Paul says the Lord is able to do far more abundantly beyond all we ask or think. Not just a little more than what we ask, but far more, abundantly beyond what we even THINK to ask! So why do we worry?

The more we comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of our own depravity and sinful nature, the more we can truly comprehend His love for us.

Paul's note to his church about not losing heart over his tribulations serves as a wonderful reminder to each of us that we're not an island in this life. We seldom see what God is doing behind the curtain of heaven, and in times of suffering it can seem as though He's abandoned us.

The Lord does not want us to live in fear of losing our salvation as this erodes His finished work on the cross. Instead we have boldness and confidence in approaching God through faith in Christ.

The Apostle Paul tells us God chose to use the Gospel revelation to show His infinite wisdom to angelic beings who rule and have authority in the heavenly places, and that this was a mystery hidden in God Himself.

As someone who previously counted himself righteous by his own works, Paul's drastic and astonishing transformation could only happen when the Holy Spirit changes a heart and a person lives in a posture of surrender.

In this week's devotional we see that God called Paul to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and this gospel was a mystery never before revealed to mankind. It was unveiled only at the proper time in history.

Paul knew exactly why he was in prison and Who he was a prisoner of: Christ. He didn't blame the Romans or orthodox Jewish leaders for his circumstance, instead he acquiesced to the situation, knowing that God was in charge and that ultimately his fate rested in the Lord's hands

As saints and citizens of God's heavenly household, we all (Jews and Gentiles who have a saving faith in Christ) are being fitted together and growing into a holy temple in the Lord.

Through Christ's atoning work on the cross, we Gentiles are now citizens of the nation God promised to Abraham 4000 years ago, and this is by grace through faith, not by works.