Ephesians 1: 3-14  New King James Version

(3)  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. 

(4)Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

(5)Having  predestined us to adoption as sons of Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

(6)To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

     Okay let’s stop here for a moment.  God has, first of all, blessed us with every spiritual blessing. So even before we were born we received every spiritual blessing.  God was preparing us to be able to be holy.  God had a plan and just like every loving parent, He was enabling us to fulfill that plan.

     His plan was to bring us to Himself.  Adopt us as sons without blame (holy) through Jesus, because this brings Him pleasure.  Family is important to God.  He loves having family gatherings.  Therefore because of His grace, He made us acceptable.  The New Living Translation says in verse 6,

So we praise God for the wonderful kindness He has poured out on us because we belong to His dearly loved Son. (7) In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

So when we accept Jesus as our Savior, we are redeemed or cleaned up, forgiven for all our wrong doings, because of God’s kindness and love.

(8)which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,

The New Living Translation says in verses 6,7&8,  So we praise God for the wonderful kindness He has poured out on us because we belong to His dearly loved Son.  He is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven.  He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.

(9) having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,

It isn’t a mystery anymore, He has revealed His plan to us.  That it pleases Him to give His son, so that we can be included in the family.

(10)that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth-in Him,

When the time (of God’s choosing), is right then He will gather together everything that is under the authority of Christ, both in heaven and in earth.

A big family reunion full of love and acceptance.

(11) in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

If we have chosen Jesus, then we also have an inheritance that God determined to give us long ago when He chose us.  We must remember that when God chose us and made a plan, He also decided to give us a part in that plan.  That part was the freedom to choose Him and participate in all that He has for us.  If we do not choose Him, we don’t nullify the plan we just aren’t included.   He has laid it before us and encourages us to join the family but He will not force us to enter in.

(12) that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

(13) In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,(14) who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

When we hear the good news of the gospel and ask Jesus to be our Lord, we can trust that God will be faithful to keep His promises.  He even gives us the Holy Spirit as a seal of that promise.  A wonderful gift of a teacher and encourager to be with us constantly to help us make the right decisions.

The New Living Standard says it this way, The Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us everything He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people.  This is just one more reason for us to praise our glorious God.

     Now we must live as a son of God and fulfill the call He has on our lives.

I often hear the words, I can’t do that.  God wouldn’t ask me to do that.  I’m not able.  Can I just say, “ That is stinking thinking and it is a lie of the enemy. Quit believing that garbage!”  When God made His plan He gave you all that you need to complete your portion.

     Scientists have found that within our DNA is a program for each individual.  Your DNA, found within a tiny cell in your body, is a program listing all your attributes.  It identifies you from all others.

      If God would do that, would He leave you helpless to do the things that He wants accomplished?  I submit to you that within your Spirit is all that you need to complete whatever God has called you to do.  We are not to operate out of the flesh but to walk in the Spirit where all power and authority resides.  You have access to that authority through your relationship with Jesus that brings you as a son into the relationship with God, the father.  No greater power or authority exists and all that is available to you. 

     Romans 8:28 says,  (28) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (29) For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of He Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (31) What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us? (32) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

     This scripture which is often quoted, used to be terribly confusing to me.

Now I find it very comforting whenever fear tries to keep me from doing something the Lord has asked me to do.  This scripture tells us that we are a part of God’s plan.  That He loves us so much that He made it possible for us to become His own sons.   By sending His son to make a way for us, He laid out a marvelous plan of a good life for us.  Jesus paid the price for all our shortcomings.  The plan was to let someone who was strong, brave, and

determined give His life in our place.  Then, if we chose to accept this gift,

we have all the family valuables.  All that Jesus had, could become ours, if we choose to become a part of the family.  The choice is ours because God already chose us.  He laid out a wonderful life with all the riches in glory for eternity and then gave us a key that would unlock that life.  He did the work and then gave us a way to enjoy it.

