Today's Passage - Ephesians 1:9-11

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Ephesians 1:9-11   "And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.  In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will..."   What is it that God has chosen the saints to inherit, or accomplish?  We are supposed to receive an inheritance in Christ, which is also predestined in God the Father, so that His glory may be praised.  Romans 8:29 says that "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."  This inheritance is what we need to accomplish - to become like Jesus according to the will of God, so that His glory may be manifested in us.  God has called to depart from sin to become His children and to be present with him.  That is, however, not what God ultimately wants to accomplish in us, because God's ultimate plan is to be like Jesus Christ.  The calling of God gives us the role as His children, and also let Christ rule our life.   So how do we learn to accomplish it?  We need to be changed through prayer.  The founder of an American women prayer ministry, Evelyn Christenson, has prayed that "Lord, I am not asking you to change others, change my husband or change my children, but please change me."  She prayed this way because she saw how she needed to be changed by God, and she needed to learn to entrust her husband and children to God's hands.  She also saw that through changing her, God also changed those who are around her.  We can say the same prayer in our daily life, and let us learn to spend quiet time before Him and listen to Him.   Let us spend more quiet time before God in our life, focus our thoughts on Jesus, thank and praise Him for His Word and work.  When we quiet down, we don't need to rush to say anything, but just let the Holy Spirit lead your mind and thoughts.  When the Holy Spirit has an opportunity to work, He will speak to your heart.  In the beginning, perhaps God just wants to change some small things in your life, but if you can submit to Him in small things, He can change you to be more like Christ.  Are you will to start this kind of prayer life starting today?                                                                                 Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord, I thank you because you are willing to work in our life until we are more like Christ.  May the Lord teach us to pray in our daily life, and let us learn to wait upon you quietly.  May the Spirit speak to us directly, guide us and correct us, until we are more like the Lord.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!