Daily Dose of Hope

March 31, 2026

Scripture: Ephesians 3

Prayer: Almighty Father, Thank you for a new day and thank you that your mercies are new every single morning. How grateful we are that we can start afresh and anew each day. Forgive us for the many times we fell short, for when we weren't loving, for when we were easily angered, for when our patience wore thin. Today, help us represent you well. In all things, may we be reminded who and whose we are. We are yours. In Your Name, Amen.

Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Scripture reading plan. We have been journeying through Paul's letters and we are currently in our seventh letter, the book of Ephesians.

Today's reading is Ephesians 3. Paul starts out the chapter by talking about God's amazing plan for the Gentiles. They are now co-heirs and equal members of the body of Christ. They fully share in the promises of Jesus. And this plan not only brings unity to Jesus' church, but it offers all Christ-followers the ability to access God confidently and directly.

We find a beautiful prayer in verses 16-19 that Paul offers for the people in the Ephesian church. He starts by asking God to strengthen them by the power of the Holy Spirit. Remember, Ephesus was a very pagan city. The church there dealt with opposition on a daily basis. Paul knew they needed supernatural strength. The same could probably be said of us today. The sources of our distractions and opposition are different but still powerful. How do you personally need God's supernatural strength today?

Next, Paul prayed that they would be rooted in Jesus' love and understand how expansive and deep his love truly is for his people. In understanding this, it would change how they interacted with one another and with the unbelieving world. Having a solid understanding of God's extravagant love for us, we can extravagantly love others. Think about that...when we experience God's love so deeply, it's much easier to act in love toward others, even when they aren't very lovable. I've had to deal with some pretty unpleasant people over the past few months who I didn't feel like being loving toward. But then I read this verse and God quickly reminded me-he loved me when I wasn't so lovable. Because of his deep love for me, I can respond to others with love, period.

Finally, Paul prays that as they have this full understanding of God's love, they will be filled with the fullness of God. What might it be like to be filled with the fullness of God? I'm not sure I've gotten there yet but I sure want to get there. It sounds like there could be nothing better!

Blessings,

Pastor Vicki