We were up and early this morning for our trip to Atlanta. We arrived about 11:30 a.m. EST. We picked up a car and met Stephanie and Nathan and kids at the Lenox Mall. They have the infamous “flying Pink Pig” that is an annual and historic Christmas attraction. After lunch and before pictures with Santa and the flying pig, we experienced a severe weather warning. So we dutifully obeyed instructions to go to the basement of the mall. By the time we got there the threat of a tornado was over.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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.” Ephesians 3:20,21 NIV

It is always nice when we are commended for going above and beyond expectations. It is nice to be the recipient of someone who interfaces with us going above and beyond expectations. When we look at Paul words we see….

God’s love is beyond our expectations. In Ephesians, it seems Paul is constantly praying and pointing out a God is above and beyond our expectations. He prays for “eyes to be enlightened” with supernatural understanding of what God has done for us in Christ. He tells the Ephesians about God’s love that is higher, that is wider, that is deeper, that is longer that we can grasp. While we can’t fully comprehend God’s love, we can experience this great love of God.

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power…to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge…” (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV)

God’s power is beyond our expectations. In this grand benediction above, Paul says that God is able to do more than all we ask or imagine. This above and beyond expectation power and working, is experienced in our lives by the power of God’s Spirit, who is at work in us who believe. This reality should challenge our faith and call us to greater fervency in our prayers and expectations of God’s desire and willingness.

God’s Church is to function beyond expectations. Paul says of this “beyond-expectations-God” “…to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” God’s people united together has been and always will be the agents of manifesting His power and glory.

It is all too rare when God’s people reflect this “beyond-expectation” reality. I think of Paul’s words to the Corinthians about the Macedonian Church:  “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2  Corinthians 8:3-5 NIV)

I recall a church pastored by a friend of mine was involved in  a capital campaign to raise money for a new building. He told me they presented a goal and a “miracle goal” if people really committed themselves. When the effort was complete the people gave one million dollars over the “miracle goal” that had been set. They certainly went far beyond expectations!

That same can be reflected in God’s people not just giving but, serving, in their unity, in their spiritual commitment and passion for the things of God.

I am thankful that we can experience a God who is a “beyond-expectation” God. And when our hearts are full of this kind of God, we become “beyond-expectation” people.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the ways you surpass our understanding and expectations. May we never limit You or view no bar too high for You to conquer. May the dedication and faith in our lives, reflect the work of this “beyond-expectation” God as we serve Your purposes in our world.

Today was a nonstop type of day. We are preparing for trip to Atlanta to visit Stephan and Nathan and the grandchildren. We are to board our shuttle at 2:30 a.m.!! I believe that means bedtime tonight is 7:00 p.m.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

The mystery of the gospel that had been hidden for generations, was that God would reconcile sinful humanity to Himself through Christ. As Paul writes to Titus,“he [Christ] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Titus 3:5 NIV)

Paul to the Ephesians simply declares, “by grace you have been saved, through faith…”  Paul lays the background for this declaration by pointing out “…you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:1-2 NIV)

The first “resurrection” of sorts is when an individual moves from spiritual death to spiritual life in Christ. “God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4,5 NIV)

With hundreds of years of the Jewish law. With hundreds of years of idol worship and attempts to be “good enough” to win the favor of a deity, and even down to our day, when so many believe that heaven is “earned” – no wonder it is a shock and major adjustment for the gospel message to say, “it is not about you and what you have done or can do. It is all what Christ has done.”

But there is a “work” for those who place their faith in Christ to do. We are called to believe. To have faith. “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'” (John 6:29 NIV)

Then we are to do “good works.” We do good works not to earn salvation, but to demonstrate a changed life and to do God’s work in the world. Doing “God’s work” demonstrates our love for Him and our obedience to His call. Paul says, “we are God’s handiwork.” The greatest satisfaction in life is not believing salvation is from ourselves, but in understanding that we are God’s handiwork, to do His work. That is the proper response to God’s grace.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that You work on us and in us in order that we may be those who do Your work in the world and reflect Your glory for all to see.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17 NIV

There is a saying, “you don’t know what you don’t know.” In other words, some insight comes with a willingness to learn and an openness to understand. As Paul writes to the Ephesians he gives thanks to God for them and then offers a prayer that they would have “supernatural revelation” of what Christ has done for them and their position in Christ.

The question I have is, “Do we fully understand the magnitude of what God has done for us through Christ and what that means for our life?” Paul says, we need to “know him better.” He goes on an give some specifics. His prayer is for “enlightened eyes” to know…

“…The hope to which he has called you…

….the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

….and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:18,19 NIV)

It seems many can be even cavalier about heaven and their eternal destiny. Many take the prospects of an eternity in God’s presence as the “default” for people regardless of their faith or spiritual commitment. Then there are those that possess what I call an “eternal insecurity.” They are so uncertain about their eternal destiny that don’t live with the confidence, assurance and hope that Christ has called us to.

