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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

The Church is Family

July 27, 2010

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (NIV)

Paul was writing to people at a church in Ephesus when he wrote our Bible verse for today. He had lived among them and taught them about Jesus. He seems to love them and miss them just as anyone would miss their family. Although his travels took him many places, and he met many new people, Paul seemed to be very connected to the people at this church. He probably enjoyed the fellowship and worship time they had together.

In his letter, Paul also talks about his suffering because he is preaching the Gospel message of Jesus. He tells the Ephesians not to feel sad about his suffering. But, he continues, they should keep on being faithful to Christ. He adds that he gives thanks to God for them often in his prayers. Then he prays for them. The Bible verses above are only part of the prayer. He prays that God would strengthen the Ephesians with His Holy Spirit. He also prays that God would strengthen them in their faith. Paul’s prayers for the Ephesians are very beautiful. His hopes for his church family tell how special their relationship had become.

In every church family, there are people who care about each other. Paul also uses the illustration of the church being the Body of Christ. Perhaps you can think of pastors, teachers and friends at church who care about you. They probably pray for you and hope for a great faith to be growing in you. God has given us these people so that we can know Christ’s love in a real way. We should also pray for them as well. In this kind of love, the church glorifies the Lord.

Paul adds in his prayer that God can and will do more than we can ever ask, or even expect, from Him. How exciting! God is so powerful and loving that He gives us more blessings than we can measure, or even that we can think to ask of Him. Praise and glory be to God!

Dear Father, You have given us more in Jesus than we could have ever imagined. You continue to bless us with more than we could ever ask. We pray that You would help us to love and pray for those around us as we imitate Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lois Diebel, Ministry Consultant – FL & GA
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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