Amy Boucher Pye

Category: Devotionals

Devotional of the week: My heart, Christ’s home (6 in Ephesians series)

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every 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 Lord’s people, 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. Ephesians 3:14–19

This must be one of the most inspiring passages of Paul’s letter, showing how Christ takes residence in the believer, making his home in our inner being. It is Trinitarian, for Paul prays that the Father would strengthen his children through his Spirit so that Christ may dwell in us. Christ lives in us, and we live in Christ. He changes our outlook, attitudes, and emotions, making us more like him. We then yearn for justice and mercy; we pray for those who wrong us; we can rest and be at peace.

Why and how? All though love. Love that is wide, long, high, and deep, beyond our knowing. Some commentators dismiss these geographical descriptions as a mere poetical flourish, but I think they give a rich image of the all-surpassing vastness of God’s love. John Stott tells of the ancient commentators who saw these dimensions illustrated on the cross of Christ: “For its upright pole reached down into the earth and pointed up to heaven, while its crossbar carried the arms of Jesus, stretched out as if to invite and welcome the world” (John Stott, God’s New Society, IVP, p. 137). As he says, it may be fanciful, but it is true.

With Christ dwelling within, we are rooted and established in his love – rooted, as if a tree or a vine, and established, as if the foundation of a well-built building. May this love permeate your being today.

Prayer: “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” (Ephesians 3:20–21).

July 13, 2015
Devotional of the week: Heirs together (5 in Ephesians series)

Photo: Carla Vasquez, flickr

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… Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. (Ephesians 3:4–6, 8–9)

Years ago I was visiting a pastor and his family, and I remember my surprise when he remarked at how much he enjoyed his church council meetings. His voice was filled with delight as he marveled over the creative ways God was using his body of believers. Too often, however, this is not the case. You can probably recall acrimonious church meetings as clearly as I can, when words are used as weapons and people’s character is called into question or even maligned. How God must weep at these divisions and strife.

In contrast, Paul preaches God’s peace and grace in his letter. He has moved from speaking of Christ’s work of individual salvation and his work of reconciliation to God’s formation of the Church, which is equally for all, whatever one’s race. In verse 6 Paul stresses this aspect of unity with his repetition of the word together: Gentiles are heirs together with Israel; together they are members of one body; together they share in the promise of Christ.

That the Gentiles were equal with their fellow Jewish believers was a surprise, for the newcomers would not have expected this level of equality. But through Christ all divisions cease and Paul is pointing the way for a new order. He is making known what was once hidden, administering the grace of God to the least in his Kingdom.

This week, join me in praying for peace and unity among believers, that we would be God’s sweet fragrance in the world, inviting them back to their Creator.

For reflection: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12).

July 6, 2015
Devotional of the week: Change agents (4 in Ephesians series)

Photo: Matt Brown, flickr

[Christ Jesus] came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:17–22)

Many years ago I was transplanted to my husband’s country, the UK. All of the sudden I felt helpless, disorientated, and like a little child. Even going to the post office was a trial, as I tried to remember which were the correct words or how much money the coins denoted. I was a foreigner and a stranger, and didn’t feel that I belonged. But two women who had experience of both countries befriended me, assisting me in the process of assimilation. They were God’s agents, preaching peace and helping me to look outside of my culture shock to God’s greater purposes.

Paul in his letter also acts as an agent of change and peace. He moves from his emphasis on individual salvation, as we saw last week, to the divisions that had existed between Jewish believers and the new converts, the Gentiles. Whereas alienation once reigned, now Christ had smashed the dividing wall of hostility, ushering in unity and peace. Those who were warring with each other now could have enriching relations.

Through Christ we also have access to the Father through the Spirit, and therefore we are citizens and members of his household. No longer are we foreigners or strangers, for now we belong to the household of God. We know that he welcomes us and will hear us.

Christ has dismantled the wall of division, and he also has become the chief cornerstone of the building that is the people of God. Through him we too are part of this dwelling, interconnected and dependent on him and those around us. How can you be an agent of peace this day?

Prayer: Lord, we celebrate your ascension, rejoicing that you have not left us, but live in and through us. Dwell in us, we pray.

June 29, 2015
Devotional of the week: God’s masterpiece (3 in Ephesians series)

“God’s Masterpiece” by Dawson Vosburg

You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air… All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts… But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions… For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works… (Ephesians 2:1–5, 8–10)

Some say that Ephesians 2:1–10 is the best biblical summary of the gospel. As Paul moves in the previous chapter from an exultation of God through Christ on a cosmic level, he turns here to the level of humanity, showing how God has saved us from our sinful lives. He compares the old with the new: once we were dead, but now we are alive. Once we were ruled by the cravings of our flesh; now we are saved.

