18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 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.

Ephesians 1:18-23

Questions for Reflection:

How do you react to this definition of “PERIPHERAL” and the analogy of the church and the world - that the church is not peripheral to the world, but the world is peripheral to the church?

Can you allow yourself to imagine Him using you – and your uniqueness - not just within the walls of a physical church – but in the world – in His rescue mission? How does this give you confidence in your everyday life… that Jesus, reigning on His throne, is giving you full authorization to love, forgive, share hope, patience, and joy to the people in the world In His Name?

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