts, and our minds can recreate scenes of sin with vivid detail, we need to be careful in our recall of the former days. What was the apostle encouraging the Ephesian saints to do?
Paul encouaged the saints to remember God's gracious rescue of their souls. Paul is saying, "Do you remember where you were when God saved you.? Do you remember how hopelessly lost you were, giving yourself to sin and the ways of the world. Do you remember what it was like to be under the captivity of the prince of this evil worldly system? To refresh your memory just look at the world - you'll see what was familiar to you at one time." Remembering where we were without Christ should make us appreciate our salvation and pray for those who are still in captivity to sin. Christians should live rejoicing in their salvation and praying for those who need to be saved. If we are not praising God for our salvation, and if we are not concerned for the lost, it is time to take a walk with Paul down memory lane.

"Nothing good have I done to deserve God's own Son, I'm not worthy of the scars in his hands. Yet he chose the road to Calvary to die in my place. Why he loves me I can't understand." (Alison Krass, Remind Me Dear Lord).

*EDS:

"God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Memorize Romans 5:8 today. Praise God for his grace. Be thankful for your salvation and pray for someone you know who is still in captivity to sin.

INGREDIENTS: Using our memory well. Word Study: "sons of disobedience" Wuest says, "The word 'disobedient' is the translation of 'apeithes,' meaning 'impersuasable, uncompliant.' Stephen called Israel stiffnecked in heart. This gives the picture of a person who is impersuasable and uncompliant. "

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-04T05:05:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:1

ESV:

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins

*ETS:

You were a sinner, having a nature to sin, and you were dead to the presence of God.

*DTFTD:

The testimony of a Christian speaks to what was and what is with specific emphasis on contrast. The Christian can say with certainty, "I am what I was not, and what I was I am no longer." The degree of contrast is diametric. The believer's testimony relates opposites, "I was dead to God, now I am alive to God. I was in darkness, now I am a child of the light. I was lost, now I am found. I was blind, now I see." Why would we ever think it not possible to determine whether a person is truly saved? Do I not have the ability to determine the difference between light and darkness, life and death, sight and blindness? The Christian witness is to be light in a world of darkness. If the difference between a saved and lost person should be obvious to the world, should it not be obvious to the saved as well? The Christian conversion is an experience of transition where old things pass away and all things become new (II Corinthians 5:17). The Christian's transition is a testimony of God's grace and proof of reconciliation. Paul's word in Ephesians 2:1 is the introduction to an emphasis of the distinction between the old life without Christ and the new life in Christ. The transition is a testimony of God's pursuit of our souls and his power in our lives. Our God, being rich in mercy, performed a miracle of grace when he focused his power and love on our captivity to sin and death. The devotional text for today simply states the fact of the Christian's past, "you were dead in trespasses and sins . . . ." Thank God for that little word "were," which speaks volumes of His powerful work in our lives.
"Redeemed, how I love to proclaim, it redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am." (Fanny Crosby, 1882).
*EDS:

The Christian's motto : "Because of my encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, I am what I was not, and what I was I am no longer. I am not what I will be, and what I will be, in that final day in Christ, I will be forever to the glory of God's grace."

INGREDIENTS: An introduction to the Christian's new life in Christ. Word Study: The word "dead" means "spiritually dead, that is, destitute of a life that recognizes and is devoted to God, (a life) given up to trespasses and sins, inactive as respects doing right" (Wuest Word Studies, Vol. 1).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-08-03T04:13:00.003-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:21-23

*ESV:

far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

*ETS:

Jesus is the head over his body, the church. All authorities in this world, (at present, and in the ages to come), are under his feet (under his power and dominion). The vessel through which he operates, His body, the church, He fills the with himself ("His gifts, energies, and graces" Wuest Word Studies).

*DTFTD:

The Church, the Redeemed of God, should realize its power source is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. The Lord Jesus Christ has all authority and power and dominion. Every government and principality is his footstool. The mentality of the Christian should be that of a victor in the world. We are to move and operate under the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to live with the awareness that the various governments of the world have limited authority and they will one day answer to the supreme authority, Jesus Christ our Lord. The Church, the body of Christ, must model submission to the Lordship of Jesus and allow his power to be clearly seen in our obedience to His will.

*EDS:

By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians have the privilege of living in communion with Christ, who fills them with all wisdom and grace to accomplish his will. There in no government or power that stop what Christ has determined to do through his body, the Church.

