God's Engagement Ring... One-Minute Bible Study from Eph. 1

He has given us so very much…

And He put all things under His feet,
and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,
which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Ephesians 1:22-23

From an early encounter with the Holy Spirit in my teens, I knew that the Book of Acts was real and that His power and His power gifts were available to believers today. Yet, raising kids, co-pastoring a church with my husband, raising kids, buying a home, raising kids (do you see a theme here?) and the everyday busyness of life, plus my stuff (anybody have stuff???), caused me to drift from my passionate pursuit of Jesus revealed in – me.

It wasn’t until fifteen years ago, when I seriously studied Ephesians, that all the lights, bells, and whistles of the Holy Spirit came alive in my life. These very words that we have been reading all week in Chapter 1 were God’s Words of revival to my soul. It seemed like all the confusing dots of my life finally came together.

As we finish out Paul’s prayer in Eph. 1, His emphasis in on the power of the Holy Spirit towards the believer (vs. 19-20), and the omnipotence of King Jesus. We need to remember that the Holy Spirit is our seal and our engagement ring that WE ARE HIS (Greek: Arrabon). And in the power of the Spirit in Christ, we can find felt completeness, wholeness, and fullness (v. 23).

One thing more, because Jesus is seated in heavenly places (v. 20) and He is above everything that can be named (v. 21), we, as His church, have access to the power of His name to bring heaven down into the hellish situations in our lives.

Who doesn't need more of His Kingdom in their life!

Recovery... 30-Second Devotional From Eph. 1

The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is the recovery of what we lost in Eden.

"…having made known to us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself,"
Ephesians 1:9

Each of us has a God-given purpose, call, and destiny that includes His restoration. The mystery of the gospel (v.9) is Christ in us, living His life through us (Col. 1:27). The only part we can play is to say “yes,” to Him and be responsive to the Spirit’s promptings.

We can’t fix ourselves, only He can, but it all starts with a Holy Spirit paradigm shift in our hearts and minds.

I think I am less-than and don’t belong; He declares I am entirely accepted and loved unconditionally. My thoughts tell me I will never get it right; He states it isn’t up to me; the Holy Spirit will do it all. The enemy tells me I am guilty; Jesus says I am already forgiven, clean, and free (v.7). It is time for me to believe these truths with all my heart, mind, and strength.

Adapted from the YouVersion Bible Plan “Accepted” by Sue Boldt

Lavished with Blessing... One-Minute Devotional

Looking for something more?

We all long for Lord Jesus’ blessing in every area of our lives, but we must realize that we are already positioned in His blessing. We are searching for something He has already lavishly given us.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…
Ephesians 1:3-4

Consider God’s grace (Greek: charis), His divine favor, and strings-free gift that saves, maintains, and transforms us. Grace, the word that means joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, and loveliness has already been bestowed upon us and is the platform we stand upon but do we live in it? 

And what is every spiritual blessing? Holy Spirit gifts, enablement, and the authority of His Name, to name a few.* Oh, my goodness.

We are chosen. We may have differing theological views regarding the word predestined. Yet we can all agree that the word here speaks to those who have responded to the gospel. It is an assurance of security for those who say yes to Jesus as Lord of their lives.

We have been chosen, because we are His children, to walk in His love with holiness and without blame. Again, this is our position in Jesus and how our Father sees us, whether we feel like we are holy or not. We see our messes; He looks at us and sees His Son. This is grace and our residency here and now in the Kingdom of His agape, unconditional, and can’t be earned love.**

*1 Cor. 12, Eph. 1:19, Luke 10:17-20
**Col. 1:13

Adapted from the YouVersion Bible Plan “Accepted” by Sue Boldt

At the Start of This Week... One-Minute Devotional

At the start of this week...

Should you be frazzled, forlorn, or feeling forgotten, even before you have rolled out of bed in the morning, remember your Heavenly Father loves you beyond comprehension. He has every hair on your head numbered. He knows you inside-out and He is your only source of joy, hope, strength, wisdom, and life. Look to Him.
Matthew 10:30

Should you be facing a circumstance that seems like a mountain, King Jesus will hold your hand as He either dismisses this burden, raises you above this situation, or holds you close as you walk through this fire together. He is the answer. Be sure to let Him rule your heart and mind. He will make your steps firm in His love.
Isaiah 43:1-2

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

End of Summer Questions... One-Minute Devotional

What a summer we have just come through! We thought last summer, 2020, was a doozy, but this one has been tumultuous, too.

