“Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 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 4:11-16 (NIV)

Dear God,

How wonderful to know the mission for us, Your Church. This gives us a “folder” in the “file cabinet’ of our mind, where the things that You cause or allow in our day, can be organized and treasured. You are at work growing and maturing us in Christ. You have in Your genius, given the Body of Christ everything we need to grow in the same direction. You unify us in the “goal to win the prize for which [You] have called [us] heavenward in Christ Jesus,” (Phil. 3:14). You are transforming us into the Bride of Christ! You do not want us to shrink back on the day we see Him, face to face, but to run to Him full of great joy.

Your aim is ours, every day! We don’t want to be like babes easily caught up, hung up, and hung out to dry by the world, the flesh, and the devil. His evil design creates constant chaos, disunity, and immaturity among those he leads astray. But we desire to grow, and crave the milk and meat or Your Word, by which we stand. Help us not to be waylaid by trends, fears from unbelief, or the newest false teachings that are not new at all. There is nothing new under the sun (Eccles. 1:9). Schemes and lies are recycled from of old, and we have a file for those as well—the trash. Your mission is our mission! Today, we will work with You and the effects of Your mission will be realized. Our feet will walk on water. 

In Jesus Name Forever

^{Photo Credit: Maksym Kaharlytskyi; https://unsplash.com/photos/Q9y3LRuuxmg}