Strengthen Churches
Daily Scripture
Ephesians 3:10–21
10 God’s purpose is now to show the rulers and powers in the heavens the many different varieties of his wisdom through the church. 11 This was consistent with the plan he had from the beginning of time that he accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In Christ we have bold and confident access to God through faith in him [Or through his faithfulness]. 13 So then, I ask you not to become discouraged by what I’m suffering for you, which is your glory.
14 This is why I kneel before the Father. 15 Every ethnic group in heaven or on earth is recognized by him. 16 I ask that he will strengthen you in your inner selves from the riches of his glory through the Spirit. 17 I ask that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. As a result of having strong roots in love, 18 I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. 19 I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.
20 Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; 21 glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen.
Daily Reflection & Prayer
The church is an assembly of people growing into God-touched lives. In the church, when it serves as God intends, we find pardon, friendship and healing. But those gifts can never stay trapped inside the walls. God is trusting faithful humans as the best means to share the church’s good news. Ephesians * called the church (God’s people, guided by the Holy Spirit–cf., Ephesians 2:18, 22) God’s main instrument to show God’s wisdom and glory! That means you are a key part of God’s master plan!
- In Greek, “the many different varieties” in verse 10 was one word— “polupoikilos.” It literally meant “many-colored,” as though God’s gracious wisdom is a kind of cosmic rainbow. That’s why part of Resurrection’s vision is to strengthen churches—they are God’s chosen ways to spread that many-colored grace. In what ways have God’s grace and wisdom added color and beauty to your life? How can you help your church reflect that beauty to all who encounter you?
- Reflect on verse 20: “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask for or imagine by his power at work within us.” Do you believe God can really do far more than we can ask or imagine by working through us, through you? If not, what holds you back from that belief? What God-sized dream or challenge could you bring to God, trusting that God can work through you in ways beyond what you can imagine?
Prayer
Great God, I know Ephesians said your main plan for the world is for your church to accomplish your purposes. I’m part of your church. Help me be faithful to you and join in your work in the world. Amen.
GPS Insights
Lisa Wilt
Lisa Wilt is a member and greeter at Resurrection's Blue Springs campus. She is an inspirational speaker, podcaster, and author of six books. Lisa and her husband have 2 grown children and one grandson, Elijah David. The title that most defines Lisa is CHILD OF GOD. As her family will tell you, Lisa’s singing is dreadful, but her banana bread is delightful.
I have a secret (and this blog contains a complete, working recipe)…
But first, let me share that I have banana bread baking as I type, and my whole house smells scrumptious! When I make banana bread, I use the largest loaf pans you’ve ever seen—nearly the size of a small cake. Perhaps that’s why, as I read today’s passage about the width, length, depth, and height of God’s love, my mind immediately drifted to those oversized pans… or maybe it was because the aroma smells like I envision love tasting!
So, are you ready for the secret?
The secret to the best banana bread is to use the worst bananas! Let me explain. I seek out bananas that no one would buy, and some would discard because they’re too far gone… too blemished… too imperfect.
This reminds me of what Jesus did during His ministry. He sought the outcast—the ones others didn’t want to be seen with-–those who didn’t measure up to the righteous standards. The sinners, the bleeding, the lame, and the lepers. They likely looked worn, weary, and ripe.
And isn’t that who Jesus calls us to actively seek out… to love… to invite into our church family?
To strengthen His church, we need to seek out the “outcast bananas” because… they make the sweetest saints! Our church’s Lenten journey through John Ortberg’s book “STEPS” reinforced this Biblical truth: “The worse the sinner, the warmer the welcome!” needs to be.
In today’s reading, we’re reminded that God’s love is immeasurable. And yet, Paul (who most likely authored this epistle) prays, “I ask that you’ll have the power to grasp love’s width and length, height and depth, together with all believers. I ask that you’ll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:18-19, emphasis mine)
Because I don’t have an advanced degree in theology, I need The Holy Spirit to bring these spiritual mysteries down to a digestible, everyday level. And today He used insanely large, sweet loaves of banana bread to teach me about the fullness of God’s love—in a tangible, delicious, mouth-watering, give-me-some-of-that kind of way. I’m left to ask myself: What if my actions were as enticing as my banana bread? In all my years, I’ve never encountered anyone who refuses warm banana bread—or a warm welcome.
Maybe you don’t bake but I’m guessing God has blessed you with other talents that might strengthen the church. Are you good with technology? Might you be able to help less-than-techy folks navigate the world online?
Are you good with numbers? Finances? Organizing? Hospitality? Leading Worship? Do you have a green thumb and garden goodies to share? Can you fix broken things? (Heaven knows every household has broken things!) Or maybe you have what my dad would call “elbow grease” great for raking leaves. Everyone is sure to have a lawn full of those soon.
Or maybe you, like me, can seek out the worst bananas to make the best banana bread! If so, here’s my secret recipe for healthiest, yummiest banana bread ever!
Ingredients:
· 4 ridiculously RIPE bananas
· 1 egg
· 1½ cups flour
· 1 cup sugar
· ¼ cup oil
· 1 tsp salt
· 1 tsp baking soda
· 1 tsp vanilla
· Optional: 1 cup nuts (Based on Jesus’ miracles, I tend to think He welcomed nuts.)
Directions: Mash bananas, then add oil and mix. Add sugar and mix again. Add flour, salt, baking soda, egg, and vanilla. Mix well. Add nuts for more fun. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until done. Share and spread the delightful love of Jesus!
© 2025 Resurrection: A United Methodist Church. All Rights Reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
References
* “As with the Pastoral Epistles, some question the authorship of Ephesians and Colossians and to a lesser degree, Philemon. Most agree that Paul wrote Philippians. When I read these I assume Paul wrote them or that someone close to Paul took his ideas and edited these.” (Footnote in Adam Hamilton, The Call: The Life and Message of the Apostle Paul (p. 220). Abingdon Press. Kindle Edition.)
