Day 8

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,

“When He ascended on high He led a host of captives,

    and He gave gifts to men.”(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

Ephesians 4:1-16 ESV

Before you begin to pray, take a deep breath and quiet your thoughts. Focus on being in the presence of God. Thank God for hearing your prayers. Then read the scripture we will study next Sunday, Ephesians 4:1-16. Read it slowly, recognizing that God is speaking to you through His Word. If God puts something specific on your heart, pray about that today.

Thank. The New Living Translation of the bible translates verse 1 of this week’s passage this way: “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” The idea that each of us has been called by God to do His work is a big deal! We are not just named as God’s child, but we have a purpose. Thank God today for giving you a purpose, for calling you to show love to others and point them to Jesus.

Adore. Verse 6 in this week’s scripture says there is “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” That phrase is packed with things to praise God about! There is one God; He is Father to all the people; He is in control of all things; He is working through all things; He lives inside each of us. Let’s adore God today for His power and His presence in our lives.

For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever! Amen.  

Romans 11:36

Confess. If we know we are God’s children and He has called us to love and support one another then we also know that we often fall short of fulfilling our purpose. Confess any time that you have missed an opportunity to love and support someone. Remember that while we fall short, God never does. His love is always perfect.

Others.

Self. God is listening. He loves you. Pray for any specific needs that you or your family have.