INGREDIENTS: A word on the authority of Christ and His work in the world through the church. Word Study: On the head-body metaphor in the text, Hendricksen says, "The head-body metaphor, when interpreted as meaning that the body fills or completes the head, resulting in an organic unity, so that the body carries out the will and purpose of the head , makes good sense. Christ uses the church in the realization of his plan in the govenment of the world and for the salvation of sinners" (NTC, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1990).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-30T23:03:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:20-21

ESV:

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

*ETS:

After his resurrection, Christ ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of God. There is no authority on earth we should fear, Christ is above and over all.

*DTFTD:

Paul prayed that the saints at Ephesus would know the joy of expectation and hope in Christ; the value of their relationship with God; and the power of resurrection living in the Spirit. In verse twenty-one Paul prayed the believers would also realize the authority of Jesus. Believing that Jesus is all powerful and over all authorities should alleviate the stress of life and cause believers to live as conquerors in Christ. There was a popular song some years ago with a chorus that attempted to encoruage the hearer with the words "don't worry, be happy." Paul is giving believers the encouragement, "don't worry, believe in Christ and be victorious."
Brothers and sisters in Christ, stop stressing and start trusting. Allow everything causing you worry to be a reminder of the authority of Jesus in your world. Whatever you are under he is over, and he is ready to give you power to overcome. Paul's reminder of the authority of Jesus should adjust the focus of the fearful saint, granting him or her courage to go forward in faith.

*EDS:

Christians are more than conquerors through Christ. In view of the fact that Jesus is the authority above all authorities, Christians should fear neither life nor death.

INGREDIENTS: A reminder: Jesus is Lord! Word Study: Of the words, "and every name that is named," Vincent says: Whatever a name can be given to. Let any name be uttered, whatever it is, Christ is above it " (Wuest Word Studies in the Greek, Vol. 1).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-30T04:56:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:19-20

ESV:
and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

*ETS:

(Paul's prayer continues) I pray you will understand God's power is always available to energize you to walk in victory. I pray you will know living the Christ-life requires the same power God exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.
Think about it - the unlimited and immeasurable power God demonstrated in resurrecting Christ from the dead is not only the power you will experience when you leave this world, (i.e. power over physical death), it is the power you need to live in this world, (i.e., the power of resurrection living - being dead to sin and alive to God).

*DTFTD:

The Christian's life is to be a display of God's power. The disciple of Christ should experience victory over sin and a life of communion with God through the Holy Spirit. Paul's focus on the power of God was a way of reminding the saints at Ephesus that Christian living is more than trying to do good in the name of Jesus. Christian living requires the unlimited power of God working out the resurrection life of Christ in daily experiences. The world should not view the church as people trying to live for Jesus, rather the world should see Christ living through His church. Today is a fresh opportunity for you to walk in the resurrection power of God. Stop right now and pray that you will be reminded often throughout the day how much you need God's power to live in this world. I am praying the church, the redeemed of God, throughout the world will express the exceeding greatness of God's power today.

*EDS:

Christian living is an expression of the miracle working power of God.

INGREDIENTS: A message on the necessityof God's power in the Christian's life. Word Study: The word power is the Greek word "dunamis." We get our English word "dynamite" from this word. The Christian's life should not be a firecracker - it should be dynamite! See the difference?

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-29T05:16:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:18

ESV:
having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

*ETS:

By the Spirit who works understanding into your minds and hearts, may you grow in expectation of all things promised in Christ, (being thereby assured of God's call on your life), and may your heart begin to take hold of the value and wealth God has place on his glory in your redemption through the sacrifice of His Son (a glory referred to as His inheritance in the saints).

*DTFTD:

When the Ephesian believers were brought into the realm of Paul's prayer life they knew his life was focused was on another world, and they also knew he thought it best for them to obtain the same focus. Paul's prayer for the saints at Ephesus was enlightening and encouraging. His words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, revealed a life of exploration and discovery. The call of God on the life of the beleiver causes clarity of vision. Our eyes of understanding are healed by the work of the Spirit. When we have cleared vision we are encouraged to focus on all promises in Christ, and to view them as realities deposited into the realm of hope. Believers are also encouraged by Paul's prayer to think often on how much God values their salvation and how His wealth is connected to their redemption. Meditation on such thoughts will certainly move our hearts to worship God, praising Him with gratitude.
Think the thoughts presented in Paul's prayer. Pray Paul's prayer for our current generation of believers. Praise God for the promises you have in Christ and for the fact that He considers your being his child a great treasure.

