The Hope of Your Calling

• Ephesians 1:17-19a

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. 18 I pray also 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 the saints, 19 and His incomparably great power for us who believe. [emphasis mine]

I hope you will take time today on this Lord's Day to meditate, ponder, chew on and swallow the many promises and principles that are found in this short passage. Paul is speaking here but my heart is asking for the same thing for myself and for all of you who read this...

I asked a few weeks ago: What is it that you are believing God for in your life? If you said, "nothing" I will pray for you. We must always be trusting God for much in our lives. Every day we need the gift of faith to believe God for great things and we should expect much from Him (spiritually) if we are to exercise that faith.

One of the most precious things that God has revealed to me in this past year is that God allows us (and invites and expects us) to participate with Him in what He has already purposed in our lives ...and the lives of those around us.

• Jeremiah 29:11-14

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.

It's that relationship thing. It's two-way. God desires a relationship with us - even in our sinful, unbelieving state - He wants it. That is Love! The Unconditional Love of God. But He wants our heart. He went to the extreme to provide for that relationship - through His own Son, Jesus (the sacrifice) on the cross of Calvary!

Once we receive and embrace that gift... He offers a continual relationship and all the tools we need to keep it going! Prayer (the connection), His Holy Spirit (the power), His Word (the truth), His love (the gift)... and the list goes on!

Praise Him with me, Beloved! I am so in love with our God for Who He is - and I pray that you are too!

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie