Ruling FOR the Church
Devotions this week are based on Week 6 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 1:19-23 That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Jesus is not merely remembered as a teacher from the past. He is not simply honored as a moral example. Ephesians 1:20 says God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms. He is alive, exalted, and enthroned…“far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given”! Every power you can name, Jesus is above it. Every authority that seems intimidating, Jesus is above it. Every force that appears unstoppable, Jesus is above it.
Then Paul adds one of the most comforting phrases in the New Testament. God appointed Jesus “to be head over everything for the church.” Notice what Paul does not merely say. He does not only say Jesus is head of the Church, though that is true. He says Jesus is head over everything FOR the Church. His authority over all things is exercised for the good of His people and the fulfillment of His mission.
This does not mean the Church will always look powerful. Often, the Church looks weak. It gathers ordinary people. It depends on grace, prayer, Scripture, sacraments, service, generosity, and love. It does not always have cultural influence or worldly strength. Yet Ephesians tells us the Church belongs to the One who reigns over everything.
Think of a small child walking through a crowded airport while holding the hand of a strong and loving father. The child may not understand the announcements, the delays, the crowds, or the confusion. But the child is not alone. The father knows the way. The father holds the tickets. The father carries the bags. The father leads the child home. In a far greater way, the Church moves through history held by the reigning Christ.
This truth is deeply practical. When the world feels unstable, Jesus is not unstable. When culture shifts, Jesus is not surprised. When governments rise and fall, Jesus remains enthroned. When your own life feels out of control, your Savior is not pacing heaven wondering what to do next. He is seated at the right hand of the Father.
Psalm 110 says, “The Lord says to my lord: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The ascended Jesus rules presently and eternally. He reigns in this age, and He will reign in the age to come.
For the believer, this brings courage. For the Church, this brings confidence. Our hope is not in our size, our strength, our strategy, or our reputation. Our hope is in Christ, who is head over everything for the Church. The same Jesus who died for His people now rules for His people.
So today, do not measure the future by what you can control. Measure it by the One who controls it all. Jesus is not gone. He is in the heavens ruling all things for the benefit of His Church.
Reflect: What power, pressure, or fear feels large in your life right now? How does it change your perspective to remember that Jesus is head over everything for His Church?
Prayer: Ascended Lord Jesus, thank You that You reign above every power and authority. Help me trust Your rule when life feels uncertain. Strengthen Your Church with confidence, courage, and hope under Your loving authority. Amen.
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Devotions this week are based on Week 6 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
Ephesians 1:18-23 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Paul begins the letter to the Ephesians with a prayer. He does not first pray that the Ephesian believers would have easier circumstances, fewer problems, better leaders, or more influence in their city. He prays that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened.” That is a beautiful phrase because it reminds us that we can see with our physical eyes and still miss what matters most. We can look at our lives, our church, our family, our struggles, and our world, but unless God opens the eyes of our heart, we may not see them in light of Christ.
Paul wants believers to know three things: the hope to which God has called them, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for those who believe. These are not small truths. Hope tells us where we are headed. Inheritance tells us what God treasures. Power tells us what God is able to do. Paul knows that Christians do not merely need more information. We need spiritual sight. We need to see what is already true because of Jesus.
It is possible to live like a spiritual beggar while possessing riches in Christ. It is possible to live timidly while belonging to the King. It is possible to look at the Church and see only ordinary people, imperfect programs, stretched budgets, and unfinished work, while God sees His treasured inheritance, the body of His Son, and the people through whom Christ is filling the world with His presence.
Think of someone standing in a dark room filled with priceless artwork. The treasure is there, but until the lights come on, they cannot appreciate what surrounds them. Paul’s prayer is that God would turn the lights on in our hearts. He wants us to see the Church not merely as a religious organization, but as the people Christ loves, rules, fills, and builds.
This matters for daily life. When you feel discouraged, you need the eyes of your heart opened to hope. When you feel insignificant, you need to see that God calls His people His inheritance. When you feel weak, you need to know the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work for those who believe. This does not mean every problem disappears. It means every problem is now seen under the reign of the risen Christ.
Today, ask God to help you see your life, your church, and your calling through the eyes of faith. Jesus is not gone. He reigns. He gives. He builds. And He wants you to see the hope, riches, and power that are already yours in Him.
Reflect: Where do you most need God to open the eyes of your heart right now? How would your view of the Church change if you saw it as Christ’s treasured inheritance?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, open the eyes of my heart. Help me see the hope of Your calling, the riches of Your inheritance, and the greatness of Your power. Teach me to see my life and Your Church through the truth of Your reign. Amen.
Live Each Day with God’s Purpose!
Devotions this week are based on Week 5 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
John 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
It is striking that in a conversation about heaven and eternity, Jesus suddenly begins talking about mission and purpose.
The disciples are worried about the future. Jesus reminds them their lives still matter greatly in the present.
Sometimes people think Christianity is mainly about getting to heaven someday. But Jesus continually calls His followers to meaningful living right now.
Because eternity is secure, we are free to live boldly.
Fear often makes people shrink back. We play it safe. We protect comfort. We drift into survival mode. But Jesus calls His people to something greater.
“You will do the works I have been doing.”
That does not mean we become saviors ourselves. It means Christ continues His work through ordinary people empowered by His Spirit.
Every act of kindness, every encouraging word, every prayer, every moment of faithfulness matters more than we realize.
Think about how a candle lights another candle. The original flame is not diminished. The light simply spreads further.
Jesus works through His people in the same way.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
You were not created merely to exist. You were created to reflect Christ in the world around you.