*EDS:

Knowing Christ should result in growing faith, and a clearer understanding of worship.

INGREDIENTS: A prayer for the saints.Word Study: "hope" is the Gr. root word "elpece" in the text it means a fervent yearning, confident expectation, and patient waiting for the fulfilment of God's promises, a full Christ-centered assurance the promises will be realized (NTC, William Hendricksen).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-28T05:47:00.003-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:17

*ESV:

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.

*ETS:

I pray that our glorious Heavenly Father, who we know through Christ, may energize your spirit by His Spirit to know Christ increasingly and more intimately.

*DTFTD:

If Christians are to live for the glory of God and enjoy all they have in Christ, it will not be enough for them to simply have Bible facts in their minds. We all need the added experience Paul spoke of in this text. Certainly the Holy Spirit became our teacher when we were saved and since our conversion He has taught us much truth - truth that should become "knowledge." The knowledge Paul prayed the Ephesians would experience was a journey of learning and living in Jesus. What we learn in the Spirit should always have two results: 1. We should become more intimately aquainted with our Lord; 2. Our lives should reflect his character more clearly. Paul knew, as we all know, our faith is more than words - it is ALIVE! My prayer today is that Christianity in the United States will begin to reveal what Paul prayed for in this text - a living, excited, ever growing love-life in Christ! May it be the prayer of our heart and the experience of our lives every day.

*EDS:

By the power of the Spirit, and for the glory of our Heavenly Father, we need to tap the divine resources and blessings available in Christ -learning in silence and living out loud the joy of the Lord.

INGREDIENTS: An apostolic prayer for believers to continue to grow in their faith. Word Study: The phrase, "in the knowledge of Him" uses the Gk.word "epignosei" which speaks of an intimate and personal knowledge. The contributors to the Bible Knowledge Commentary wrote: "It includes anintimate awareness of God's character and will" (NT edition, 620).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-27T06:22:00.005-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:16

*ESV:

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,

*ETS:

Every time you come to mind, I thank God for your faith and love, and begin praying for you,

*DTFTD:

Our thoughts are a precious thing to waste. Sometimes we spend hours wasting our thought life with worry, or review of a bad situation, or maybe thinking on something we determined to never think about again. Let me ask you, have you ever purposely determined to think on your Christian brothers or sisters? Those of you who attend a church, if you have attended long enough, you can imagine the setting. Who sits in front of you, beside you, behind you? Think on these people right now and begin to pray for their well being. Ask God to work in their lives in special ways. Paul modeled this example in our text. When Paul thought about his brothers and sisters in the family of God at Ephesus, he praised God for their faith and love, and began praying for them. Paul made this a regular practice. If we do not practice a thought life that prompts us to pray for specific brothers and sisters, let's begin to make this a practice starting today. Pray for someone now, praising God for the privilege of having relationships in Christ.

*EDS:

God's family should be in our prayers, and we should praise God for every family member

INGREDIENTS: A praise to God for the family; A reminder to pray often for the saved. Word Study: Gr."eucharisteo" translated "give thanks." This word can mean words that express gratitude or the emotions of gratitude. Let 's be joyful in our thanksgiving.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-24T06:42:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:15

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints

*ETS:

Because you understand these things (i.e. the blessings outlined in verses 3-14), and because you live daily by faith in Christ and love all in the family of Christ

*DTFTD:

The genuine Christian would be able to join Paul in praising God for the riches of his grace and the many blessings made available in Christ. The genuine Christian should also be quite familiar with the experience of walking by faith and loving the saints. As this week comes to a close practice what every Christian has the privilege to enjoy. First, read Ephesians 1:3-14, pausing to praise God for the gifts He has lavishly bestowed through Christ. Second, thank God for a promise you are claiming in faith, and specifically meditate on an area of instuction you are presently working out in faith. Third, share your Christian love with a brother or sister. Call someone in the family of God to tell them how much you are blessed by their life.

*EDS:

Christian living is wonderfully powerful and powerfully wonderful.

INGREDIENTS: Three blessings to enjoy today. Word Study: The word "love" is "agape" in Greek. It refers to the love produced in the heart of the yielded believer by the Holy Spirit (Wuest Word Studies).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-23T06:54:00.004-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:14

who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire the possession of it, to the praise of his glory

*ETS:

The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer provides assurance of future blessings and final redemption to the praise and glory of Jesus Christ.

