Month: July 2025

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THE FULLNESS OF HIM / EPHESIANS 1:22-23

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:22-23

 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

THE FULLNESS OF HIM / EPHESIANS 1:22-23

The word translated “fullness” (Greek pleroma) occurs three times in the book of Ephesians (Ephesians 1:23; 3:19; 4:13). This passage describes the fullness of Christ as it is present in the church as His body. The church (the community of all true followers of Christ) has the potential to take part in and benefit from all that Jesus is, all that He has accomplished and all that He possesses. This is all for the purpose of continuing His ministry and mission in the world (Paul’s prayer for “fullness” in Ephesians 3:16-21). Paul further explains that the church is on a journey toward spiritual maturity “until” it reaches its full potential of “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13) in life, ministry and mission. The fact that God the Holy Spirit comes in fullness to reproduce the life, ministry and mission of Jesus Christ through the church is one of the most important themes in the book of Acts.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 16-20
  2. HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14
  3. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  4. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  5. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  6. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  7. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  8. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  9. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  10. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  11. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  12. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  13. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  14. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  15. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 16-20

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:16-20

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

IN MY PRAYERS / EPHESIANS 16-20

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians reflects God’s highest desire for every follower of Christ. He prays that the Spirit might work in and through their lives in greater and more powerful ways (Ephesians 3:16). The aim of the Spirit’s activity in Christians’ lives is that they may (a) know Christ better (Ephesians 1:17), (b) receive more wisdom, insight and understanding concerning God’s present and future purposes for them (Ephesians 1:18) and c experience greater “power” of the Holy Spirit in their lives (Ephesians 1:19Ephesians 1:19-20-20).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  2. HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14
  3. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  4. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  5. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  6. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  7. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  8. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  9. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  10. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  11. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  12. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  13. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  14. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:13-14

 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

HOLY SPIRIT … A DEPOSIT / EPHESIANS 1:13-14

The Holy Spirit is a “deposit” – a first installment – guaranteeing our heavenly inheritance with Christ. In this present life, the Holy Spirit is given to Christ’s followers as a down payment of what they will possess more fully in the future. His presence and work in our lives is a pledge of our future inheritance and eternal reward (Romans 8:23; 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13
  2. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  3. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  4. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  5. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  6. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  7. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  8. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  9. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  10. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  11. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  12. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  13. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

SEAL … HOLY SPIRIT / EPHESIANS 1:13

The Holy Spirit is given to believers as God’s mark of ownership. By giving us the Spirit, God marks us as His own (2 Corinthians 1:22). The Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is the evidence that we are God’s adopted children (Ephesians 1:5) and that our relationship with God is real. We can know that we really belong to God when the Spirit renews us spiritually and restores us to a personal relationship with God (John 1:12; John 1:13; John 3:3-6). In doing so, the Holy Spirit frees us from the power of sin (Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-25), gives us an awareness of God as our Father (Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6) and fills us with power to communicate His message (Acts 1:8; 2:4).

HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit and His place in the believer’s redemption (spiritual salvation, renewal and restoration to a right relationship with God) is a central theme in the book of Ephesians. The Holy Spirit 

  1. Is the mark, or seal, of God’s ownership (Ephesians 1:13).
  2. Is the first installment of a Christians’ inheritance (Ephesians 1:14).
  3. Is the Spirit of wisdom and revelation (Ephesians 1:17).
  4. Helps Christ’s followers take advantage of their access to God (Ephesians 2:18).
  5. Joins believers together to build them into a “holy temple” (Ephesians 2:21-22).
  6. Reveals the mystery of Christ (Ephesians 3:4-5). 
  7. Strengthens a Christian with power in the inner being (Ephesians 3:16).
  8. Motivates unity and peace among Christians as He fully develops in them a Christlike maturity (Ephesians 4:3, 13-14).
  9. Grieves when there is sin in a believer’s life (Ephesians 4:30).
  10. Desires to repeatedly fill and empower Christ’s followers (Ephesians 5:18).
  11. Helps Christians in prayer and spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:18).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12
  2. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  3. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  4. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  5. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  6. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  7. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  8. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  9. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  10. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  11. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  12. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:11-12

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

CHOSEN … PREDESTINED / EPHESIANS 1:11-12

Note that this does not mean that God determines ahead of time who will be spiritually saved and who will be eternally condemned. Though He knows all that will take place, He does not cause or force us to make predetermined choices. So, Paul is pointing out that it is still our own choice whether we will be part of God’s overall plan and eternal purpose for people who willingly follow Him. This meaning comes from Ephesians 1:13, where Paul tells the Ephesian believers that they also became part of God’s people and came to be included in salvation through Christ when they heard, believed and responded to the word of truth.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10
  2. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  3. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  4. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  5. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  6. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  7. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  8. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  9. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  10. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  11. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:10

