Accepted: Who We Really Are and What He Has Given UsSample

Day 8: Ephesians 3:8-21

In Ephesians, Paul writes about the mystery of the gospel six different times. Colossians 1:26-27 explains this mystery's foundation as Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The Lord Jesus Christ is living in us.

Who can fathom the wonder of Immanuel, God with us? On this side of heaven, we will only have a faint realization of this truth, yet it is true, nonetheless. The Lord Jesus lives in you and me. And not just a drip or a drab of Him; we are filled with all the fulness of God, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think according to the power—dynamis—that works in us.

From the resources of the Lord's unsearchable riches, we have a mandate. God desires us to bring heaven down to earth and for His love, power, and miracles to invade our daily lives and put the enemy of our souls on the run.

The Lord taught us to pray: Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. His prayer is not passive. It is boldly proclaiming the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our every situation and establishing His authority over demonic principalities and powers (v. 10). This is God's intention for each member of His body to accomplish. But how?

The Holy Spirit indwells us now. Nevertheless, there is an aspect where we grow in the power of the Holy Spirit. With the continued healing of our soul—our heart, mind, personality, intellect, and ability to make choices—the more access the Holy Spirit has to readily work through us. When we are stuck in our stuff, we are, well, stuck. When we ardently pursue the Spirit's effective working in our lives, freedom occurs.

We must start somewhere, even in the middle of our bondages and addictions. Just keeping it real here. That is why we must become confident of our acceptance in Christ and the power of His grace. Paul tells us that we can access His presence with bold confidence. But we must come, and that takes forward motion on our parts.

No one can do your faith-walk for you. Jesus desires a very intimate and personal relationship with you—just to be with YOU. And yet, He is calling you to make a difference in this needy world in the power of the Holy Spirit. Accept His invitation and take the first steps toward more of Him revealed in your life.