     The New Living Translation says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.  And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him.  And He gave them right standing with Himself, and He promised them His glory. (31) What can we say about such wonderful things as these?  If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (32) Since God did not spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?

     So if God has the master plan for our lives and we have agreed to come into alignment with that plan; and, if God has given us everything else…. then how can we think we aren’t able to do something God wants us to do.

We are able because He has made us able.  When we choose to follow Jesus,

We become supernatural beings filled with the power of God, lead by the Spirit of God, and capable of completing anything asked of us.  Always bringing glory to our creator and Father.  So yes, you can.

Psalm 1: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall proper. The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Philippians 2:12,13: “Therefore, my beloved, “as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only but now much more in my absence, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

When your children were little you taught them how to act. Baby Christians need to be taught how to act. We don’t live by the world’s standards. We’re the King’s kids. We have to live by royal standards. 

Integrity = say what you mean and mean what you say, let your word be your covenant.

Proverbs 15:28: “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer. But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.” Proverbs 17:28: “Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” Let your words build up and not destroy. Use wisdom and be slow to speak rather than open up your mouth quickly and be thought a fool or crush another’s spirit or cause confusion.  

Proverbs 18:19: “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle.” Be careful not to offend others. Be quick to apologize when you hurt someone or do a wrong. 

Share your resources. Why should you have two and your brother have none?  Matthew 5:40: “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.” We all have too much stuff (especially here in America). Instead of keeping all that stuff in storage why not share it with someone who needs it. 

Keep your word. Matt. 5:37: “But let your “yes” be “yes”, and your “no” be “no”. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” This is what Jesus said. He is explaining to us the family way. How we do things in the kingdom. We are to be in this world not of this world. How often are you invited somewhere? What is your answer?
It should be either yes or no. Too often we won’t commit because something better might come along or we might not feel like going out. This is incredibly rude and insensitive to the one who invited you. They placed a high value on you by inviting you. You should respond by giving a definite answer. Then if you said yes, you should keep your word and be there, even if something better comes up.

Make others feel of value. James 2:2-4: “For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “you sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?” Be as quick to reach out to the one who is different from you, smells bad, or looks strange as you would to one that you connect with.

Be a good listener. Jesus said in John 8:43: “Why do you not understand My speech?  Because you are not able to listen to My word.” When talking to others, clear your mind and focus on what they are saying. Not listening says to them they are of little value, not worth your time to listen. Be sure to process what they are saying so you can have a profitable conversation with them.

Be honest. Colossians 3:9: “Do not lie to one another , since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” There is no such thing as a white lie. A lie is a lie and Christians should be truthful. We justify lying so we will not hurt someone’s feelings. We do that simply because it is easier than telling the truth. If someone asks how you like their new hairdo and you don’t like it then simply say you preferred the other style, or find something you like about this one and say that. Oh your hair is so curly or it is so soft.

We often lie to cover our mistakes. If you messed up just admit it. I’m sorry, I goofed. Not nearly as hard as most people think. Remember God always knows the truth and you’re not fooling Him.

 Do everything to the best of your ability. Colossians 3:23: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” No one is perfect. We all have our issues. We often get ourselves so involved with so many things we find ourselves just breezing through one thing to get to the next. Everything we commit to should have our full attention. Do the very best you can do and then move on to the next thing. If you are going to be a person of integrity, people need to know that they can place their confidence in you to do what you say you will.

People in the kingdom of God should be people of integrity. How can we bring glory to our Father if we are not. If we follow the scriptures, we will have integrity. We can feel good about ourselves and we won’t find ourselves questioning so often, “How does God feel about me?” For we will have confidence in ourselves, as men and women of righteousness. Those who have confidence are able to accomplish much more in life, therefore they can accomplish much more in the Kingdom.