This is pure grace. God in his mercy pulls us out of the graves we dig for ourselves, through lies, slander, bitterness, unbelief, or unforgiveness. He releases us from the tangles of these deathly cords and sets us onto a solid foundation. When we are placed firmly on the rock of Christ, we are then propelled into a life of good works. And lest we claim this goodness for ourselves, Paul reminds us that these works too are a gift from God. We are God’s craftsmanship, his handiwork, his workmanship; in short, we are his work of art. And we, fuelled by grace, find joy in the release from our sinful nature.

Some people have had an amazing conversion story, having turned from a life of drugs, sex, or the occult. Others, like me, have been followers of Christ since they were children. Either way, we know that God is continually transforming us through his renewing Sprit, forming us into the glorious creation that he has always intended for us to be.

Prayer: Lord, you are renewing me day by day. Shape me into your masterpiece.

June 22, 2015
Devotional of the week: The riches of our hope (2 in Ephesians series)

…Ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all his people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. (Ephesians 1:15–19)

Paul moves from his song of praise to a prayer of intercession and thanksgiving for his readers. He longs that they would know Christ better through the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, revelation, and enlightenment. When he prays for the opening of the eyes of their hearts, he uses wonderfully imaginative language. And he prays that they would receive God’s hope, riches, and power.

When we are grounded in Christ, we are filled with hope. Theologian CFD Moule has a marvelous definition for this Christian virtue, namely “faith standing on tiptoe” (as quoted in the NIV Application Commentary, Zondervan, 1996, p. 74). Our circumstances may seem unrelenting or impenetrable, but we can ask God to stretch our faith and give us the hope to believe his promises.

When my much-loved job at a major publisher was eliminated some years ago, my first reaction was pain and disbelief. I turned to God, asking him to fill me with hope for the future. The loss didn’t disappear instantly, but gradually chinks of light appeared in the darkness. And over time I formed a so-called portfolio lifestyle that affords me more time with my kids along with enriching writing and editing.

Have you lost hope? If the waters seem to be washing over you, may you be able to grasp the Lord’s life raft this day. May he bring you encouragement, whether through a verse of Scripture leaping off the page, the assurance of his never-ending love, the laughter of children, the caress of a loved-one or, perhaps, even a new job prospect.

For prayer: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:24).

June 15, 2015
Devotional of the week: In Christ (1 in Ephesians series)

Time for a new devotional series! We start off a journey through Ephesians, one of the letters of the Apostle Paul, dripping with riches. Join me today for the introduction and first Bible reading note.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians may be relatively short, but it has shaped the lives of countless Christians. Some have called it the crown of Paul’s letters; others say that “pound for pound,” it is the most influential document ever written.

Paul may have intended for churches throughout Asia Minor to read it, and not just at the church at Ephesus (in modern-day Turkey), for it is less personal than his other letters and he does not address specific concerns and heresies. Rather he outlines God’s cosmic plan of redemption through his Son, Jesus Christ, and then gives the new believers instructions on how to live.

The first part is a song of praise for Christ, and how God has revealed to Paul the amazing mystery of our (that is, the Gentiles’) salvation through him. God has lavished his grace on us through Christ and has sealed us with the Holy Spirit. Now we are now heirs of his glorious riches.

He then explores the old life versus the new, urging the believers to dwell in Christ, leaving their old selves behind. For Christ has shattered the former divisions between peoples and races, and calls for a life of unity and peace. No longer are we foreigners and strangers, but citizens and members of God’s household. Now we dwell in Christ, being rooted and established in him.

If the first half of Paul’s letter is cosmic, theological and lofty, the second half is deeply practical. Paul gives instructions for unity and maturity, urging the believers to live a life worthy of the calling they have received. No longer should we give ourselves over to drunkenness or debauchery, but we should be filled with the Holy Spirit. As we put on the new self, we take on the virtues of humility, love, patience, grace, holiness and kindness. We submit to each other out of love for Christ.

At the end of Paul’s letter, he calls the believers to action. He urges them to put on the armor of God so to stand firm in the battle that rages around us, namely in the heavenly realms. As we arm ourselves with his resources, we will stand.

As you engage with the riches of Paul’s letter, may you have power, together with all the Lord’s people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight… In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us… In him we were also chosen, having been predestined… in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Ephesians 1:3–4, 7–8, 11–13 (TNIV, abridged)

In the Greek, Ephesians 1:3–14 is all one sentence, forming Paul’s expression of praise for what God has done through his Son, Jesus Christ. Repeated throughout these verses is the phrase, “in Christ.” In the Greek it appears 11 times and in the whole of Ephesians, 36 times. In Paul’s writings overall, it shows up 164 times. Many biblical commentators, including Klyne Snodgrass, author of The NIV Application Commentary: Ephesians, name this theme as Paul’s central theological idea.

What does it mean to be in Christ? We see various meanings here: God chose us in Christ to be his children; through Christ we are redeemed and forgiven; we are to hope in Christ; through him we believe. We are in Christ and he is in us; we are joined with him and have union with him.

