Strong Heart

Ephesians 3:16-17a

¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

 

// THOUGHTS:

.. Paul’s prayer to the church in Ephesus is for them to be strengthened through God’s Spirit in order for Christ to dwell in their hearts

Strength of the Power of God’s Spirit = enables Christ to dwell in our hearts (through faith)

Christ dwelling in our hearts = strong heart

.. We need the power of God’s Spirit to strengthen us in order for Christ to dwell in our hearts

.. We want Christ to dwell in our hearts daily

.. Thus, we need to strengthen ourselves in Him – in His Spirit

Psalm 18:32
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Romans 4:20
Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God…

.. Rely on God’s power for strength because He is our strength – the source of it and the originator of it

 

// BELLE:

.. What do all these mean to me?  I want Christ to continually dwell in my heart (through faith).  Therefore, I must continually rely on God’s strength – the power of His Spirit.  He will strengthen me so Christ may always be in my heart – helping me to adhere and obey whatever He commands me to do.

.. I need to continually trust God and rely on His power so Christ may be more evident in my life.  Whatever is in my heart comes out.  So if Christ dwells in my heart always, it is Christ that will come out.  How can I have Christ dwell in my heart?  By trusting in the strength of God’s Spirit.  Through God’s Spirit, I can have Christ dwell in my heart.

.. I need to be more sensitive to God’s Spirit in my life.  I want to rely on His strength whenever I feel weak in my heart – perhaps, when I do feel that way, I am not relying enough.  Even though I am human and my heart will fail, God is the strength of my heart – His Spirit is who will strengthen my heart whenever I feel weak.

 

// LORD, thank you for reminding me of Your power.  You are the strength of my heart!  Whenever I feel weak or feel like my heart is failing or sad, You are my source of strength.  I can rely on Your power because Your nature is all-powerful.  I can trust in You.  Help me to continually rely on You.  Whatever awaits me today; if it be that it will break or make my heart sad, I pray that I will remember to rely on Your strength.  You are my firm foundation.  I have nothing to be afraid of if things cause my heart to be sad because You will always be my joy and strength.  Jesus, may you dwell in my heart.  I believe in faith.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

[Posted through Windows Live Writer]