*DTFTD:

The Holy Spirit is the Christian's contact with everything divinely spiritual and eternal. If we do not have the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, we are not saved (i.e., we have no spiritual life and we do not have a relationship with Christ. See Romans 8:9). Without the Holy Spirit we would not have assurance of a future with Christ. Without the Holy Spirit we would not be able to understand spritiual truth (ICorinthians 2:11-16). Without the Holy Spirit's work in our lives we could not display the character of Christ (Ephesians 5:22). Without the presence of God's Spirit in our lives we could not provide a clear convicting witness of the gospel (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit is our ever present Comforter, Counselor, Teacher, and Guide. The Holy Spirit, being with and in us, provides the most powerful, positive, personal guarantee of our future in Christ (John 14:16-17). May you enjoy the Spirit's presence and blessings today.

*EDS:

The Holy Spirit's presence and work in our lives provides evidence we are not of the world, even as Christ was not of this world (John 17:16).

INGREDIENTS: A verse explaining the purpose of the Spirit's presence in the life of the Christian. Word Study: The word "guarantee" is "arrabon" in the Greek. It is comparable to a down payment on a purchase. The Spirit, (God Himself), stands as the security of the promise of full redemption. Praise God!

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-22T11:59:00.004-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:13

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,

*ETS:

You (Gentiles) also heard the gospel, believed on Christ, and were sealed with the Holy Spirit.

*DTFTD:

All who are reconciled to God experience the same process of grace in salvation. First, the miracle of hearing the word of truth; then the miracle of believing; followed by the miracle of regeneration and the miracle of union in the Holy Spirit. The process between hearing and believing may take time, but once a person believes regeneration and oneness with the Spirit takes places instantly. In Ephesians 1:13 Paul refers to the Spirit as the seal of salvation. We may have heard someone say, “Let’s seal the deal,” which means let’s have some sign the deal is done. In salvation there is not an inanimate seal, but a person who stands to witness the finality of the transaction. The Christian has the ever present witness of the Holy Spirt for assurance of salvation.

*EDS:

When a Christian doubts his or her salvation, it is the Holy Spirit who comes to the rescue. God’s Spirit will bear witness with your spirit concerning the reality of salvation. (Romans 8:16).

INGREDIENTS: Assurance of salvation. Word Study: Sphragizo –sealed – to mark with a seal. Read James 4:5.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-20T08:11:00.010-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:11

*ESV:
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according ot the counsel of his will

*ETS:
According to the counsel of God’s will it was determined that the saints would be God’s heritage, his very own possession.

*DTFTD:

Beleivers should rejoice in their salvation. They should enjoy the blessings of being part of God’s family. However believers should also take time to consider how much God delights in being their heavenly Father. Ephesians 1:11 speaks of God’s resolve to make the saints his very own - a people who would be his heritage. According to Greek scholar Kenneth Wuest the best Greek texts have, not, “we have obatined an inheritance,” but “we were made an inheritance.” God’s “counsel” set in motion his willful determination to offer redemption by grace through Christ for the purpose of making the redeemed his very own people. When you rejoice in salvation, remember God is rejoicing with you.

*EDS:

God delights in being our Heavenly Father.

INGREDIENTS: A reminder that God delights in our being his children. Word Study: Greek “boule” – “counsel” – resolve, determination. God didn’t wish we would be his – He determined we would be.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-17T06:00:00.005-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:10

*ESV:
“as a plan for the fulness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth”:

*ETS:
In His time, according to His plan, God will remove all the divisive effects of sin. In Christ, a restoration will occur. Earth will no longer be inhabited by the enemies of heaven, and heaven will be the home of the redeemed.

*DTFTD:

Paul praised God when he considered man’s redemption as having been planned before the creation of the earth (vv 3-8). Here Paul’s praise is focused on the future. In the future, at a predetermined time, Christ will bring the divisive effects of the fall to an end - peace between heaven and earth will be permanently established.
Paul reminded the Ephesians of their responsibility as saints to be faithful in Christ. Faithfulness to known truth opens the heart to hear more of God’s revelation.

*EDS:

In your heart the promises of God concerning the future should be as certain as the promises he has fulfilled in the past. Praising God involves past, present, and future considerations. Take time today to praise God in consideration of his work in every dimension – past, present, and future.

INGREDIENTS: The certainty that God’s plan will be complete in Christ; The exaltation of Christ as the only one who can bring everlasting peace between heaven and earth; The reminder of a Divine calendar. Word Study: “fulness” is “pleroma” in the Greek. It means “completeness.” God’s seasons (times) will reveal and complete his divine purposes.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-16T06:00:00.004-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:9

*ESV:
Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ.

