No, Thank You

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Have you ever been so full that you couldn’t eat another bite of food? Think about Thanksgiving dinner or maybe even around Christmas time when the family gets together, and everyone brings a dish to pass. Too much fried turkey, honey baked ham, mac and cheese, sweet potato pie and it’s time for a nap! Then someone always has to ask, “Do you want another plate?” to which you politely respond, “No, thank you. I’m already full.”

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Today, I want to remind you that you too are already full and complete in Christ. You’re already blessed with every spiritual blessing. You’re already complete in God and do not require the world to dictate or measure your success. Christ fills all things everywhere with Himself. So, when you’re in Christ, you can tell the world, “No, thank you. I’m already full.” When the world offers you its agenda, its way of living or thinking, you can say, without regret, “No, thank you. I’m already full.” Everything you will ever need is already in Jesus and you are made full and complete in His body.

I Am Complete in Jesus

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing everything I will ever need to be both full and complete in Your Son, Jesus. I will cast down anything that rises against You because I have everything I need in Your body. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Membership Has Benefits

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Before the pandemic I used to belong to a fitness gym. Because I was a member, I had access to everything in the building. I could go any hour of the day. I could go any day of the week. I could even visit more than once a day. My membership even allowed me to bring a guest, free, to workout with me. And guess what? My guest had full access to the gym just because they were with me.

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When you are with Christ, the benefits are exceedingly abundant above all you can ask or think! In Christ you can go to God any hour of the day, any day of the week, and you can stay in prayer with Him all day! God made these benefits available to the church, which is the body of Christ. And just like the gym, you can invite a guest into the body, and they too can gain access to the same benefits. Make sure you read up on the benefits of your membership. You may be missing out on some things God has promised you through Christ.

Explore your benefits

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege and benefits that come with belonging to the body of Christ. All I need is in You and it is my honor as Your ambassador to share the benefits of my membership with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Far Above

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

I grew up with two older brothers. At times they would overpower me and hold me in headlocks or other compromising positions. It was often hard for me to get them back. So, what my mom used to do is hold them down for me so I could get in a couple “free licks” while they were restrained. Then she would hold them even longer to give me time to run and escape after I got my hits in.

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Your enemy has no power unless God gives it. And if He gives power to them, it’s only to push you closer to your destiny. See, God is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else. He created the person who created the weapon that’s formed against you, but He has determined that weapon will not prosper against you. So, yes, the weapon exist. The weapon can be used against you, but it will not prosper. Your God is far above and able to make your enemy your footstool. Your God is far above and allows your enemy to come against you one way but flee seven ways. In the face of adversity, remember the God on your side is far above all and works everything out for your good.

God is on your side

Heavenly Father, I realize Your position. You are far above all in this world and the world to come. Thank You for Your love, Your protection, and Your favor over my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wonder Working Power

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Growing up I used to really like spending the night over at my best friend’s house. His parents were really nice and would buy us pizza and rent Blockbuster movies for us. We’d stay up watching tv until the tv was watching us. There were times when his parents had to leave and they would leave their oldest child in charge by saying, “Listen to them just like it was me.” The power the parents possessed was now passed on to the child by the words they spoke.

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Likewise, the wonder working power God possesses is passed on to you. This isn’t any ordinary “turn off that tv and go to bed” power. No! This is power to call things that were once dead back to life! This is power to take back your family from the devil’s clutch. This is power to speak life over your health and into your finances. This is power to bring God’s will on earth as it is in heaven. And one day, this power will call you to sit in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms, but until then, show the world God’s wonder working power through you to bring Him glory.

Rise up!

Heavenly Father, thank you for placing in me the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at Your right hand in the heavenly realms. I receive Your power and will use it to glorify You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Access to Great Power

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Me and my wife are blessed to have a boat load of God Children. They range from adults to infants! One of the fun experiences is helping them learn to walk. We start with walking behind them, holding hands above their head while they take baby steps. The next phase is letting them stand and walk on their own. Normally, to encourage this, we stand in front of them with our arms opened wide for them to run to. Once they reach us, we quickly scoop them up and celebrate!

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You don’t have to walk alone either. You have access to God’s incredibly great power. Babies have no problem asking for help, and you shouldn’t either. When things get rough, you don’t have to settle for crawling. Get up, dust yourself off, and run into God’s opened arms. He’s waiting for you. For a moment, step back from your daily routine of working, being consumed by your hobby, or what’s going on around you, and just think of how powerful God is. It is beyond understanding, right? Now, just think, you have access to this great power. Why wouldn’t you tap into it? God is waiting for you with opened arms.

