READING: EPHESIANS 3:1-7
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles –

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.
REFLECTION
It's Wednesday, half way through the working week, it's all downhill from here! We hope you are enjoying the Foundations Podcasts and the reflections on Ephesians are informing and inspiring you. It gets better - we have now arrived at Ephesians chapter 3, a great passage.

Ephesians 3:1-7 is our reading today but I want us to focus on v7 from The Message:

This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details.

Question: Do you want to be used by God? Do you want to make a difference – in your family and with your friends, in your school, university or workplace? Do you want to play your part in bringing the goodness and kindness of Jesus to those around you. It is always encouraging to know that as we follow Jesus in our everyday lives that our simple actions can have repercussions into eternity.

The Bible says that 'The kindness of God leads to repentance' . In other words, our kind actions can by a catalyst in the lives of those around us, calling them to ask ... 'Why?' Why are you doing this? I became a Christian many years ago and the journey began when a Christian colleague I worked with showed me kindness. It really does work!

Today's Bible passage not only reveals the mystery of Christ, but it also shows us how, as a result, we can be used by God to make an difference. There is Power in the message of the gospel Power does not come from your circumstances or position in life. Paul himself was a prisoner (v.1). It doesn’t come from human greatness. Paul writes, ‘I am less than the least of all God’s people’ (v.8). Power doesn’t come from lording over people. Paul writes, ‘I became a servant’ (v.7). Power comes from the message of the gospel put into practice every day by our simple acts of kindness, love, generosity and a willingness to speak to others when asked about our faith in Jesus.

This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. This was Paul's calling. This is our calling today and every day. Be kind, be generous, be ready; God will handle the details. Let Jesus work through you today. Exciting!
PRAY
Lord, I am ready to be used by you today and the days to come. Help me to help others understand your message of forgiveness, love and new beginnings. I am ready Lord, use me. Amen.