A Journey Through Ephesians….1:19-21

If you are just now tuning in… we are scribing our way through the book of Ephesians. Grab a pen and write out the scriptures. Reflect on every word, letter, meaning, phrase. What jumps off the page to you?

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else – not only in this world but also in the world to come. 1:19-21

A few weeks ago, we hosted a worship night in our backyard. Approximately 15ish high schoolers spread quilts in semi-circles and gathered around a piecemeal stage beneath a cloth projector strung tight on tree branches. It was about the sweetest thing I’d seen in a while. Honest. Raw. Open.

I sat several feet away with two other moms, blessed deeply by the next generations heart for worship and honored to be led by my own son.

I sang, journaled and prayed as music filled the air on this summer night. As I did, a prayer welled up inside of me. One I am still praying weeks later…

“God don’t let my kids play church.Don’t let ME play church. There is so much more. Let us be filled with passion and power. Holy Spirit descend on us with power – like at Pentecost. Let there be a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and fill this place – this yard … may flames of fire appear and settled on each of us.” Acts 2:2-3

I think this prayer exposed a deep down fear.

Sending our kids to private school, their investment in the local church, hosting worship nights in our yard, attending weekly Bible study groups – IT IS ALL AMAZING. YES.

But – Ephesians 1:19-21. Read it again. AS A PRAYER.

Lord, I pray that WE will understand the incredible greatness of YOUR POWER for us who believe. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Help us UNDERSTAND this God. Help our children UNDERSTAND THIS.

God, don’t let us play church.

Please-please-please let this sink in. This is not cliche, friend. This is all true. THIS SAME MIGHTY POWER LIVES IN YOU. As the Amplified translation states – this is immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength, when he raised Jesus from death.

This power works IN YOU, yes, BUT (wait for it) God works it FOR YOU. It’s TWO FOLD.

1. God gives us this power

2. God uses this power on our BEHALF from Heaven.

I could go to church every Sunday for the rest of my life. I could sit and write devotionals at my dining table and drink coffee in my pretty little home with all my books and colorful pens. I could play Spotify worship all day long and lead Bible Studies for years. It would be a good Christian life. And nothing on earth would be wrong with that. It certainly wouldn’t look wrong.

But then I could die and totally have MISSED OUT ON HIS POWER IN ME. And that, friend, is terrifying.

It frightens me that I could live my life with good intentions for 45 more years and still QUIETLY live insecure, in bondage, in fear, in strife, weak, worn and defeated. I could be addicted to the pleasures of this world and all its instant dopamine and NEVER EXPERIENCE “understand [or operate in] the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.” Amplified

Anybody else with me here? If so, what on earth are we to do?

“God, don’t let us play church.”

Here’s what we do. And CALL ME CRAZY. BUT FATHER SEND A MIGHTY WIND AND LET YOUR POWER FALL ON YOUR PEOPLE. LIKE AT PENTECOST.

Friend, the Holy Spirit is inside of you. This POWER is inside of you. So…. let’s do this.

1. Come into agreement with this Truth and thank Him.

2. Confess any sin or misalignment you’ve had apart from this Truth.

3. Pray Ephesians 1:19-21 over yourself and your loved ones

4. Believe this is in you and get up from where you are sitting – different…knowing it’s true.

5. Let this Truth change you.

Oh, I am excited. We aren’t playing church here! We are GOD’S PEOPLE ON MISSION – full of the ACTIVE, immeasurable, unlimited and surpassing power that raised Christ and even seated Him in Heaven.

Like, what?! Mmmmm!

THANK YOU JESUS.

Love to you all! xoxo