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.
— Ephesians 1:17
Paul is praying this prayer for new followers of Jesus, and I love the language, "I keep asking ..." This intercession is his ongoing and constant prayer for them. And this prayer isn't asking for stuff, strength, or even forgiveness. Paul keeps asking that the Father send the Spirit in such a way that the Ephesian Christians can know God more fully because the Spirit brings a kind of wisdom and insight that they could never have without the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11-14).
I can think of no more important prayer for us to pray for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ than that God will give each of us "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation."
'Reversal of Influence
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" So the people came streaming from the village to see him. - John 4:28-30 NLT
How does a spurned woman who came to Jacob's well in isolation and shame lead a whole village of people to come and discover their Messiah? The answer is simple: Jesus has the power to change people. That change is noticeable. That change is influential. So you are left with three questions from the reactions of the women and the people from the village.
First, have you been changed by Jesus?
Second, who have you influenced to come and meet Jesus?
Third, who have you not told about Jesus because you weren't sure they would change?
Jesus Prayed for Our Protection & Unity'
Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. - John 17:11
[Message No: 6429]
— Ephesians 1:17
Paul is praying this prayer for new followers of Jesus, and I love the language, "I keep asking ..." This intercession is his ongoing and constant prayer for them. And this prayer isn't asking for stuff, strength, or even forgiveness. Paul keeps asking that the Father send the Spirit in such a way that the Ephesian Christians can know God more fully because the Spirit brings a kind of wisdom and insight that they could never have without the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:11-14).
I can think of no more important prayer for us to pray for each other as brothers and sisters in Christ than that God will give each of us "the Spirit of wisdom and revelation."
'Reversal of Influence
The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" So the people came streaming from the village to see him. - John 4:28-30 NLT
How does a spurned woman who came to Jacob's well in isolation and shame lead a whole village of people to come and discover their Messiah? The answer is simple: Jesus has the power to change people. That change is noticeable. That change is influential. So you are left with three questions from the reactions of the women and the people from the village.
First, have you been changed by Jesus?
Second, who have you influenced to come and meet Jesus?
Third, who have you not told about Jesus because you weren't sure they would change?
Jesus Prayed for Our Protection & Unity'
Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. - John 17:11
[Message No: 6429]
No comments:
Post a Comment
Post a Comment