Together in Christ: 'Boldly and Confidently' — Ephesians 3:12

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.
— Ephesians 3:12 NLT

Key Thought

The more we continue to learn about the vast enormity of the universe, the more astonished we should be that the God of creation — the God Who is and was and is to come, the Almighty  [1] — knows and loves us uniquely and individually. David gave all of God's people a psalm, reminding us that the Creator has known us from the time of our conception and will be with us through every stage that follows. [2] When we are in Christ, God never abandons or forgets any of us. [3] Plus, God comes to live in us as the Holy Spirit. [4]

Because of Christ's work to save us and the Holy Spirit's presence within us, we can approach the Creator of the universe with boldness and confidence. He wants to hear from us. The matters that weigh heavy on our hearts are of concern to God! He hears and cares about our struggles. Plus, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't have words to articulate what to say. [5]

Because of Jesus, we have divine authority to come boldly before God's throne of grace to receive grace, mercy, and help in our times of need. [6] Many of us forget that when we conclude our prayers with the phrase "in Jesus' name," we are praying in the power, authority, and intercession of Jesus. [7] So, dear brother or sister, don't be afraid to speak what is on your heart to God. Take time and read through the psalms and notice how the Holy Spirit gave us examples of prayers we can pray from almost time of life, using frank and honest words. [8] So, let's take advantage of the incredible gift of coming before God with boldness and confidence and share what is on our hearts. The grace God shares with us and how He values us should become the foundation of all other relationships. We are known and loved by almighty God. He claims us as His beloved children.

[1] Revelation 1:8.
[2] Psalm 139:13-16.
[3] Romans 8:32-39.
[4] Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 6:19-21; Titus 3:3-7.
[5] Romans 8:26-27.
[6] Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:16.
[7] Matthew 28:18; John 16:23-24. Using the name of Jesus carries with it His authority as we are aligned with His will.
[8] Notice how Job spoke openly to God, as well, and God made clear that Job didn't sin by doing it! For example, see Job 10:1-22, 42:1-6, 1:22.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, I praise You for there is no entity, being, or power that compares to You. You are God, Creator of the universe. Thank You for inviting me to come into Your holy presence with boldness and confidence. Thank You for sending Jesus to give me the authority to approach You openly. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who is Your presence in me and intercedes for me. I am amazed — blown away emotionally — by Your generous grace to want me to approach You with my needs, joys, yearnings, wounds, and disappointments. Please receive my thanks, praise, and reverence for such an incredible privilege! By the authority and power of Jesus, I thank You! Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:16
  • Romans 8:26-27; 1 Timothy 2:1-6

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Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 3:12 NLT — Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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