Peter picks up this theme when he writes, “he [Christ] has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 ESV)

Paul goes on and says we need “enlightened eyes” to understand the “riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.” An inheritance is received upon the death of the benefactor. Through Christ’s death on the cross, we already possess an “inheritance” from the riches of God’s grace.

Then Paul talks about Christ’s “incomparably great power for us who believe.” This is explained as “resurrection power.” “That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms…” (Ephesians 1:19,20 NIV)

With that kind of power working for us and through us, we can observe that we more often than not live below the provisions of what the Lord has made available to us.

These verses a words that are easy to read but difficult to grasp. I am challenged by Paul’s prayer for “enlightened eyes.” May we continue to seek for greater revelation and insight, awe and wonder in what God has done for us through Christ.

Prayer for today… Lord, allow our eyes to be enlightened and help our minds and hearts to grasp the wonders of Your grace and power that has brought us spiritual life and hope. May we not take for granted or oversimplify all that You have done and what we have in You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…   ^“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.” Ephesians 1:4-8

When we consider all the Christ has done for us, Paul helps us to understand the “spiritual blessings” we have in Christ. As Paul addresses the believers in Ephesus he points out their position in Christ and how it is achieved.

Considering all the obvious human failings of humanity from the patriarchs of the Old Testament to looking at our lives today, the idea of being “blameless” is difficulty to believe or accept. But Paul says those in Christ are chosen “from the creation of the world” to be holy (set apart) and blameless in His sight.

Regardless of our actions past or present, when we place our faith in Christ’s forgiveness and grace we are seen by God as blameless. That is to release us from shame and the burden of guilt. The challenge becomes to see ourselves as God see us in Christ.

Next Paul says, that through God’s love we have been predestined for “sonship.” This speaks of the extent of God’s love and our connection to Him as part of God’s “family.” It is only through adoption that children are “chosen” to be a part of a family. God’s gift to us in Christ is to the “praise of God’s glorious grace given through Christ.” 

I think of David, the shepherd boy, hesitating to marry the daughter of King Saul. He said, “it is not a small thing to marry the daughter of the King” becoming part of the King’s family. How much more fortunate are we to be included in God’s family. Perhaps only foster children or orphans can relate to the joy and excitement about being a chosen to be part of a family. If you could imagine what it would be like for an orphan child to be adopted by the President of the United States, it might give us a glimpse of the privilege afforded to us in Christ.

All of this is possible because we have been “redeemed.” The alienation that took place on mankind with the sin of Adam and Eve placed in all people a bent that leads to sin and separation from God. The redemption price in the spiritual realm was the blood of Christ. The provides for forgiveness of sin through the abundance of God’s grace.

As we reflect on all the blessings we have from the Lord, let’s always keep in mind the spiritual blessings and what they mean for our lives.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the spiritual blessings that have been bestowed upon us through Your love and grace. Help us to comprehend in a greater way and stand in awe of all You have done for us. Thank You that You have chosen us to be blameless, predestined us to be a part of Your family and redeemed us through the blood of Christ. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:4,5 NIV

Who is the better Christian? Who is more faithful to Christ? Who is more spiritual? Those questions seem somewhat ridiculous to ask. However, whether reflected in attitude or words or in the quiet recesses of one’s mind, the issue of comparisons has something believers have struggled with since the Church was established.

In Paul’s day it seems the focus was on who did a better job “keeping the law.” It was those who were “caught in a sin” opposed to those who were not. In our day it may be based on spiritual experience or beliefs or even the Bible version that is used or knowledge of the Bible or how long one has been “in the faith.”

As Paul talked about the “Fruit of the Spirit” his final challenge was, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” (Galatians 5:25,26 NIV)

He then calls those who are “living by the Spirit” to lovingly with humility restore that individual to Christ and the Church. Those who restore are to be on guard against falling into the same sin and not being conceit with a “that-could-never-happen-to-me” attitude.

We see in the span of just a few paragraphs Paul twice addresses issues of humility, conceit and envy. Our fame of reference in our spiritual life is not others, it is Christ. It is “are we being faithful to fulfill the Law of Christ?” “Are we being stewards of the gifts and opportunities the Lord has given to us?” “Are we living by the Spirit and is the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ evident in our lives?”

I like to say, “faithfulness is the great equalizer.” Gifts, experiences and opportunities are different with each individual. But each person can have the satisfaction of being a “good and faithful servant.” That is one way that we “carry our own load.”

Paul addressed the issue of comparisons when he wrote to the Corinthians. The Corinthians were easily attacked to various spiritual leaders and believed loyalty and appreciation of the gifts and calling  of one, required a disparaging of another or the rest. Then there were those who advanced their own qualifications and agenda.

