Day 4: The Authority of Christ and the Strength of the Church
Reading: Ephesians 1:19-23
9 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Reading: Colossians 1:15-18
The Supremacy of the Son of God
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
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Devotional:
The church can appear small, weak, and without significant influence in the world. Resources feel limited. Culture often dismisses or silences the voice of God's people. But Paul wanted the Ephesian church, and he wants you, to see a different reality. The one who holds all authority in heaven and on earth has placed himself as head over everything for the benefit of the church. That means the church is not operating without backing. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in and through his people. You are not helpless. You are not abandoned. The one in charge is on your side.
In what ways have you been thinking of the church, or of yourself as a member of it, as weak or without resource?
Pray specifically for your local church today. Ask God to make his power evident in and through the body of believers you are part of.
9 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Reading: Colossians 1:15-18
The Supremacy of the Son of God
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Devotional:
The church can appear small, weak, and without significant influence in the world. Resources feel limited. Culture often dismisses or silences the voice of God's people. But Paul wanted the Ephesian church, and he wants you, to see a different reality. The one who holds all authority in heaven and on earth has placed himself as head over everything for the benefit of the church. That means the church is not operating without backing. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in and through his people. You are not helpless. You are not abandoned. The one in charge is on your side.
In what ways have you been thinking of the church, or of yourself as a member of it, as weak or without resource?
Pray specifically for your local church today. Ask God to make his power evident in and through the body of believers you are part of.
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4 Comments
I think it is so easy for us to feel as though our small church can make a difference. I’m reminded today that our church even walking alongside 1 person as they step into a relationship with Christ is making a difference for the kingdom of God. I think the enemy wants is to feel stuck and defeated or that our impact is minimal because if we believe that then he has won and no strides are made for the kingdom.
It’s easy to feel like we’re alone or that we’re failing when we aren’t seeing things happen. I think specially of our church at the present. We’ve lost some people and it can be easy to focus on that and not what God is trying to do. God ultimately wants our hearts and for us to surrender all plans to him. When we can do that, that’s when we will notice His workings the best.
In leading the preschool ministry, I can often feel discouraged and anxious when I run into scheduling issues and finding enough help and coverage. But God is always faithful and everything always works out, sometimes it may be last minute, but He always makes a way. I’m praying that God will touch the hearts of others in our small church and bring more helpers to the ministries within our walls, to help build God’s kingdom.
Thanks Angie! You’re doing a great job and I can see God working through you. I’m praying the same prayer for our church. God is moving!