*ETS:
God’s gifts of salvation and the abiding Holy Spirit allow the Christian the ability to understand heavenly things in the willl and purposes of God in Christ.

*DTFTD:

Secret telling often comes with a contract – “don’t tell anyone.” Well, God has opened the secrets and mysteries of his will to the mind of the beleiver. Christians are encouraged to read God’s word and know the secrets of God’s will in Christ, as they are unveiled by the Holy Spirit. The contract in knowing God’s secrets is “tell everyone!” God wants us to teach all nations.

*EDS:

Why would God tell us a great truth if we were not willing to live it and share it with others? Shine today – be a show and tell of God’s truth in Christ.

INGREDIENTS: The plan of God to unveil mysteries of his will and purposes in Christ. Word Study: The word “mystery” in the Greek is “mysterion.” In the NT it means “ a truth once hidden but now made known” (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 11, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981). What was once hidden concering the coming Christ has been made known. Christians are responsible in every generation to tell the good news of Christ.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-15T06:00:00.005-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:8

*ESV:
Which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

*ETS:
God lavished his grace upon us for reasons only his wisdom can explain

*DTFTD:

The fact of God’s grace in our lives causes us to reach beyond the limits of our understanding for explanation. With clear perspective we ask, “How could he care for us? Why would he provide for us?” Those with sin tainted perception ask different questions, “Why wouldn’t he care for us? Why shouldn’t he provide for us?” The sin-tainted mind thinks God owes man, The clearer perception of reality accepts the truth that God is a debtor to no man. Though he owes us nothing, in grace he bestows upon us everything!
Only God can help us consider his heavenly activity. We need his grace even to comprehend his love and willingness to bless us.

*EDS:

Salvation through the blood of Christ is evidence of God’s lavishing, overflowing, abundance of mercy and grace sent to our need.

INGREDIENTS: God’s lavishing in grace; God’s granted wisdom and insight. Word Study: “eperisseusen” the Greek for “lavished.” It means, “to cause to abound, to overflow.” God gives bountifully.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:7

*ESV:
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.

*ETS:
Through the blood of Christ we are cleansed and forgiven of all sin, experiencing the riches of God’s grace.

*DTFTD:

If sin is never recognized as a debt beyond our ability to pay, we will never know the joy of the debt paid. If sin is not seen as an incurable disease, we will never appreciate work of the only Physician who is known to cure. If you do not think much of the miracle of salvation in Christ, you do not know the riches of God’s grace.

*EDS:

Salvation began when we saw ourselves as sinners in need of a Savior – A Savior whose grace is greater than all our sin.

INGREDIENTS: Redemption’s Person – Christ; Redemption’s Process – through the blood; Redemption's’ Procurement – forgiveness of all trespasses; Redemption’s Power – grace.
Word Study: “apoloutrosis” (redemption) is used 10 times in the NT. It means a deliverance procured by the payment of a ransom” (W.D. Mounce. Interliner for the Rest of Us. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-13T06:00:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:6

*ESV:
To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

*ETS:
Praise God, praise God, PRAISE GOD! He has abundantly blessed us in Christ..

*DTFTD:

Have you ever been taken up in praise to God? In verse six, Paul is being taken up in praise to God. Focused on God’s glory and grace, Paul responds with words of blessing to God. You can’t learn praise, you can only learn of God’s blessings which, when well considered, should result in a passionate praise to God.

*EDS:

Meditate on God’s blessings in your life until, without effort, praise from your heart moves your lips to exalt him.

INGREDIENTS: Praise to God; A reflection on God’s grace; A thought of our blessings in Christ. Word Study: The word “beloved” is “agapao.” The word in the text should be understood to mean, “in the One who was loved.” God’s love for those who are adopted by grace is equal to his love for Christ (John 17:23).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-10T06:00:00.004-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:5

*ESV:
In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.

*ETS:
God predetermined our adoption through Christ for the purpose of making us his children.

*DTFTD:

God loves those he calls out of the world. In love he has willed their relationship with him to be permanent by adoption through Christ. He also predetermined to give them adult status that they may begin to enjoy being joint heirs with Christ, (knowing and doing the will of God).

*EDS:

To the Saved: You are loved of God; you have been predestined to be God’s child; your life in Christ affords you access to God as an adult son or daughter (Gal. 4:5; Romans 8:15: 9:4).
Praise the Lord!

