4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:4-10
Questions for Reflection:
Reflect on your true status as a Jesus follower that you have been, "raised with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus", "saved", "alive with Christ", God's handiwork" etc. Now think about your personal status or identity if you did not know Jesus. How would it be different? What would be the most glaring contrast?
Notice the character words in these verses which describe God's heart - great love, rich mercy, incomparable grace, expressed kindness. Which one of the aspects of God's heart toward you are you particularly thankful for today?
Prayer of the Week:
Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.
Jesus, I sincerely receive You as my authority, rule and dominion, my everlasting victory against Satan and his kingdom, and my ability to bring Your Kingdom at all times and in every way.
I receive all the work and triumph in Your Ascension through which Satan has been judged and cast down, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to You. All authority in the heavens and on this earth has been given to You, Jesus. You are worthy to receive all glory and honor, power and dominion, now and forever.
I take my place now in Your authority and in Your throne through which I have been raised with You to the right hand of the Father and established in Your authority. I give myself to You, to reign with You always. Apply to me all the work and triumph in Your authority and in Your throne; I receive it with thanks, and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, body, and my heart, mind, and will.
I now bring the authority, rule, and dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ over my life today: over my home, my household, my work, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and the full work of Christ against every evil power coming against me—against every foul spirit, every foul power and device. [You might need to name them—what has been attacking you?] I cut them off in the name of the Lord Jesus. I bind and banish them from me and from my kingdom now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I also bring the full work of Christ between me and every person, and I allow only the love of God and only the Spirit of God between us.
Jesus, I love You! I am so excited to live this day in the authority of the name of Jesus!
Amen and Amen
