Although the Word of God is always relevant, there are times that my reading of it becomes stale or a bit rote. To shake things up a bit I decided to do a walk through the book of Ephesians. Yes a rather small book but I’m not going to focus on reading an entire chapter but rather giving myself time to marinate on certain verses allowing them to speak to me in fresh new ways.
A Birdseye View of Chapter 1:1-6 (The Message)
From the opening of this chapter Paul has a clear understanding that his life, his current position as an apostle were all apart of God’s plan. He was not the author of his destiny but rather he was under the authority and providence of God’s master plan.
How often do we live as if we are the orchestrator of our life plan? No matter how much disarray or disorder may be swirling around you, it’s essential that we remember N O N E of it surprises the creator. In our state of chaos, He remains calm because He knows all things. He sets the course of our lives despite our well laid out plans. And His plans and purposes prevail.
How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the and of his beloved Son. Eph 1:3-6
A Plan of Adoption
Paul goes onto describe who God’s attributes and his identity. The blessed one. The Father of Jesus Christ. This God is one who is a planner. He’s mindful. He’s focused. He’s decisive. Unlike myself who often overlook details, He had foresight to see humanity and his plan for us before He even set about installing the foundations of the earth.
He chose to adopt us. I don’t have any personal experience with adoption but I do know that in our natural families we don’t get to choose our parents and relatives. Some parents choose to stay and others walk away for many reasons.
But I’m always awed when I hear the stories of people choosing to adopt. I see sprinkles of colors mixed into a beautiful family. Through the power of choice these individuals give the gift of love, acceptance, and belonging.
How much more have God given to us by choosing to focus on us as the object of His love. His love brings us wholeness, holiness, and a brand new family.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12 (KJV)
And I will be a Father to you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Beloved, now are we the sons of God. I John 3:1,2
Questions for Reflection
Blessed or blessing is a popular word in Christian circles. What does those words mean to you and how would you explain the blessing to someone unfamiliar with the term?
How does God’s love make us whole and holy?
What impact does natural adoption have on the life of the adoptee? And how does being an adoptee of God impact our lives?
Photo Credit: Lightstock
Linking Up With:
Related articles
- Without Fault in His Eyes (lilyvalley-karen.blogspot.com)
- Grace & Peace – A study in Ephesians (bayareamomma.wordpress.com)
- Adopted through Jesus (lovingthelordblog.wordpress.com)
- I am Blessed (shatteredandbroken.com)
LaVonne says
Wanda, when I woke up this morning I had to make one important choice: Rest in His love or worry about my life. I choose to rest. I have been doing some meditating in 1-3 John and repeatedly we are reminded that we ARE ALREADY blessed and loved. We have to rest in knowing that He has already done what will be done. That is how we can live with great expectation in the midst of what looks crazy. Rest, I believe, is the greatest blessing because we can truly rest (have great faith, living hoe and peace beyond understanding) when we believe without doubting that God has it all in Hand. Let us receive the blessing. “You, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; You consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to You; You are the helper.” Psalm 10:14
Wanda says
Such a rich response you provided LaVonne. Our ability to truly rest shows our completed confidence in God’s providence. Life will present many opportunities to worry but we do have the power to make another choice. Thank you for sharing this rich spiritual nugget my friend.
Pam says
As an adoptive parent, I know the depth of love a parent gives when they adopt a child. I never thought that as God’s adopted child, I am the recipient of that kind of love from Him. Amazing!
May you be blessed, Wanda!
Pam at 2 Encourage
Wanda says
Well Pam I learned something new about you. I wasn’t aware that you were an adoptive parent. What a wonderful gift to give to another.
Ren says
I have a set of dvd’s by T.D. Jakes (when he was young before he became so popular) on the book of Ephesians.. He goes through the book word by word.. I love Ephesians.. I think I’ll read it again 🙂
Wanda says
Sounds like that would be a great resource to have in one’s personal library. That would be great. Perhaps you can do a guest post sharing your thoughts on Ephesians sometime.
denise says
I choose to crawl up in my Father’s lap, and just be. Totally rest.
Wanda says
Oh what peace that brings Denise.
Michell says
Hi Wanda! What a great study! Because of His perfect love…we are able to be His children! He took on ALL of our sins, without hesitation, so we can could be engrafted into His family…what love! The least we could do is accept it! Thanks so much for sharing Wanda…may you have a blessed week my friend!! 🙂
Wanda says
Such wonderful gifts He gave to us through His love indeed Michell. Hope your weekend is a great one!
alisa says
I would say that blessings are gifts of God’s love that manifest in many ways! Thank you for this Ephesians study. Paul is such an interesting and deep character. I love reading other people’s points of view about him and what he wrote. I pray you have a blessed week–full of God’s love being demonstrated in your life!
Wanda says
thank you Alisa. Hope your week is a great one as well.
Margo Kelly says
Great Post! I believe it is very important to acknowledge God’s hand in all things, and by identifying the blessings in our lives, we are giving credit to God for those good and wonderful things that others might call luck or coincidence or your own doing.
🙂
Wanda says
True Margo. Sometimes we humans can give ourselves way too much credit.