by Susan Barnes | 25 Jul 2022 | Short Devotion
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10 We don’t strengthen ourselves, rather we’re empowered by God through his Spirit. This isn’t a one-time event, but rather we constantly look to God for his strength. When Jonathan knew...
by Susan Barnes | 18 Jul 2022 | Short Devotion
“Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2 Jewish people were familiar with the “fragrant offerings” and sacrifices that were required in the Old Testament. Paul...
by Susan Barnes | 11 Jul 2022 | Short Devotion
“From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16 Each part of the body has a responsibility to build up one another. Healthy churches are...
by Susan Barnes | 4 Jul 2022 | Short Devotion
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 3:10-11 God’s eternal plan...
by Susan Barnes | 27 Jun 2022 | Short Devotion
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork.” Ephesians 2:8-10 Yes, we’re God’s handiwork and there’s nothing for us to boast about,...
by Susan Barnes | 20 Jun 2022 | Short Devotion
“And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 1:22-23 I love Peterson’s paraphrase of these verses, “At the center of all...
by Susan Barnes | 4 Jan 2010 | Devotions
… doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Ephesians 6:6-7 Samuel is sent to Jesse of Bethlehem because God had chosen one of his sons to be the next king. “When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought,...
by Susan Barnes | 28 Dec 2009 | Devotions
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we … become mature … Ephesians 4:11-13 God has...
