...be still...

“8 Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ 9 and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that God has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access in boldness and confidence through faith in Him. 13 I pray, therefore, that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory” Ephesians 3:8-13.

This statement of Paul above is a great summary of what he is doing at this point in his life. He is bringing both the Gentiles and the Jews “the boundless riches of Christ” (Verse 8). Paul then makes it clear on whose authority he is doing this: “11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that God has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have access in boldness and confidence through faith in Him” Ephesians 3:11-12. Paul is assuring us that everyone is welcome to follow Christ, and that this is God’s plan carried out in Jesus Christ!

Notice, too, that Paul says something else of great importance, namely, that every human being has equal access to Almighty God “through faith in Jesus Christ!” This is also an extraordinary point Paul is making. It doesn’t matter who you are or what your position is in the church or in the world, we all have equal access to God, we all can talk to God in our life and hear His voice in our hearts — through faith. I hope you find this exciting and the source of enormous hope in your

So today, return to the Lord in quiet prayer. Know that the Lord is with you. Feel His love for you.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

Today’s Prayer

Oh God, I thank you for being so present in my life.

I know You are with me and that I am never alone.

No matter what I’m going through in my life today,

Your voice and Your presence brings me peace.

Help me to avoid the temptations that come to me today.

Give me the strength of your Holy Spirit to lean on You — for everything.

May I have Your grace to follow You this day.

In Your name, Jesus Christ, I pray, amen.

From the Bible:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” Psalm 23:4.

“With the Lord on my side I do not fear. What can mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:6.

“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me” Hebrews 13:6?

“39 And waking up, Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Be silent! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm” Mark 4:39.