14 day plan

Living Above the Mess

Day 2 of 14

CSB

Ephesians 3:20

20Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us — 

Reflections:  Let God Do the Thinking For You

This is one of my all-time favourite Bible verses, because I have a very vivid imagination. When I was young, I took it like a challenge that I was going to ‘out imagine’ God! What Paul is saying here is: you haven’t thought, asked or even imagined the great things that God is about to do in your life. What he has planned is exceedingly, abundantly above what your brain can come up with! It’s a challenge; if we remain in our own brain power, we remain in human power. But if you take the time today to ask God what he can do according to his power that works in us, it will be above the natural! It will be above what we can ask, think or imagine. You haven’t thought of the way out of your situation yet, but God has.

Questions:  How does this promise change your perspective on the challenges (and opportunities) in your life at the moment?

Prayers:  Thank you, Lord, that your thoughts are above mine. I ask that you help me to dream as you dream over my life, to think as you think and to see you do abundantly above what I could do in my own strength.

 

© 2017 Holman Bible Publishers

Days

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

Ephesians 3:1-21

Paul’s Ministry to the Gentiles

1For this reason, I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles —  2assuming you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that he gave me for you. 3The mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have briefly written above. 4By reading this you are able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5This was not made known to people in other generations as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: 6The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 7I was made a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace that was given to me by the working of his power.

8This grace was given to me — the least of all the saints — to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, 9and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. 13So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.

Prayer for Spiritual Power

14For this reason I kneel before the Father 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. 16I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, 17and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, 18may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, 19and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us —  21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

© 2017 Holman Bible Publishers