What chaos we have around us.  My friends are plagued with cancer.  Other friends have lost their jobs.  Still others have had their home repossessed or have been threatened with foreclosure.  Wives killing husbands, husbands killing children; children are beating up on each other.  Men are marrying men and women are marrying women.  Men and women are living together without marriage.  Children are having babies.   What is there to give thanks for??? For those who have not met my God; I see nothing.  But for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.     Do you know Him?

In the middle of all this chaos, I have peace.  A year ago, we began having trouble with our house.  To make a long, sad story short; our foundation had shifted due to the drought and our house was basically pulling apart.  Each end had fallen down putting stress cracks in our brick that were several inches wide.  The engineers were called and the foundation specialist came and the house came back together with a foundation stronger than ever before.  Our insurance company found a well hidden crack in our policy and wouldn’t pay.  That left us with a new debt of $40,000.  On top of that we had to redo all of our landscaping and put new guttering in.  Then when we thought we were through the worst.  The rains came.  Our downstairs began flooding.  It seems that when the foundation was being fixed our outside drainage pipes had been destroyed and now we needed to dig everything back up and reseal the house to keep out all the water.  When the carpet was pulled up we found many cracks in the floor that had to be fixed.  Once all that is fixed, we can put down new flooring and get new furniture to replace all that was ruined in the flood.  All this right when our plan was for my husband to retire from his secular job.  In the natural we should have lost our home by now.  Our budget didn’t allow for all these extra thousands of dollars.  And yet we are still in our home.  Our bills are paid and we are believing God to complete all the work that still needs to be done. 

How did we weather this storm?  We serve a risen Savior.  We have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We are obedient to his commands.  He is the beginning and the end.  He is Jehovah Jireh, my provider.  Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  We have been faithful in our tithes, offerings, and alms and He has been faithful to provide for us.  Do you know Him?

Psalm 26, says “Vindicate me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip.  Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart.  For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes.  And I have walked in Your truth.  I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites.  I have hated the assembly of evildoers; And will not sit with the wicked.  I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving.  And tell of all Your wondrous works.  Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house.  And the place where Your glory dwells.  Do not gather my soul with sinners.  Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes.  But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me.  My foot stands in an even place; In the congregations I will bless the Lord.”

God has never failed me.  He is not a man that He should lie.  He has healed me from cancer, MS, chemical poisoning and many more.  He has taught me His ways and I have been the better for it.  Do you know Him?

In Hebrews we are warned about five dangers:  “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him” (Heb. 2:2,3). We must each work out our own salvation daily.   “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says:  Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of trial in the wilderness” (Heb. 3:7,8).  We must be fertile soil and hear and obey the word of the Lord.  “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food” (Heb. 5:9-12).  We must have teachable spirits in order to grow and mature in the Lord.  “ For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.  Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back; My soul has no pleasure in him.  But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul”  (Heb. 10:37-39).  If we pursue the Lord we will see great and might things.   “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks.  For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven” (Heb. 12:25).  Obedience is better than sacrifice.  It will bring the blessings of the Lord into our lives.  Do you know Him?

Brothers and sisters there is a shaking going on right now.  Do not be surprised at the fiery trial that is upon you.   (Heb.12:26-28)  “whose voice then shook the earth: but now He has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven. Now this, Yet once more, indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.  Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptable with reverence and godly fear.  For our God is a consuming fire.” 

I can give thanks, because I know Him.  His word is true, His spirit is comforting, and His son is my redemption, my healer, and my deliverer.  I can trust Him.  He is the Great I AM, the Holy One who reigns forevermore.    If I ask for wisdom He will give it liberally.  He lets me drink of living water and He forgives all my sins.  I thank Him!  Thank you Lord! 

Do I worry about the shaking?  No, because I have Psalm 15 and I have found rest in the Lord.

“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?  Who may dwell in Your holy hill?  He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart:  He who does not backbite with his tongue.  Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;  In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the Lord:  He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;  He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.  He who does these things shall never be moved” (shaken).   Do you know Him?  If you do then give thanks for you have everything to be thankful for.