Paul’s approach was, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” (2 Corinthians 10:12 NIV)

There is something in us that causes us to look at others and make conclusions on our life based on those comparisons. We are to remind ourselves, that is “not wise.” We are to live by the Spirit, remain humble and seek to please the Lord and serve Him based on the gifts we possess and the opportunities the present themselves.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that we can all be found faithful as we live by faith. Help us to live by the Spirit, producing the fruit of the Spirit, in humility with a focus upon You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love….So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”  Galatians 5:13,16 NIV

Much of Paul’s letter to the Galatians deals with the freedom we have in Christ. The law is not the standard for salvation but faith in Christ. Paul pointed out,  “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 2:15,16 NIV)

Paul says, those who insist on circumcision or a portion of the law as a requirement for salvation or pleasing God, are obligated to obey all the law to be saved. “Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:3,4 NIV)

Paul continues and says that freedom from the law for salvation does not excuse self-centered living by “the flesh” when it comes to sanctification. But instead, the “law of Christ” calls us to even a higher standard. The Old Testament prophets told a time when God would put the “law on the hearts” of His people. We can see that through the work of the Holy Spirit when a life is surrendered to Christ. “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 NIV)

We are called to live by “the Spirit.” God’s Spirit enables us to surrender rights instead of clinging to “rights.” It calls us to serve others as agents of God’s love. The safeguard against “gratifying” the flesh is not the hammer of the law, but the life that comes from the Spirit. As Paul said, “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:19,20 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord thank You for the life that comes from Your Spirit. Help us to understand the power of Your Spirit working in and through our lives, that we might serve and please You.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NLT

As we come to another Thanksgiving, it is time to pause and to reflect on our many blessings. Blessings from the Lord and the blessings we enjoy in the “land of the free and home of the brave.”

When we reflect on our life, all that we have and enjoy can be a cause for thanksgiving. But God’s will is for us to not only to be a thankful people, but to realize that being thankful, even in the most difficult time is His desire for our life. Paul also reminds us that “thankful living” promotes God’s peace in our life. When we give thanks we are reminded of the blessings of the Lord and His faithfulness and even in the face of the challenges of life we can experience God’s peace.

A former Capitol aide of mine shared on his FaceBook post about the Thanksgiving Proclamation during the Civil War. It was 1863. Even in the midst of a country divided, riots and a contentious election season, William Seward penned the Thanksgiving proclamation:

Seward started the proclamation with the many things the country could be thankful for including bountiful harvests, productive mines, and Union victories on the battlefield. In the rest of his proclamation he implored the nation to give thanks to “our beneficent Father” for the “gracious gifts of the Most High God,” recommending that people set aside that day to “offer up ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings.” Seward continued to ask that people have God forgive the perverseness of the nation and to commend to God those who are mourning and the widows and orphans that were a result of the conflict.

Seward finished the proclamation advising that the people “implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation” and to pray that the nation be restored “as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.”

In the most challenging of situations, we can still be thankful. Our thankful attitude everyday is also shaped by perspective. When we look outside of our own life and existence, we can find much to be thankful for.

A friend of mine share the following…

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.” Galatians 1:15-17 NIV

As Paul writes to the believers at Galatia, he expresses concern over their vulnerability to be influenced by those who are preaching “another Jesus.” Paul uses this as a springboard to rehearse his calling and his preparation for ministry. Only in this letter is it revealed that Paul when he encountered the Lord on the road to Damascus, did not immediately begin to preach and go to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles. He spent time in Arabia before returning to Damascus. It was three years after his conversion that he made his historic trip to Jerusalem as a new convert of Jesus.

How this timeline breaks down is not known. Paul’s “desert” experience was a time of preparation and a time of revelation from Christ. He says, “I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 1:11,12 NIV)

Paul’s world was rocked when Christ interrupted his zeal for the Jewish faith. It is understandable that a time of reflection, prayer and preparation for what was ahead would be in order. Many great men of faith found themselves in the “desert” for a season. Moses and Elijah are prominent examples in the Old Testament. We see Jesus’ time in the wilderness before His ministry began.

I am also reminded of Paul’s words to Timothy, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands…” (1 Timothy 5:22 NIV) This reference to recognizing individuals for ministry, reveals that patience, training and “proving” is important for the work of the gospel.

In his history, we see a significant interlude before launching into his apostolic ministry. Three years! But those three years were vital to the credibility and effectiveness of the years that followed.

The “take away” for us to consider are the times of waiting, the “desert” experiences, the solitude that is a lost spiritual discipline. Rushing ahead in zeal, opposed to patiently waiting for God’s timing can be difficult, but is often what is required for credible, long term effectiveness. I am finding that this is needed not just at the beginning, but often at critical junctures in our life’s journey.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank you for the lessons that we can learn alone from You. Grant the patience to seek You and allow for Your timing and Your direction as we seek Your will for our life.