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JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE EPHESIANS Day 1 Ephesians 1 Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him who fills all in all. Do you know who you are? Many people go through life seeking fulfillment and not finding it. It seems to be out of reach. They’ve been told they are nobody’s without rights. Yet, here Paul tells the church at Ephesus who they are and what they have because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul didn’t only write this letter to the saints in Ephesus, but to the faithful in Jesus Christ. Who are the faithful? If you are a Christian, you are the faithful. You have the same rights and inheritance in Christ Jesus as the saints in Ephesus. You have the same calling. You have the same promises and blessings. You have the same benefits. Everything is in your reach. You only need to reach out and take what belongs to you. What is yours? How do you know what to claim as a Christian? Paul told the church at Ephesus they were predestined before the foundation of the world. God knew them and He knows you. It is His good pleasure to give you an inheritance with His Son, Jesus. You have redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus redeemed you as He hung on the cross and poured out His blood for you, the price of your salvation. With salvation comes forgiveness of your sins, and not only a few of them, but all of them. With salvation comes the seal of the Holy Spirit on your lives. That seal gives you access to all the benefits and blessings and brings you into the throne room of God, who accepts you as His child, holy and blameless in His sight. Everything is in your grasp. Reach out and claim what belongs to you as a child of God. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for showing me my inheritance in Jesus Christ as Your child. Help me reach out and take hold of what belongs to me as Your child, knowing You set me apart at the foundation of the world. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 19 April 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay