Proseuche Devotions: Day 29

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 29

The LORD gives strength to his people;

       the LORD blesses his people with peace.

–Psalm 29:11, NIV

            Read Psalm 29 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 29 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 8

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."

–Acts 8:18-24, NIV

            Read Acts 8 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 8 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

Morning meditation with C. H. Spurgeon.

Evening meditation with C. H. Spurgeon.

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“to him be glory in the church.”

This word for “church” means the assembly of people.

Is God glorified this day in the assembly of His people?

            How are you glorifying God in the assembly, the church?

            What is a new way that you can glorify God at church?

           

Action

Make a plan to glorify God in the assembling of His people this week.  What will it be?

Teens praising God through dance in China.



Worshiping God at an African crusade.

Proseuche Devotions: Day 28

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 28

Praise be to the LORD,

for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for joy

and I will give thanks to him in song.

The LORD is the strength of his people,

a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Save your people and bless your inheritance;

be their shepherd and carry them forever.

–Psalm 28:6-9, NIV

            Read Psalm 28 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 28 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 7

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.–Acts 7:54-60, NIV

            Read Acts 7 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 7 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

Devotions with A. W. Tozer

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“according to his power that is at work within us.”

Stop and contemplate your circumstances. 

Meditate on His power at work in them.

           

Action

Let us praise the power of God!

Proseuche Devotions: Day 27

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 27

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek:

that I may dwell in the house of the LORD

all the days of my life,

to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD

and to seek him in his temple. –Psalm 27:4, NIV

            Read Psalm 27 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 27 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 6

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

–Acts 6:1-7, NIV

            Read Acts 6 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 6 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

Morning meditation with C. H. Spurgeon.

Evening meditation with C. H. Spurgeon.

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”

Why would Paul acknowledge God as the One
                      who is able to do immeasurably more

than we can ask or imagine? 

            Pray and ask God to open your mind to better things
                    —whether bigger or more focused,
                        than you would ever conceive of asking for.
                               Thank Him for them and await the blessing
                                      of the One who loves you more than you can imagine.

           

Action

Spend some time contemplating the greatness of God by looking at His creation around us.

Proseuche Devotions: Day 26

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 26

Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have led a blameless life;

I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.

Test me, O LORD, and try me,

examine my heart and my mind;

for your love is ever before me,

and I walk continually in your truth. –Psalm 26:1-3, NIV

            Read Psalm 26 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 26 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 5

The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade.  No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 

As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.  Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

–Acts 5:12-16, NIV

            Read Acts 5 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 5 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

Daily Devotions with A. W. Tozer.

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“And I pray that you  . . . may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

What is the full measure of God? 

How would God fill you with it?

Pray and ask this of the Lord,

saying to Him that you are ready to receive

all that He has for you.

           

Action

Go into the kitchen and put a glass under the faucet, filling it to over flowing.  Think upon this as a visual for what God wants to happen in your life.

Proseuche Devotions: Day 25

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 25

Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,

for they are from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways;

according to your love remember me,

       for you are good, O LORD.

–Psalm 25:6-7, NIV

            Read Psalm 25 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 25 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 4

All the believers were one in heart and mind.

No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,

but they shared everything they had.

With great power the apostles continued to testify

to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,

and much grace was upon them all.

There were no needy persons among them.

For from time to time

those who owned lands or houses sold them,

brought the money from the sales

and put it at the apostles' feet,

and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

–Acts 4:32-35, NIV

            Read Acts 4 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 4 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

A Morning Mediation with C. H. Spurgeon

An Evening Meditation with C. H. Spurgeon

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“And I pray that you  . . . and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.”

A love that surpasses knowledge.  What does this mean to you? 

How great a love would this be?

How would knowing this love surpass knowledge?

Pray that you would know love.

           

Action

Spend time loving God and knowing His love.

Proseuche Devotions: Day 24

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 24

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it,

the world, and all who live in it;

for he founded it upon the seas

and established it upon the waters.   –Psalm 24:1-2, NIV

            Read Psalm 24 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 24 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 3

By faith in the name of Jesus,

this man whom you see and know was made strong.

It is Jesus' name

and the faith that comes through him

that has given this complete healing to him,

as you can all see. –Acts 3:16, NIV

            Read Acts 3 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 3 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

Daily Devotions with A. W. Tozer.

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints.”

           

A tree root spreads out in the soil, acting as an anchor against the storms and winds that blow.  We know that “God is Love.”  So let me ask you, are you rooted and established in Love?  Is your life exhibiting the power of God?  Are you living this alone or “together with all the saints”?  Pray about it.

           

Action

Make a plan to serve the Lord “together,” as part of the body of Christ and not just as a lone lamb.  Now go and make your plan happen.

Proseuche Devotions: Day 23

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 23

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.  –Psalm 23:5, NIV

            Read Psalm 23 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 23 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 2

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language?

Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

 " 'In the last days, God says,

      I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

   Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

      your young men will see visions,

      your old men will dream dreams.

 Even on my servants, both men and women,

      I will pour out my Spirit in those days,

      and they will prophesy.  –Acts 2: 1-8, 13-18, NIV

            Read Acts 2 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 2 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

A Morning Mediation with C. H. Spurgeon

An Evening Meditation with C. H. Spurgeon

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”

           

Your inner being, your core—is Christ dwelling, inhabiting,

that place inside of you?

            What is going on in your core today?

Does it represent Christ living there?

           

Action

Listen to the song and sing along.

Proseuche Devotions: Day 22

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 22

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD,

and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,

for dominion belongs to the LORD

and he rules over the nations.

All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;

all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—

those who cannot keep themselves alive.

Posterity will serve him;

future generations will be told about the Lord.

They will proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn—

for he has done it.–Psalm 22:27-31, NIV

            Read Psalm 22 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 22 (NASB, NIV)

Acts 1

In my former book, Theophilus,

I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach

until the day he was taken up to heaven,

after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit

to the apostles he had chosen.

After his suffering,

he showed himself to these men

and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.

He appeared to them over a period of forty days

and spoke about the kingdom of God.

On one occasion, while he was eating with them,

he gave them this command:

"Do not leave Jerusalem,

but wait for the gift my Father promised,

which you have heard me speak about.

For John baptized with water,

but in a few days you will be baptized

with the Holy Spirit."

–Acts 1:1-5, NIV

            Read Acts 1 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to Acts 1 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

Daily Devotions with A. W. Tozer.

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

           

            What are the riches of God? 

How could they strengthen you?

            Pray that God’s Spirit would strengthen your inner being.

           

Action

Strength.  Sometimes, strength is a choice.  We choose to go back to work each day.  We choose to get up and make breakfast each day.  We choose to do the right thing when it will cause some type of loss to ourselves.  We choose to love.  We choose to laugh.  We choose to dance.  We choose to live.  All of these things take strength.  I would like you to journal about the strength you do have, and if you can’t see it, ask God to show you.    

Proseuche Devotions: Day 21

Proseuche Devotions

Daily Word

Psalm 21

For the king trusts in the LORD;

through the unfailing love of the Most High

he will not be shaken.

Your hand will lay hold on all your enemies;

your right hand will seize your foes.

At the time of your appearing

you will make them like a fiery furnace.

In his wrath the LORD will swallow them up,

and his fire will consume them. –Psalm 21:7-9, NIV

            Read Psalm 21 (NASB, NIV)  

                    Listen to Psalm 21 (NASB, NIV)

John 21

Early in the morning, [some days after His resurrection,] Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.  He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?"

      "No," they answered.

He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.  The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.  –John 21:4-9, NIV

            Read John 21 (NASB, NIV)           

   Listen to John 21 (NASB, NIV)

Meditation

A Morning Mediation with C. H. Spurgeon

An Evening Meditation with C. H. Spurgeon

Prayer

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer: Eph 3:12-21

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.  I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

For this reason I kneel before the Father,

from whom his whole family

in heaven and on earth derives its name. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches

he may strengthen you

with power through his Spirit

in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts

through faith.

And I pray that you,

being rooted and established in love,

may have power,

together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep

is the love of Christ,

and to know this love

that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure

of all the fullness of God.

Now to him

who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

according to his power

that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church

and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

Amen.           

Find a moment of silence and reflect on the words,

“from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name..”

           

            The whole family of God.

                        Who does that include?

                        How should family treat one another?

           

Action

Loving another can be so difficult.  Often, kindness and love is an act of faithfulness to God, because we do not “feel” it in ourselves.  Journal about inter-working of family, love and faithfulness, and how Christ makes it possible for us to live love.  My friend, we need to give it all, our whole life and all of our affections, over to our Lord.  This is how we find peace in the storm of love.