That may happen in a workplace, a classroom, a neighborhood, or around a kitchen table. Some of the most powerful ministry moments never happen in the church. They happen quietly in homes, classrooms, office buildings, or street corners through love, consistency, generosity, and compassion.
In encouraging us to live a life that reflects his work, Jesus also invites His followers to pray boldly. “I will do whatever you ask in my name.”
Praying “in Jesus’ name” is not a magical phrase added to the end of prayers. It means aligning our desires with His mission and character. It reminds us of our dependence on the Lord to do what he calls us to do. Prayer reminds us we are not trying to carry God’s work in our own strength.
When we stay connected to Christ, our lives begin to carry His love, His peace, and His influence into the lives of others.
One day Jesus will return and bring His people fully home. Until then, we are not waiting passively. We are living intentionally.
Your life has eternal significance.
The conversation you have today, the encouragement you give, the prayer you pray, the faithfulness you show in ordinary moments may impact someone forever.
Do not underestimate what God can do through you today!
Reflect: Where has God placed you right now to reflect Christ to others? What is one practical way you can “do the work of Jesus” today?
Prayer: Lord, thank you that my life has purpose because of you. Help me not to waste the days you have given me. Use my words, actions, and relationships to reflect your love to others. Teach me to pray boldly, live faithfully, and stay connected to you in everything I do. Amen.
Knowing the Way
Devotions this week are based on Week 5 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
John 14:5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Thomas asked the question many people still ask today: “How can we know the way?”
At the heart of every human being is a search for direction. We want to know where life is leading and whether we are on the right path. Some people look for answers in success, relationships, religion, pleasure, or achievement. Yet even after finding those things, many still feel spiritually lost.
Jesus answers Thomas with stunning clarity: “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
Not “I will show you a way.” Not “I will give you directions.” Jesus says He Himself is the way.
That statement separates Christianity from every system built on human effort. Most religions focus on what people must do to reach God. Jesus says the way to God comes through Him.
We live in a world filled with spiritual confusion. Everyone seems to have an opinion about truth. Yet truth is not determined by popular vote. Truth is rooted in the character of God and the word of God.
Jesus does not simply teach truth. He embodies it. He is truth we can fully trust
Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Our understanding is limited and flawed. Jesus is God and perfect.
He is also “the life.” Real life is more than breathing and existing. Jesus came to give life that is eternal, abundant, and deeply connected to God.
So many people today are exhausted from trying to create meaning on their own. Jesus offers something entirely different. He offers Himself.
Following Jesus is not about perfection. It is about relationship. He guides, forgives, teaches, and walks with us day by day.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Notice it says lamp, not spotlight. God often gives enough light for the next step, not the next twenty years.
That requires trust.
Maybe today you feel uncertain about decisions, relationships, or your future. Remember that Jesus does not merely hand you a map and walk away. He walks with you.
And when you fail, He remains faithful.
The cross proves that Jesus is not distant from our struggle. He entered our brokenness to rescue us. The resurrection proves He is powerful enough to lead us all the way home.
When life feels confusing, come back to what is clear:
Jesus is the way.
Jesus is the truth.
Jesus is the life.
Reflect: Where are you most tempted to rely on your own understanding instead of trusting Jesus? What would it look like to follow Jesus more intentionally today?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being the way when I feel lost, the truth when I feel confused, and the life my soul desperately needs. Help me trust you more than my own understanding. Lead me step by step and keep my heart close to you today. Amen.
A Place Prepared for You
Devotions this week are based on Week 5 How Would You Answer (WATCH HERE)
John 14:2–3 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
There is something deeply comforting about being expected.
To walk into a home where someone prepared for your arrival changes how you feel. A meal has been planned. A room is ready. Your presence matters there.
Jesus uses that exact image when talking about eternity.
The disciples feared loss. Jesus answered with preparation. “I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Notice what Jesus does not say. He does not say believers disappear into nothingness. He does not describe eternity as vague spirituality floating somewhere in the universe. He speaks personally and relationally. There is a place. There is a home. There is welcome.
And most importantly, there is Jesus.
Sometimes people think heaven is mainly about golden streets or pearly gates. But the greatest promise of heaven is not the scenery. It is the presence of Christ.
Jesus says, “I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
That changes everything.
The deepest longing of the human heart is not merely for comfort. It is for belonging. We long to know we are loved, wanted, and secure. Jesus tells His followers that eternity is not about being lost in the unknown. It is about being brought home.
Revelation 21:3 says, “God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”
Heaven is home because God is there.
Think about how a parent prepares for a child. Before a baby ever arrives, rooms are painted, clothes are folded, and plans are made. The child has done nothing to earn that preparation. It is driven entirely by love.
Jesus says He is preparing for you with that same intentional care.
That truth also changes how we face grief. For believers, death is painful, but it is not hopeless. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 that we “do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”
Grief is real because love is real. We miss the earthly relationships. However eternal hope is real because Jesus is alive.
This world is not our forever home.
When life disappoints us, when relationships fail, when suffering wears us down, we remember that Jesus is preparing something greater than we can currently see.
And He is not merely preparing a place. He is preparing us for that place.
One day faith will become sight. One day every fear will finally disappear. One day the struggle against sin, sorrow, and death will end forever.
Until then, we hold onto this promise: we are expected. We are welcomed. We are loved and forgiven by Christ who himself has prepared our home and our way home!
Reflect: How does knowing Jesus is preparing a place for you change the way you view the future? What earthly worry has been distracting you from eternal hope?
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for preparing a place for me and promising that I will one day be with you forever. When life feels uncertain or painful, remind me that this world is not my final home. Fill my heart with hope and help me live today with eternity in view. Amen.