You have caused men to ride over our heads;
We went through fire and through water;
But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Psalm 66:12

I think it is important for each of us to examine our hearts as we gaze over the past eighteen months or more. Our soul, our emotions and our thoughts, can be the temperature gauge of our faith.

Let’s honestly ask ourselves these questions. Have I been walking in Lord Jesus’ overflowing peace and abundant joy even during sorrow and loss? Or have I sort of lost my way, letting fear drive my decisions, and struggling to maintain hope? Have I continued to choose His love to reveal the gospel to the lost, or have I been expending my energy in proving that I am right, allowing frustration and anger direct my interactions with people, both Christians and non-believers?

As we ask ourselves these important questions, let’s head into autumn with a renewed purpose to keep our eyes solely upon the Anchor of our Faith, the Lord Jesus Himself.

His fulfillment in our lives is what He is after: Jesus filling us completely, thoroughly, and lavishly. Let’s completely surrender everything, once again, to Him. I mean everything: dreams, future, family, vocation, church, health, expectations, and everything in between. Because when we do, we will begin to look more like Him, and Jesus is what the world needs in this hour.

Start of the Week... One-Minute Devotional

At the Start of This Week…

Should your job situation be unsettling, your cupboards are looking bare, and even the dog seems down in the dumps during this trying and tumultuous season, remember, the God of Angel Armies is on Your side. One caveat. You will need to stop trying to control the issue or try to force your will and your way into the situation. He IS GOD. Jesus is the Great I AM, and He knows what is best to do, and how and when to do it. Trust Him immediately!

Should your heart be broken over so much loss, you are feeling exhausted or distracted and just want to say, “Enough already!” or you are just plain ole feeling blue, get on your knees quick! Don’t let the enemy of your soul drain your joy in the Lord and zap you of His strength. The Lord Jesus will cover and heal your heart, but you must make the choice to let Him do this for you. Don’t let your flesh or the devil waste another minute of your oh so precious life.

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything! 
1 John 4:4

Springs of Breakthrough... One-Minute Devotional

A few years ago, Randy and I met with other pastors for a mountain retreat. At the close of our last meeting, I had the soft impression in my spirit that Jesus wanted me to tell everyone that He heard their prayers for their churches and themselves.

I had a picture in my mind of a piece of ground. The sun had baked the dirt’s top layers into a place of hardness. However, in the middle of that hardened soil, water was beginning to bubble up from the springs below. God was going to bring a breakthrough. And for many of us, there was a significant breakthrough in the months to come.

I will open rivers in desolate heights,
And fountains in the midst of the valleys;
I will make the wilderness a pool of water,
And the dry land springs of water.
Isaiah 41:18

Just before driving home, Randy and I decided to take one more walk in the woods. Were went off the path just a little bit to survey the forest’s beauty. As we stood there in the sun, I looked down and realized the ground was wet. Quite literally, water was bubbling up from an underground storehouse, just as I had seen in the picture the Lord gave me. It was amazing.

All this to say, I sensed the Lord’s leading to share this for someone who might read it. You have been praying about something for a long time without seeing much of anything. However, the Lord wants you to know He IS bringing a breakthrough for you. Not the big surge you may have hoped for, but a slow, steady springing forth that over time will be ever so much more powerful and important than you could have imagined.

So, be encouraged and lean hard into Him. You don’t want to miss what He has in store for you because it seems the waters of His Spirit appear as a small trickle. The Lord, your God, is turning your dry land into springs of water.

Accepted... One-Minute Devotional

We are accepted. We are forgiven.

It is that simple. It is that hard. The simplicity lies in our Father unreservedly giving us His Son to satisfy the debt of our sin. The difficulty is for us to believe this truth. Certainly, God must require something of us? Surely, it is up to us to get our act together? And yet, this platform of grace, richly supplied (vs.7-8), is the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can’t do anything but receive it. Everything has already all been done.

