SECURE AND INTRIGUED!
Now to him who by his power within us is able to do infinitely more than we ever dare to ask or imagine--to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever, amen! Eph. 3:20, Phillips.
When I first began to use a home computer, I was amazed at what I could do with it. Now I am even more amazed, because I realize that it can handle far more than I will probably ever know how to initiate. Its capacity makes me feel both secure and intrigued. Today's text makes me feel the same way about God.
There are probably two basic things most Christians worry about when they think about heaven: Will they be there, and what will they do once they get there? Much is spoken about the assurance of salvation. Perhaps it is time to mention the promise of Paradise, remembering that heaven begins here.
First things first: God has set about to assure us that "he destined us--such was his will and pleasure--to be accepted as his sons through Jesus Christ" (Eph. 1:5, N.E.B.). Indeed, the whole gospel story is that of our forgiving and accepting Father. What we may have overlooked in our haste to experience security is that, for God, that is only the beginning! While it is thrilling to learn that we are secure in His wonderful salvation, it is even more exciting to become aware that His plans for us exceed anything we could ever imagine! Now and eternally!
It is imperative that we move from clinging to our assurance of salvation to soaring with thoughts of God's fantastic declaration of His plan for our development. The way I read Ephesians 3:20, "infinitely more" means that we should unabashedly anticipate an incredibly close relationship with God as well as confidently aspire to ever greater heights of attainment in personal achievement and growth. Having laid the foundations, God declares the good news that there is no ceiling!
I feel wonderfully secure in God's ability to fulfill His intentions concerning me, and I am delightfully intrigued as to the consequently endless potential involved! I know that His desire is that I "attain to fullness of being, the fullness of God Himself" (chap. 3:19, N.E.B.) And so I find myself excitedly "reaching out for that which lies ahead" (Phil. 3:13, N.E.B.).
Perhaps God is encouraging us to lead expectantly positive lives on earth in order to prepare us to live in the unimaginable excellence of His presence.
Now to him who by his power within us is able to do infinitely more than we ever dare to ask or imagine--to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever, amen! Eph. 3:20, Phillips.
When I first began to use a home computer, I was amazed at what I could do with it. Now I am even more amazed, because I realize that it can handle far more than I will probably ever know how to initiate. Its capacity makes me feel both secure and intrigued. Today's text makes me feel the same way about God.
There are probably two basic things most Christians worry about when they think about heaven: Will they be there, and what will they do once they get there? Much is spoken about the assurance of salvation. Perhaps it is time to mention the promise of Paradise, remembering that heaven begins here.
First things first: God has set about to assure us that "he destined us--such was his will and pleasure--to be accepted as his sons through Jesus Christ" (Eph. 1:5, N.E.B.). Indeed, the whole gospel story is that of our forgiving and accepting Father. What we may have overlooked in our haste to experience security is that, for God, that is only the beginning! While it is thrilling to learn that we are secure in His wonderful salvation, it is even more exciting to become aware that His plans for us exceed anything we could ever imagine! Now and eternally!
It is imperative that we move from clinging to our assurance of salvation to soaring with thoughts of God's fantastic declaration of His plan for our development. The way I read Ephesians 3:20, "infinitely more" means that we should unabashedly anticipate an incredibly close relationship with God as well as confidently aspire to ever greater heights of attainment in personal achievement and growth. Having laid the foundations, God declares the good news that there is no ceiling!
I feel wonderfully secure in God's ability to fulfill His intentions concerning me, and I am delightfully intrigued as to the consequently endless potential involved! I know that His desire is that I "attain to fullness of being, the fullness of God Himself" (chap. 3:19, N.E.B.) And so I find myself excitedly "reaching out for that which lies ahead" (Phil. 3:13, N.E.B.).
Perhaps God is encouraging us to lead expectantly positive lives on earth in order to prepare us to live in the unimaginable excellence of His presence.
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