Proseuche Commentary: The Good Word

Proseuche Commentary

Melisa Williamson

Ephesians 1:3

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is blessing, the one blessing us in every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies in Christ.

This verse intrigues me. 

 Let me explain.

           Greek word order is different than English.  They have places that they prefer to place words, and there are rules, but it is more fluid than what we are able to do.  We have a subject (Jill), a verb (sat on), and an object (the hill).  If we changed the order to read, “The hill sat on Jill,” the meaning of the sentence changes—a lot!  In Greek, there are identifiers at the end of the word telling you what part of the sentence it is, enabling them to arrange words for emphasis rather than form.  Right now, if I wanted to emphasis that Jill sat on the hill, I put the words I want to emphasis in italics.  But in Greek, you can make the word create emphasis by making a word the first or last that you read.  This is what happens here, by placing “blessing” (the object) first.

            Ephesians 1:3 is literally ordered like this:

“Blessing is the God . . . , the one blessing us . . . .”

But, because “God” has the word “the” in front, we know it is the subject and must be translated first.  Paul chose to put “blessing” first to emphasize it—like bold letters.           
    
What is so special about this highlighted word, “blessing”? 
           It may not be what you would expect.  

Our English Bibles sometimes translate different Greek words with one English word.  For instance, in Greek there are various words for “love,” but we only have one English word that we modify with adjectives: brotherly love, erotic love, unconditional love.  When we think of blessing, we not only have years of subjective religious baggage defining what we think it means, but we also have more than one Greek word for blessing. 

            I think that the most common understanding of blessing probably comes from the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, “Blessed are you when . . . .”  This Greek word, makarios, has the meaning of divine favor that causes happiness in you.

            What is so intriguing to me about this passage, is the word chosen here, eulogetos, which is often translated as “blessing.”  You may recognize this word as a root word for our term, “eulogy.”  A eulogy is word (speech) that highly praises someone, often spoken at a funeral.   

The actual Greek term literally means good (eu) word (logos).      
          "Good Word"

          The Greek Lexicon (Dictionary) by Liddell and Scott says that that it was used:
                  by Pindar as a eulogy (d. 433 B.C.),
                  Thucydides used it in the sense of being fair (d. 395 B.C.),
                  Plato meant it as fine language (d. 347 B. C.),
                  Aristotle used it to mean something that was reasonable (d. 322 B.C.),
                  and it was an idiom for alms collected for the poor. 

In the New Testament, several hundred years later, we translate the word as:

praise, flatter, blessing, benefit, gift, and a kind act towards someone else. 

Which begs the question: how should we translate it in Ephesians 1:3?   

            The Louw and Nida Greek Lexicon translates this verse with the meaning of praise and a kind act towards someone:

“Let us praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

for he has acted kindly toward us” (LN, 88.69).

The translators of the KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV translate both words as “blessing,” while the Amplified Bible shows the various meanings by writing, “May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father . . . .”

            After sitting with this for some time, I keep thinking back to similar key terms:

            the word (Jesus; scripture) is logos

the good news (gospel) is eu-angeliov    

            the good word (blessing, praise) is eu-logetos

In John 1:1 we correctly translate it as “the Word was God,” although the Greek word order places “God” first for emphasis.  Here, the Greek word order places “good word” [blessing] first.  In Greek, “the good news” is a thing (noun), the message of Christ crucified and resurrected. It is also an action (verb), since we are able to “good news” others (Luke 1:19; Acts 8:35). 

Here, God (The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ) is the Good Word and He is the one Good Wording us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens through His Son, Christ Jesus.. 

            God is the good word.

            God is the one good wording us in every spiritual good word.

            God is blessing.

            God is the one blessing us in every spiritual blessing.

            God is kindness.

            God is the one acting kindly to us in every spiritual kindness.

            God is the gift.

            God is the one gifting us with every spiritual gift

            God is the Good Word.

            God is the one Good Wording us in every spiritual Good Word.

            Beloved of God, The Good Word has come to bring us the Good News: that we can receive every spiritual Good Word—every spiritual blessing—through Jesus Christ.

            Are you ready for a Good Word?

                        Amen and Amen.