Let’s consider God’s grace (New Testament Greek: charis). It is His divine favor, and strings-free gift that saves, maintains, and transforms us. Grace, the word that also means joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, and loveliness has already been bestowed upon us and is the platform we must stand upon-but do we?

When we stand on His platform of grace, no matter what our thoughts, emotions, or the enemy is shouting in our heads, we take the first steps toward freedom and realizing who we are in Christ. When we slip and fall – for we surely will – we must not let guilt become the ball-and-chain that binds our souls to our hurts, addictions, and behaviors. Yes, we must agree with the Holy Spirit’s conviction of our sin, confess it, and ask forgiveness for it, but then we must agree with God’s Word that His work of forgiving and cleansing us has already begun.

When we choose to believe Jesus at His word that we are already forgiven and accepted, we silence guilt’s accusations. Then, the power of God’s grace can begin to transform us from our hang-ups and hurts, propelling us toward our purpose.

The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is the recovery of what we lost in Eden. We each have a God-given purpose, call, and destiny that includes His restoration. The mystery of the gospel (v.9) is Christ in us, living His life through us (Col. 1:27). The only part we can play is to say yes to Him and be responsive to the Spirit’s promptings.

We can’t fix ourselves, only He can. It starts with a Holy Spirit paradigm shift in our hearts and minds. I think I am less-than and don’t belong; He declares I am entirely accepted and loved unconditionally. My thoughts tell me I will never get it right; He states that it isn’t up to me, the Holy Spirit will do the work (Eph. 3:7). The enemy tells me I am guilty; Jesus says I am already forgiven, clean, and free (v.7, 1 John 1:9).

It is time to believe these truths with all our heart, mind, and strength.

+++++++++++++++

Taken from my YouVersion Bible App Plan, “Accepted: Who We Really Are and What He Has Given Us.” To locate the plan on the app, simply go to the spyglass at the bottom of the page and search my name, Sue Boldt!

So. Much. Grace... One-Minute Devotional

God’s grace is like His manna from heaven; we will always have more than enough.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

In Exodus 16, God told Israel that He would supply what they needed daily when they were hungry. Those that tried to horde the heavenly food found it went rancid overnight. Those who listened to Him and trusted He knew what He was doing and would take care of them completely had more than enough. They had an abundance of the heavenly gift.

The same is true with God’s grace. We never have to fear His grace will run out either, just like the heavenly manna didn’t run out. And because that is true, He won’t let us horde it. Jesus wants us to come to Him daily to receive this all-plentiful feast. When the pressure is on in our lives, we will find that we will have double and triple portions from the bounty of grace from His lavish love.

Today, how about you and I gather some overwhelming grace. It will always be exactly what we need and more than we could ever hope for. 

His Authority... One-Minute Devotional

Oh, the power of God’s Word…

Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19

As we pray, battle in the Spirit, and fast this summer for our loved ones, our neighborhoods, our nations, and yes, even for ourselves to experience His freedom more completely, let’s remember we have Jesus’ authority. Yes, really, we do. Let’s pray, declare, and speak God’s truth and healing over

every situation as His Spirit leads, in the Name above All Names: King Jesus.

Yet, let’s also be reminded that to have authority, we must be submitted to authority. Are there areas in my life where I still do what I want to do without consulting my Abba-Father? Are there areas of daily life, such as work, home, or school where I complain and backbite instead of being part of the solution? Even if it means that someone is over me that I don’t really care for? How many churches have I left because I could find something that didn’t suit my fancy, or I would rather be a lone ranger than submit to healthy pastoral authority? Just some food for thought as I examine my own often wayward heart.

I want to walk in all Jesus has provided for me as Paul lists in Ephesians 1. I am praying for loved ones who are hurting, friends with illness, and for revival in my county and country. Praying that God alone, not a political party, a point of view, or anyone or anything other than Him will be glorified. This is a summer to keep His armor on and our knees and hearts bowed.

Yes, let’s bravely pray boldly with the authority He purchased for us at the highest cost. Because He has asked us to do this.

Rest... One-Minute Devotional

Several years ago, the Lord spoke to me that living in His rest is the platform for my life and ministry...

