No batteries?

That you may know what is the hope of His calling . . . and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe.      — Ephesians 1:18-19

My 2-year-old grandson was fascinated by the bubbling mud pool, the result of geothermal activity in Rotorua, New Zealand. On moving to another spot and seeing no bubbles there, he remarked, “No batteries?” He was so accustomed to his electronic toys that he attributed even natural phenomena to battery power!

Christians can make a similar mistake — they look to their own puny power to live righteous lives. But the high moral and ethical standards of a holy God prove impossible to live up to. The result is joyless Christians, hopelessly burdened and defeated.

Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus was that “the eyes of your understanding [be] enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling . . . and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe” (Eph. 1:18-19). He wanted them to see that the power available to help them live God-honoring lives is the same power that “raised [Christ] from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (v. 20).

The power to live according to God’s standards comes only when we plug into His inexhaustible power. How do we do that? By daily seeking His face and asking Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit.                                                              — C. P. Hia

Filt each heart and reign alone,

Break the idols we have known;

Lead us for confession true,

Give us strength Thy will to do.      — Peterson

READ: Ephesians 1:15-23

The Light of the World knows no power failure.

The Bible in one year:

• Zechariah 1-3

• Proverbs 28:15-28