You have God’s power

Heavenly Father, I pray that my friend understands the incredible greatness of Your power. Because of their belief in You, they have full access to Your power and never have to walk alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Are Called

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

I remember sitting in a chemistry course in college. I used to raise my hand to answer questions, but the professor never called on me. I recall meeting with this professor to communicate my displeasure with him calling all the other students except me. I accused him of being unfair, discriminatory, and other things. He told me, “Van, the reason I don’t call on you is because I know you know the answer. I need to get the other students where you are.” (A year later, I joined the same fraternity he is a member of.)

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Today, you don’t have to wait to be called on. God saw your raised hand when you accepted His Son, Jesus, as your Lord and Savior. And because of this, you are now called to be His holy people. Now, your hand is raised for a different reason – to give God praise! You can praise Him because you are His rich and glorious inheritance. When everyone else seems depressed, anxious, or lost, you are flooded with light and understand Christ has given you a confident hope that you can share with others. So, even if the world doesn’t see your raised hand, God does, and He has called you.

You have a confident hope

Heavenly Father, I pray that my friend’s heart will be flooded with light so that they  can understand the confident hope He has given to them that He called—His holy people who is His rich and glorious inheritance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Best Gift

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

My mom taught me to give at an early age. During the Christmas season, we’d purchase and wrap gifts for some of everybody at church, in the neighborhood, and even the mailman! This learned trait carried over to my wife, my kids and good friends. I always wonder what’s the best gift I can give to them to let them know I am thinking about them. Well, along with giving gifts, my mom also taught me to pray.

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Prayer is one of the best gifts you can give someone. You may not always know what a person needs, but God does. And you never know who you’re standing in the gap for or who’s in need of prayer. Every once in a while, remind your family and friends that you’re praying for them, lifting them up by name. When you pray, pray for God to give them spiritual wisdom and insight so that they may grow in His knowledge. Believe that God hears your prayer and will answer it. It’s the best gift you can give.

I pray for you

Heavenly Father, I lift my friend today in the name of Jesus that You give them spiritual wisdom and insight so that they may grow in Your knowledge. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Need Everyone

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Everyone plays a role in your life. No matter how small or insignificant, people can leave lasting impressions on your life. I still remember the toughest English teacher (Ms. D’Angelo) I had in high school, but I thank God for her while in college because her tough lessons prepared me. The bully that teased me for my pants being too short in elementary taught me a life lesson in fashion – I never flooded again!

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To get where God wants you to be in life, you need everyone. You need the hardnose boss at work to bring out your full potential. You need adversity to strengthen you and push you closer to relying on Jesus. And think about it… Jesus’s friends didn’t take Him to Calvary’s cross. His enemies did! His enemies helped Him fulfill His purpose. His enemies pushed Him closer to sitting at the right hand of the Father with all power in His hand. So, thank God for the ones praying for you and preying on you remembering the latter have no power unless God gives it. And when you realize you need everyone, it will become easier for you to thank God for everyone He allows into your blessed life.

Thank God for you!

Heavenly Father, I have faith that everyone You send into my life is to better me according to Your Will. I thank You for strengthening me and using others to get me to my blessed life in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let Them Hear It

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

How many times have you heard a conversation start with, “I heard that…” How many times have you believed or acted on what you’d heard? “I heard they were having a sale, buy one, get one!” You ran to the store! “I heard the Pistons just hired a really good coach!” You start believing the team has a chance to win now. “I heard it was going to rain today.” You immediately dress accordingly or change your entire plans. Whatever you hear can have a huge impact on how you behave or think.

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Let people around you hear about your strong faith and love for God’s people everywhere. By the way, you don’t have to agree with a person to love them. You can love them simply because God wants you to. Through your display of faith, people’s lives can change. They see what you’re going through. They know about the loss of your loved one. But let them hear your testimony of how Jesus brought you through, over and over again! Let them hear that you still love that person who betrayed you or how you’re faithfully waiting for your health restoration or financial breakthrough. And before you know it, people will start thanking God for you because they heard of your strong faith and love.

I am loved, so I love

Heavenly Father, I choose today to let everyone hear of my strong faith in Your Son, Jesus, and of my love for Your people everywhere. I am on full display for You to get the honor, praise, and glory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Impulse Purchase

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Have you ever made an impulse purchase? I bet you have! It’s when you make an unplanned decision to buy a product or good. You know, like that timeshare you purchased? What about the time you went grocery shopping when you were hungry? You know you purchased some things you didn’t plan on buying! Most of the time when you make impulse purchases you regret what you bought, don’t have a plan for it, and probably will never use it.