“So we conclude that there is still a full and complete “rest” waiting for believers to experience. As we enter into God’s faith-rest life we cease from our own works..."
Hebrews 4:9‭-‬11‬

I have been far from being perfectly obedient in this word from Him; nevertheless, what I have experienced has been life-transforming. Pastoral ministry became more overflowing joy rather than a weight I couldn't live carry. Daily life went from ordinary to more extraordinary. Once dreamed about doors of opportunity began to open. Our family was irrevocably imprinted with Jesus' handprint upon lives. Cancer came and went. And (almost) daily intimacy with God became my oxygen.

At my age, I have nothing I want to prove except the love of the Father for His kiddos who know Him and for those beloved children who don't know Him yet. I am learning that Jesus demonstrates His love and power through me from this place of rest. When I try in my own strength? Hmmm, not so much.

May I encourage you to come away and rest in Him if it has been a while for you? Yes, come. He is waiting. And you will be oh so glad you did.

Where There is...

You have heard, where there is a will, there is a way...

Been there, done that.

So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart,
To walk in their own counsels.
Psalm 81:12

My strong, often self-centered will can make its own way. Yes. Been there, done that. And, I don’t want to walk that path again. These words, which often cheer our human determination and strength, can be at the heart of so much wreckage and ruin. Especially when what we are pursuing things, position, or people that His best for us. Truly.

So, if you are pressing the Lord for something that must go the way you want it, how you want it, and when you want it – whatever it is – try reading the remainder of Psalm 81. There you will find amazing promises: the enemy’s defeat in your life, joy, satisfaction, and His most extraordinary adventures for you. All these gifts will all take place for you when you surrender your stubborn will for His.

How about taking a moment to lay some of your plans at His feet?

Shaky Ground... One-Minute Devo

Shaky ground is the pits. Wouldn’t you agree?

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,
having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
Ephesians 6:14

We all know lies hurt, lies harm, and lies deceive. How much greater the pain when our adversary, the devil, lies to us and we believe him over what Jesus speaks to us. Truly then, we have nothing to stand on as Paul exhorts us to do.

The belt of truth mentioned above keeps the whole armor of God anchored upon us. Remember, Jesus not only speaks the truth; He is Truth speaking. Think about that. His Word is truth John 17:17. We must drink it in, let it transform us, and help us to stand. No matter what we go through.

As for righteousness – well, we don’t have any on our own. Just being real, here. Jesus alone is our righteousness. We need to clothe ourselves in His breastplate of righteousness which covers our heart and shields us from the enemy’s darts. Darts called guilt, shame, worthless, and inadequate. We must understand who we are in Christ.

Yes. I want to stand clothed in His truth and righteousness every single day that I have breath.

The Apple of His Eye... One-Minute Devotional

You are the apple of His eye…

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 17:

Did you know, did you realize that God Almighty only ever thinks about YOU? His Word tells us He only thinks loving, kind, respectful, cherishing, exquisitely lovely, good, purposeful thoughts about you always. His thoughts of you in any given moment outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore.

You are the apple of His eye. Quite literally, you are the pupil of His eye. You know, the black dot in the middle? In other words, He only sees you as a lover only sees the object of His affection.

If you have cause to doubt this ageless truth at this moment, well, it is time to get back to His Word. His unfailing, Truth-filled Word. It is time to carve a niche of your life to be alone with King Jesus the Living Word. He wants to remind you that you are everything to Him.

Because you, dear one, are all He sees.

I Will... One-Minute Devotional

As we press through these incredible seasons of upheaval in our world, perhaps it is time to drink the I will passages of God’s Word.

"…I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10b

Are you tempted to be fearful, anxious, or discouraged, may I suggest that you turn to these passages and let the Holy Spirit breathe fresh faith into your soul. Take a look at Exodus 6:6-8 or Isaiah 41:10-20.

Underline in your Bible or Bible app how many times the Lord Almighty promises that He will come through for you. Meditate and yes, soak in His Word and presence until His peace restores your heart.

Certainly, we must and can encourage one another through these waves of uncertainty. Nevertheless, it is only the Lord Jesus’ voice that can cut to the chase and reach our hearts with His comfort and promises by the Holy Spirit. His Word and His report are the only ones that matter. Really.

He is waiting for you to come to Him, and He is more than willing to grant His promises.

Feel free to share...

Stay Awhile...

Are you living with some confusion in your life right now?

