Daily Devotional
By Pastor Jerry Teboe
A Closer Walk with Christ in 2026
Blessings for Believers - part 2
Ephesians_1:7-10
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both w hich are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
We continue our study of the book of Ephesians by looking at the second part of the great blessings that are ours in the Lord. Yesterday, we saw the blessings of the Father. Today, we see the blessings of the Son.
The first blessing is that He has redeemed us. In whom we have redemption through his blood (Ephesians 1:7).
This blessing is two-fold when we realize what redemption has accomplished for us. By giving His life on the cross, Christ purchased us from the slavery of sin.
1. We have a present redemption in that He has delivered us from the penalty and power of sin;
2. We shall have a future redemption when Christ delivers us from the presence of sin at His return.
The second blessing is that He has forgiven us. The forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7).
The word “forgive” literally means “to send away.” Sin is a terrible burden that is sent away when a sinner turns to Christ. This was accomplished when Christ carried the burden on the cross (1Peter 2:24).
A wonderful picture of this sending away is seen by the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement when it was taken into the wilderness and released not to be seen again. (Leviticus 16:20-22).
The third blessing is that Christ has revealed God’s will to us. Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him (Ephesians 1:8-10).
A “mystery” is a divine truth known only by God’s people through revelation. “In Christ” means that we are a part of God’s eternal purpose to gather together “all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10). This present world is falling apart with war, strife, and sin. But one day God will usher in a new creation with all things united in Christ.
The fourth blessing is that He has made us an inheritance. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ (Ephesians 1:11-12).
God has not only given us an inheritance in Christ, but He has made us an inheritance for Christ. That inheritance is the church, which is His body, His temple, and His bride. The greatest blessing we have is still future when we shall behold His glory in heaven with Him! Praise the Lord for all His blessings!
Bible Reading for the Year
July 27th, Psalms 56-58; Acts 28:1-25
Prayer Needs
Please continue to pray for Shirley Deans. She was admitted to the hospital late Friday night with a low-grade fever and feeling weak. She had several tests and is still there, hoping to go home Monday.
Continue to pray for Jennifer Teboe Buchamer. Please keep praying for complete healing. She will begin chemo treatment with an inhibiter pill next Thursday, the 30th.
Please continue to pray for Kenny Deans. He had an appointment on Tuesday, July 14th, with his kidney doctor. He had a scan of his kidneys; the scan shows some kidney stones, but treatment isn’t recommended as of yet.
Please continue to pray for Dr. Joe Jordan. He is doing physical therapy but still has a long way to go. Pray for him to get stronger! He had an appointment with his hematologist on the 14th, and he began with the first of 5 shots to improve his red blood cell count on Tuesday the 21st.
Linda Franks’ surgery had to be rescheduled because she has a sinus infection and is on medication for it.
Please continue to pray for Peggy Warren. She is facing some difficult challenges.
Please continue to pray for Robbie Harvey who has MAC lung disease. He seems some better, and the pain has decreased some.
Please continue to pray for Marvin Silverthorne for his eyesight to improve.
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Pray for our Missionaries!
Sue Singleton and the mission in Cambodia
Dr. Joe Jordan and the CBM (Cross and Bible Ministries)
Travis and Caroline Fennessy – IBM missionaries to Southeast Asia