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God did not make an impulse purchase when He purchased you with the blood of Jesus. He had a plan for you from the very beginning. His plan includes purpose and promises and no regrets. Through the Holy Spirit, God guaranteed that He will give you an inheritance. An inheritance isn’t something you come by overnight. No! God planned it. He thought about you. And all He requires today is for you to praise and glorify Him. Will you join me in lifting the name of Jesus to glorify God and give Him all the praise?

I am purchased

Heavenly Father, thank You for purchasing me! I belong to You and I am guaranteed the inheritance that You promised me. I choose to praise You and glorify You all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

When You Believe

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

There are so many benefits that you can receive when you decide to believe. When you believe your favorite sports team is going to win, you cheer them on to victory enjoying every step of the way with friends, family and other crazy fans. When you believed in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy, you looked forward to what you believed you’d receive from them even though you never met either one! You were just told what to expect and you believed it.

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When you believe the truth of Jesus Christ, you receive every blessing and promise that God promised you. It’s the Good News that saved you from sin and death. When you believe in Christ, God pulls you from the crowd and identifies you as His very own child. And because you believe, you also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who will remind you of God’s goodness, who you are in Christ, and every precious promise He promised you long ago. Today, choose to believe every truth you know about God and expect to receive it!

You belong to God

Heavenly Father, I choose to believe in Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for saving me and gifting me with Your Holy Spirit. I receive every blessing, promise, and truth of You through Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

All in the Family

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Being the youngest son of three, I benefited from watching the mistakes my older brothers made around the house. I learned what I could get away with, do and say. And even though I was the youngest, I still received all the resources my older brothers did. I was loved, cared for, and provided with all I needed because I was in the family.

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You belong to a huge family because you are united with Christ. And even though the body of Christ is large, God still has all the love you need, care you need, and provision you need. You have an inheritance from God because He chose you in advance. We are family because He planned it this way. You don’t have to fight for first place. You don’t have to desire what’s not yours. God has already planned a special specific blessing for you and it’s going to work out according to His plan. And it’s all because you’re in the family!

You Have an Inheritance

Heavenly Father, I am united with the family of Christ and therefore I have an inheritance. Thank You for choosing me in advance. I have faith that You will make everything work out for my good according to Your plan. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

On the Right Side

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

God has great timing. Whenever He chooses to show up, He’s always right on time. Think about the last time you were about to throw your hands up and give in because you thought you’d done all you could in or about a situation. And right before you threw in the towel, God showed up and showed out. Let me reassure you today that it’s always part of God’s plan to show up at the right time.

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At the right time, God will bring everything together under the authority of Christ. The things that concern you, the questions you need answers to, are all happening because God needs others to seek His face. As a believer, you are on the right side of history. Don’t throw in your towel. Don’t give up on doing the right thing, staying faithful to His word, or being the light of the world. At the right time, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess the name Jesus. You only need to be strong and of good courage. The Lord is doing a great work in you.

This is your time

Heavenly Father, I know Your timing is perfect. I will not sway waiting for You or serving You. At the right time, You will bring everything together under the authority of Jesus, and I will be ready! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

A Good Plan

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

God has a good plan. And the Word of God reveals this wonderful plan to us through Jesus Christ. The good plan He has for you is no longer a mystery. Scripture tells us God reveals everything He wants us to know through the Holy Spirit. On top of that, Jesus also tells us in scripture that everything God has revealed to Him, He has told us because Jesus considers us His friend.

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God has a very good track record when it comes to things working out the way He planned. All He has to do is speak and what He calls will be. God is speaking His good plan over your life, not just for you, but to fulfill His Word. And you know His Word will not return to Him void. I don’t know about you, but THIS is exciting news! The God that created heaven and earth and everything in it has a plan for you and me! Who can be against you?

I am part of God’s plan

Heavenly Father, I know I am part of Your good plan. I am excited to see what You reveal in me through Your Son Jesus! Thank You for being mindful of me and the blessings You have stored for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wisdom and Understanding

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

People look all over in search of the truth. They read tons of books, travel the world, and have very interesting experiences in life, but often remain empty, and therefore the search continues. There is a void that can’t be filled. They find relationships are not fulfilling. No matter how hard they try, their lives aren’t satisfied. As the old saying goes, “They need Jesus!”

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Furthering your education is great! Embarking on new experiences and exploring all the beauty the world has to offer should be taken advantage of at every opportunity. But without God’s wisdom and understanding, there will always be a void in your life. Education is only useful when you have God’s guidance of using what you’ve learned through His wisdom and understanding. Appreciating the beautiful of the world, knowing He created it for your fulfillment, can only be fully experienced through God’s wisdom and understanding. Praise God for showering His kindness on you, along with all wisdom and understanding, and you will see the world differently through God’s lens.

