Freedom, Purpose, Strength

Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! -- Ephesians 1:7

Abundantly free.

Not just barely free.

Abundantly.

My handy dictionary tool on my Mac tells me that abundantly means "in large quantities, plentiful".

What does this freedom look like walked out in this life?

Have I ever seen it?

I don't think so.

But it is there, inside of me.

Because of Him.

Oh that I would live in that abundant freedom more and more.

It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. -- Ephesians 1:11-12

It is in Christ that I find who I am.

What I am living for.

Not apart from Him.

Glorious living, Jesus-style.

Not my paltry understanding of the good life.

I want His plans and purpose worked out in me, not what I think is best.

But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! All this energy issues from Christ:  -- Ephesians 1:16-20

Make my eyes focused and clear, Lord.

Help me to see exactly what you are calling me to do.

Help me to grasp the immensity of Your glorious way of life You have for Your followers.

Help me to see and trust that you are working extravagantly in me.

Thank you for the endless energy and boundless strength You have for me to do what You have for me to do.

All the energy comes from You, Jesus.

Help me to draw deep from You.

"In Christ alone my hope is found...."