When I thought how to understand this,
It was too painful for me—
Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their end.
Psalm 73:16-17

The Psalmist who authored these verses found himself in the same predicament, too.

I am not entirely adept at this by a long shot, but we find the key to peace, answers, and direction in these words: “Until I went into the sanctuary of God.” That means experiencing His profound presence in your backyard, your bedroom, or any quiet place where you can find a holy hush.

How many of us are content to live with questions and confusion because we simply won’t take the time to be alone with Jesus? Remember, He is the God of all comfort, power, and knowledge?

No, we might not get all the answers, but I can guarantee that you will begin to find peace and guidance. Really. I can promise you that because His Word promises He is wherever you are, no matter what state or circumstance you are in, no matter the condition of your life or heart.

So, don’t go down the path of complaining, whining, and every other indulgence that keeps you from genuine, lavish, shalom – the peace that only He can give. Just get on your knees before Him – and stay awhile.

Fall Hard into His Grace - One-Minute Devotional...

Fall hard into His grace…

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
Galatians 5:4

Have you, like me, been impatient, tempted, or tried and failed at something today? Are you worried or anxious, though you clearly know Jesus can be trusted to walk with you through whatever you face?

These things, well, sometimes they can make us wonder if we are walking closely at all with the Lord Jesus. And yet, He calls to us to fall hard into His grace.

No matter what has taken place today, His grace is sufficient to cover our lack, our weakness, and yes, our sin. Paul is telling us we fall from grace only when we forget His grace. A fall from this free gift is not blowing it so badly that we have exhausted it. That is impossible. No, a fall from His grace only happens when we try to earn this amazing, boundless gift.

 What freedom. What joy. What power to actually live transformed lives. Yes, let’s fall hard into His amazing grace.

A Fresh Word to Begin the Week! - One-Minute Devotional...

At the start of this week...

Should your yard be overgrown, your jeans too tight, or your wallet a little too empty, look up! King Jesus is the All-Sufficient One. Set your eyes on Him alone and let Him do the heavy lifting for your cares.
Philippians 4:19

Should a loved one go sideways, a neighbor goes ballistic, or a co-worker becomes annoying, well, remember you have issues, too! Jesus has all the patience in the world to bring you into freedom. Now, grab hold of His patience in you for others, by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Galatians 5:22-23

This is a week of new beginnings, hopes to be realized, and miracles to watch for. Keep your eyes open, your heart tender, and your mind from distraction. This week will be awesome in Jesus because He Who is in you is greater than anything!
1 John 4:4

Oh my, Sometimes... A One Minute Devotional

Bummer. You know, some prayer battles are long and arduous...

"Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker."
2 Samuel 3:1

Sometimes, we are praying to our Father when He has told us that He has given us authority in His name to smite the enemy’s advances. But we keep praying for Him to do something, and He is waiting for us!

Many times, the battle rages long because there are many components to the coming answer. There are other lives and circumstances God is lining up before the puzzle pieces can come together. Yet, we grow impatient and try to take matters into our own hands. Don’t do that!

When the prayer battle lingers, ask the Lord for direction regarding how to pray and what demonic strongholds you need to break in His name. Fast when you are called to fast and ask for specific scriptures to hold onto and stand on. You may be in for a long haul, so pace yourself: pray fervently when prompted to, but rest in-between times. Hang tough, keeping your eyes ever on your Faithful Commander. He will answer your prayer.

He is Willing and Able -- A One Minute Devotional

One of the most significant aspects of the Gospel is His healing for the brokenness we experience in the deep recesses of our lives…

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24

We need never fear the Holy Spirit’s searchlight into our innermost being – our hearts and minds. He can wade through all the muck and mire; shame and pride; lust and selfishness. Jesus longs to bring us into His freedom and wholeness. He never once stops loving us, no matter what His searchlight reveals. He is with us in those dark places.

If we are tired of living with anxiety, insecurity, bondage to habits we disdain, and a myriad of other soul-sicknesses, the verse above is the launching point to release in our lives. Let’s let Jesus go deep in our souls and allow His truth to reveal the lies we believe about ourselves. Let’s take some time before this day ends to meet with the Great Counselor to start this incredible journey of freedom. He is able, and He is waiting for us to come and experience His healing, tender touch.