Ephesians 3:10-13

Scripture: Ephesians 3:10-13
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Observations
Verse 12 is one of my favorites of all time. I mean it, I have it framed in my bedroom. I can't ever get over the fact that I can approach God :) I can freely and confidently approach God! The holy, mighty God, Creator of all things. We have an all-access pass!! Even at my worst, when I come "tail-between-legs" and ashamed, God still receives me because Christ covers me.  I think of the prodigal son, how he was still welcomed by his father when he came back. In the same way, even when our sin is disappointing, God has mercy, through Christ. He doesn't turn us away when we approach Him with contrite hearts.

Application
Why do we struggle with approaching God? Are we hiding in the bushes like Adam and Eve due to shame? Are we running away from God like Jonah due to disobedience? Are we listening to Satan's lies, that we need to "have it together" prior to approaching God?

Prayer
Lord, encourage our hearts this morning to pursue you and approach you. We rejoice that you have a purpose for each of us. Help us to make time to seek you and have the confidence to do so even when our lives seem messy. Thank you for allowing us to come to you, and being such a loving, comforting Father. I pray for your presence with each one of us today. In Christ's name, amen.

Ephesians 3:7-9

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-9
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Observations
I really like how Paul humbles himself. Here's this powerful preacher, hand-picked by God, still reaching so many people (even me!) and yet he considers himself "less than the least of all God's people" and even calling himself the worst of sinners (1 Tim 1:15-16).

Application
I can take a humility lesson here, for sure. It also makes me think of how I'm serving and how I can better serve to spread the gospel. I often don't feel qualified, but Paul shows his calling is by grace, through God's power. This is available to all of us, so we have no excuse :) granted we're not all called to be preachers, but as a body we are called to further God's kingdom and to live as witnesses of Christ's love.

Prayer
Father, thank You for grace and the power You give us. I praise You for the unsearchable riches of Christ. Help us to be humble, loving, and bold servants for Your Kingdom today.  In Jesus's name I pray, amen!