I have wisdom and Understanding

Heavenly Father, thank You for showering me with Your kindness. I receive Your wisdom and understanding and now have a greater appreciation for the love and life You have given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

You Can Let Go

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Mr. Clean released the Magic Eraser back in 2003. It’s a revolutionary sponge that takes a drop of water to clean up a wide variety of messes. I’ve used it several times to get smudges of the wall from moving furniture or stains in my carpet that other cleaners couldn’t easily remove. And when I look at the wall that once had an ugly blemish, I can’t even tell it was once there!

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You have an eraser that was around long before 2003. It’s called God’s kindness and grace. It easily cleans a variety of messes with a drop of blood from His Son, Jesus, and it’s gone forever! Because of Jesus, your ugly sin blemishes are gone. You don’t have to let what you did in the past hold you back. You can let go! It’s not there anymore. You have a freedom in Jesus no one can take from you. They can remind you of what you did, who you used to be, and what you’ve said, but let them hold on to that memory. You don’t need it anymore. You can let go of it! You’re free. Free to be who Christ says you are.

I am forgiven

Heavenly Father, thank You for purchasing my freedom with the blood of Your Son, Jesus. I receive your abundance of kindness and grace. I am forgiven. I am free from sin! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Because You Belong

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son, Jesus Christ. And it’s because we met this prerequisite, that we are the recipients of this wonderous gift – God’s glorious grace. What’s the prerequisite of receiving God’s glorious grace? Belonging to His dear Son, Jesus!

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When you become saved through Jesus Christ, you no longer belong to yourself. You belong to Christ. And because you belong, you are now given God’s grace. You have God’s spontaneous, unmerited gift of divine favor and divine influence operating through and over you at all times. You don’t deserve grace. You didn’t earn grace. But because you belong to Christ and God loves you, you have His glorious grace. You have His forgiveness, His love, His compassion, His peace, His riches, His comfort, His blessings and so much more all wrapped up in His grace. Ain’t God good?

I belong to God

Heavenly Father, I praise Your Holy name for the glorious grace You have poured out over me because I belong to Your dear Son, Jesus. I receive Your spontaneous, unmerited gift of divine favor and influence to operate through and over me at all times! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Great Pleasure

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

God made a decision concerning you a long time ago before you knew your earthly parents and before you took your first steps. Before you decided your career moves or bought your first home, God made this decision in advance. That decision was to adopt you and bring you into His own family through His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Your belonging to God’s family brings Him great pleasure. He wanted to do it! It’s not because of something you did. It’s because God loves you and wants to be connected with you. And all you have to do is receive your adoption. Don’t fight the plan God the Father has for you, but better yet, learn of it. He has set you up to be great and do great things. You’re royalty after all. The king of kings is your Father and you have direct access to Him. What more to say than, “Welcome to the family!”

I am adopted by God

Heavenly Father, thank You for deciding in advance to adopt me into Your family through Jesus Christ. I am complete in knowing this brings You pleasure. I accept my adoption and the plan You have for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Loved and Chosen

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

When people plan to have children, they make a lot of preparations before their arrival. They may paint their room, pick a name that has purpose, move to a community with better schools and neighborhoods along with many other deeds. It’s because they have chosen to love this child even before birth, before the first day of school, graduation, first job or any contribution to the family. They already declare their child to be special.

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And just like a good parent, God prepared for you. He loved you and chose you even before He made the world. He named you Holy and without fault. He created the world with you in mind and for you to have dominion and never experience lack. You are His greatest creation! He picked you. He loves you. You are blessed. You have purpose. You are needed. You are holy and without fault in His eyes in Christ. Nothing is impossible for you because you were chosen by our Almighty God, and you have His love.  

I am loved and chosen

Heavenly Father, thank You for being mindful of me before You created the world. I know You love me and have chosen me. I am holy and without fault in Your eyes. Thank You, Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Blessings

(A spiritual walk through Ephesians Chapter 1 and 2)

Spiritual blessings are way more important than material blessings. Spiritual blessings are created in heavenly places and then sent out to the believer, through the Holy Spirit, according to the believer’s need, growth, and faith. They are readily available. And in order to receive God’s spiritual blessings, you have to be in the right spiritual location – united in our Lord Jesus Christ.

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When you are united with Christ the prayer list you have for yourself becomes shorter. Why? Because you realize you’re already blessed with every spiritual blessing. Now, your prayers are more outward focused. You pray for others to become united with Christ, you pray for your church or community. If you think you’re coming up short on spiritual blessings, check your spiritual location. God has you in mind and has prepared to release your blessing today. Stay united in Christ and receive it!

I have every spiritual blessing

Heavenly Father, I give You all the praise. I am united in Christ Jesus and have every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. I pray that everyone becomes united with You, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.