Blessing Our Community - Day 47
DAY 47 - Thursday, May 16, 2024
Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Scripture Insights
A man went to visit Yosemite National Park, but because of a mix-up in his schedule, he wound up with only one hour to spend there. He rushed over to the ranger headquarters and said, “I only have one hour to spend in the park— tell me what I should see.”
The park ranger said, “If you only have one hour to spend at Yosemite, then my advice is to climb up to the tallest observation point, look over the entire park, and just cry—because one hour is not enough time to do it justice.”
I think about that story when I read this passage. Paul was amazed at the sheer magnitude of these blessings from God. The blessings he writes about in the verses that follow are: hope (1:18); power (1:19); peace (2:14); freedom and confidence (3:12); strength (3:16); grace (4:7); the armor of God (6:11). And here is the best part. They are all ours—every single one of them!
This thought is expressed well in the familiar hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”: Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth; thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Today’s Prayer
Father, thank you for the spiritual blessings that you freely give to us. May we never take them for granted or fail to remember that every good and perfect gift comes from above.
What is the Spirit saying to you today?
—Daryl Blank
Lead Pastor, Springdale Nazarene Church (Ohio)
Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
Scripture Insights
A man went to visit Yosemite National Park, but because of a mix-up in his schedule, he wound up with only one hour to spend there. He rushed over to the ranger headquarters and said, “I only have one hour to spend in the park— tell me what I should see.”
The park ranger said, “If you only have one hour to spend at Yosemite, then my advice is to climb up to the tallest observation point, look over the entire park, and just cry—because one hour is not enough time to do it justice.”
I think about that story when I read this passage. Paul was amazed at the sheer magnitude of these blessings from God. The blessings he writes about in the verses that follow are: hope (1:18); power (1:19); peace (2:14); freedom and confidence (3:12); strength (3:16); grace (4:7); the armor of God (6:11). And here is the best part. They are all ours—every single one of them!
This thought is expressed well in the familiar hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”: Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth; thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Today’s Prayer
Father, thank you for the spiritual blessings that you freely give to us. May we never take them for granted or fail to remember that every good and perfect gift comes from above.
What is the Spirit saying to you today?
—Daryl Blank
Lead Pastor, Springdale Nazarene Church (Ohio)
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