 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

TO BRING UNDER ONE HEAD / EPHESIANS 1:10

The term Paul uses here involves more than the idea of leadership and authority. It also includes the concept of a column of numbers being added up to their correct sum. A contemporary paraphrase might be that in a world of difficulty and confusion, where things do not always make sense or “add up,” we look forward to a time when everything will be brought into meaningful relationship and purpose under Christ’s authority.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9
  2. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  3. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  4. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  5. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  6. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  7. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  8. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  9. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  10. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL / EPHESIANS 1:9

This phrase does not mean that Christ makes it difficult to discover, understand or follow His specific purposes for our individual lives. More importantly, it speaks of God’s unique purposes for our individual lives. More importantly, it speaks of God’s unique purpose for all people in general – a purpose that comes only by revelation from God and often challenges and frustrates human wisdom and reasoning (Ephesians 3:4).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  2. IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1
  3. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  4. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  5. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  6. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  7. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  8. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  9. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

KJV) Ephesians 1:1

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

IN CHRIST JESUS / EPHESIANS 1:1

Every “faithful” believer (follower of Christ) has life only “in Christ Jesus.” 

  1. The terms “in Christ Jesus,” “in the Lord,” in Him,” etc., occur 160 times in Paul’s writing (36 times in Ephesians). “In Christ” means that the believer is now united with Jesus through a personal relationship and lives within the realm of His character, influence and purposes. Union with Christ is the Christian’s new environment; everything the believer does is within the context of his or her relationship with Jesus and should reflect His influence and leadership. “In Christ,” His followers are constantly aware of their Lord’s presence and companionship. Because this relationship is so deep, Christians’ lives are seen not as their own, but as Christ living in them (Galatians 2:20). This personal unity and companionship with Christ is the most important thing in the Christian life and experience. Union with Christ comes as a gift of God through faith.
  2. The Bible contrasts our new life “in Christ” with our old, spiritually dead and unrestored life “in Adam.” While the old life is characterized by disobedience, sin (opposition and defiance toward God), condemnation and death, our new life “in Christ” is characterized by salvation, God’s love, guidance by God’s Spirit, truth and eternal life with God (Romans 5:12-21; 6; 8; 14:17-19; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-49; Philippians 2:1-5; 4:6-9).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. REDEMPTION / EPHESIANS 1:7
  2. RULERS AND AUTHORITIES / EPHESIANS 3:10
  3. DECEIVE / EPHESIANS 5:6
  4. BE SURE / EPHESIANS 5:5
  5. ACCESS TO THE FATHER / EPHESIANS 2:18
  6. HIS … POWER / EPHESIANS 1:18-21
  7. CHILDREN OBEY / EPHESIANS 6:1
  8. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT

Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
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THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN / MARK 2:27

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 2:27-28

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

THE SABBATH WAS MADE FOR MAN / MARK 2:27

God set up the Sabbath (the seventh day) as a blessing for humans (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath was the last day of the week for Old Testament Jews, but modern Christians have adopted the first day of week as the day of worship in honor of Christ’s resurrection. On the day, we are to put aside our daily work. Instead, we should reserve this day to worship God and refresh ourselves. This is important to keep ourselves physically healthy and spiritually strong (Isaiah 58:13-14). Those who ignore the principle of the Sabbath rob themselves of a blessing and often bring harm on their own physical, mental and spiritual condition (Matthew 12:1).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. TO CALL … SINNERS / MARK 2:17
  2. HEALING THE PARALYZED MAN / MARK 2:11
  3. DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34
  4. SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21
  5. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  6. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  7. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  8. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  9. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  10. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  11. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  12. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  13. Guided By Grace About

 Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace
Posted on

TO CALL … SINNERS / MARK 2:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Mark 2:17

 When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

TO CALL … SINNERS / MARK 2:17

See Matthew 9:11. Jesus was not suggesting that anyone is spiritually right apart from God. But those who are self-righteous – who view themselves as right in their own mind or by their own standards – will not realize their need for God. Hope comes to those who recognize and admit their sin, who accept God’s forgiveness through faith in Christ and who receive His gift of spiritual salvation.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • www.biblestudytools.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens
  • Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. HEALING THE PARALYZED MAN / MARK 2:11
  2. DROVE OUT MANY DEMONS / MARK 1:34
  3. SYNAGOGUE / MARK 1:21
  4. COME FOLLOW ME / MARK 1:17
  5. KINGDOM OF GOD / MARK 1:15
  6. BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT / MARK 1:8
  7. THE WHOLE JUDEAN COUNTRYSIDE / MARK 1:5
  8. BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE / MARK 1:4
  9. THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL / MARK 1:1-3
  10. MY SON, WHOM I LOVE / MARK 1:11
  11. WHEN YOU STAND PRAYING … FORGIVE / MARK 11:25
  12. Guided By Grace About

Your Thank you for taking the time to read my Daily Devotion
Blessings,
Margarita & Stace

Guided By Grace