INGREDIENTS: A message of God’s love; A word on predestination and the purpose of adoption; A statement concerning the salvation event being according to the purpose of God’s will. Word Study: “proorizo” (transliterated Greek word) translated “predestined.” The word means “to decide upon beforehand, predestine.” God’s decision to adopt the believer was and is his “plan A.” There is no “plan b” in the God’s purposes.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-09T06:00:00.003-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:4

*ESV:
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him . . .

*ETS:
Before the first day of creation God chose a people to be holy and blameless in Christ.

*DTFTD:

The Apostle Paul praised God for his grace and peace in verse three. In verse four he highlights the worthiness of God in praise. Paul is giving God all the glory for salvation and dating the security of our souls in a way that removes the possibility of our taking the credit.
The Christian is blessed because he is in Christ. Nothing of eternal value is outside of a relationship with God through Christ.

*EDS:

If you know you are saved you should also know you were on God’s mind before the world began, and he planned your blameless state in Christ before you were conceived.
Praise God forever!

INGREDIENTS: A teaching on the activity of the Trinity before the world began; A lesson on how we are blameless and holy in Christ; Word Study: “Eklegomai” (transliterated) is the word in the text translated “chose.” The word means “to choose, select.” Just as Jesus chose his disciples, (Acts 1:2; Luke 6:13; John 15:16), you also have been chosen to be in Christ.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-08T06:00:00.002-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:3

*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,

*ETS:
This verse reminds the believer that heaven’s gift of Christ was all heaven had to offer. Everything is in Jesus.

*DTFTD:

The Christian is the most blessed creature in creation. He or she, has the privilege of life, and in new birth, the privilege of being granted God’s kind of life. The verse for today is a reminder that God, who gave us his kind of life, will cause us to enjoy it more abundantly in Christ. When we received the gift of Christ, we received the Giver of all heavenly blessings.

*EDS:

When you received Christ, you truly received the Gift that keeps on giving. Praise God forever!

INGREDIENTS: An encouragement to praise God; A reminder of unlimited blessings available in Christ; A current and future focus – heaven. Word Study: “Eulogetos” is the transliteration of the word in the text “blessed.” Rogers & Rogers say, “verbal adjectives with this ending indicate one who is worthy, i.e., ‘worthy of blessing’” (The New Linguistic and Exegetical key to the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998). This verse begins the longest outflowing of praise in all of Paul’s letters.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-07T06:00:00.001-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:2

*ESV:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

*ETS:
The Apostle Paul expressed the desire to keep grace and peace in the minds of the saints in Ephesus, and to constantly remind them of the source of such – God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

*DTFTD:

One of the most peaceful thoughts that could possibly occupy our minds is the thought that God in grace pardoned our sin and purchased us to be his children through the works of Jesus Christ our Lord.
God’s grace has allowed us the privilege to call Him Father, and the peace of knowing Jesus as LORD.

*EDS:

Divine grace and peace is yours if God is your Father and Jesus is your Lord.

INGREDIENTS: An encouragement to think good thoughts; A reminder of relationships established by grace; A word that results in peace. Word Study: The Greek word “Grace” is transliterated “charis.” The word means “the undeserved unmerited favor of God” (Cleon Rogers Jr. and Cleon Rogers III. The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.) Through Christ we receive what we could never deserve, and because of Christ we do not receive what we do deserve.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-06T06:00:00.010-05:00

Spiritual Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 1:1

*ESV:
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:

*ETS:
The Apostle Paul introduced himself as divinely appointed to apostleship. He also made it clear his words were addressed to saints who are faithful in Christ Jesus.

*DTFTD:

The Christian is divinely appointed to be something to someone for God’s glory. If you are a Christian you have an assignment today.
Paul reminded the Ephesians of their responsibility as saints to be faithful in Christ. Faithfulness to known truth opens the heart to hear more of God’s revelation.

*EDS:

You have an assignment from God. Be faithful to do what you should, and understanding of God’s word will be your experience.

INGREDIENTS: An Apostle’s introduction; Words to a particular peculiar people; An encouragement to faithfulness for all in Christ. Word Study: “Apostle” is from the Greek word transliterated, “apostolos.” It means “one sent as a messenger or agent, the bearer of a commission, messenger” (W.D. Mounce. Interliner for the Rest of Us. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

2009-07-02T14:21:00.001-05:00

Look for the First Devotional to post Monday morning July, 6th.
Thank you.