Ephesians 3:14-21 (NRSV)
Knowing the love of Christ
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
DEVOTION
As a mother who has recently had two children placed in our home for adoption, I am absolutely struck by the words, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name."
I am struck by this comment because as my new children will tell anyone, names matter. What your name is defines who you are, whose you are, and even who you may become...
Isn't it wonderful that we are all named after our Father in Heaven?
Our God is glorious, strong, powerful, and loving! Our God is kind, merciful, generous, and compassion. Our God is Creator, Sustainer, and Friend...
I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the point!
And here's one thing I know. Children tend to look like their parents, if they stay close enough to them.
One time I was walking down the street in a major metropolitan area and someone stopped me stating, "Oh my goodness! You must be related to Howard Denson (my father)."
As I gaped at the woman, she stated with a great big smile, "You WALK exactly like him..."
This absolutely amazed me! But, now that I have my own children, biological and adopted, I realize that kids who stick close to their parents, do take after them...
Today, it is my prayer that all of us will stick close to Daddy, so that we will walk, talk, think, and act like our Heavenly Father. And it is my prayer that when people see us, they will know to whom we belong!
Let us pray: Oh God, please help me to look like you in the eyes of others. Please give me your hands, feet, and smile. Please give me your words, thoughts, and actions. Please help me to know and believe that I am your beloved...I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta
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