This oneness with Christ changes us from the inside out. It is mystical, for this is the realm of the unseen invading our lives. But this union is practical too, for as we dwell in him, we find the resources to live in his way. That could mean being an advocate for the poor, joyfully making a cup of tea for a builder, spending time with someone who is housebound, reigning in our tongues or spreading peace and love with those we meet. Christ defines us and our understanding of reality. He truly is, in the words of the popular praise song, our “all in all.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I find my identity in you. Fill me with your presence this day, that your love, grace, and truth might overflow from within.

June 8, 2015
Devotional of the week: Praises always (7 in 1 Peter 4 series)

…so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power… 1 Peter 4:11

I’ve had the privilege of knowing some Christians who are completely sold out for God. Truly in all things, God is praised in their lives. One is a businesswoman who conducts her dealings with transparency and integrity. She nearly ended her life about forty years ago when mired in the occult, so she has a deep passion to spread the good news of the gospel wherever she goes – whether in a taxi or when buying gifts for a friend. She who has known the chains of oppression desires that others would be free. Another chose the sometimes lonely path of Christian leadership when being a woman leader wasn’t accepted in all parts of the church. She committed herself – her salary, where she lived, how she served – to the mission she was called to.

As we’ve seen in this passage, Peter knows we will suffer. But he knows that suffering will produce a harvest of righteousness as we trust in God. We are to serve the Lord as wholehearted people; those to whom we commit things big and small. Not only how we spend our time – our life projects – but how we treat, say, the person selling us a newspaper. In all things may we bring glory to God, through Christ Jesus. Know that he is with you each moment of each day.

Prayer: Lord God, may I know that you lead me and are with me. I commit myself to your glory. Amen.

June 1, 2015
Devotional of the week: Many gifts; one body (6 in 1 Peter 4 series)

Photo: Jean-Etienne Liotard: The Chocolate Pot

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others… 1 Peter 4:10

When I think of servants, a couple of people spring to mind immediately. They don’t know each other – they are separated by an ocean – but are kindred spirits. Both love to serve in the background in churches where I’ve been a member; whether it’s making the tea or setting up chairs, they find meaning and joy in tasks that some might see as mundane. The world is richer for them.

Other people like to serve through leading, through seeing and sparking to life the God-given potential in another. They often bring together disparate groups of people to build a cohesive team. Others have the gift of empathy, reaching out to those who are hurting with what seems an innate sense. We see Paul’s list of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12, where he names some as teachers, some as prophets, some as helpers. All are different, and all are needed in the body of Christ.

Do you know what your gifts are? Maybe you’re seeing yourself through old lenses, with new gifts having been developed or wanting to emerge. Have you buried a desire, but the Lord might want to encourage you in it? Spend some time being quiet before the Lord, and see how he leads. This could be the start of a new period of fruitfulness.

Prayer: Lord God, help me serve with the gifts you’ve given. Give me eyes to see and a heart to love. Amen.

May 25, 2015
Devotional of the week: Love, love, love (5 in 1 Peter 4 series)

Photo: Dustin Gaffkey, flickr

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

Recently I was texting a friend, and the auto-correct turned my words into, “I’m paying that God will give you strength today.” Imagine if we had to pay God to answer our prayers! Thankfully no payment is involved, at least by us. God’s never-ending love involved his Son giving his life as payment instead. His love covers a multitude of sins.

Of course, Peter is not talking specifically about God’s love here, but the love we as his children should show each other. As we live in the light of eternity, we are to cover our relationships in a thick spreading of love – one that is thicker than dollops of cream and jam on a scone. We know the root of this love comes from God’s love for us.

One of my friends at times is tempted to despair that people in her family will never change. She sees a controlling and self-centered father, a mother who acquiesces and an immature sister. And that’s not even describing her husband’s family. Although she sets boundaries in place, she also prays regularly for her family, that God would break through with his grace and love. She extends love, letting it wash away that multitude of sins.

Is there one person you could show extra love to today? Perhaps you could spend some time asking God to reveal who that might be, and how you could love them.

Prayer: Father, we love because you first loved us. Help us to be your hands and feet – and heart. Amen.

May 18, 2015
Devotional of the week: Divine Conversation (4 in 1 Peter 4 series)

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.” 1 Peter 4:7

I’m passionate about prayer, including leading retreats called “Adventures in Prayer.” Why? Because prayer opens up a divine conversation, and wonderfully, the Lord loves to meet us. The ways he reveals himself delight, like the time I was in a listening-prayer group with people I didn’t know, and one of them had a picture for me of roller skates. Sounds odd, but I immediately understood what the image meant – the roller skates symbolized the public speaking I was soon embarking on. Although I felt fear and trepidation when strapping on the skates (standing at the podium), once I got rolling, I’d feel the wind whip through my hair in exhilaration. I knew I was to trust God, including giving up my word-for-word scripts. That picture ushered in a new joy and freedom in my speaking.

Sometimes prayer is freeing and joyous, like that clear image, but sometimes we are sober of mind. Here Peter alerts us that the end is near, so we should be alert and pray. We might have before us heavy matters: a friend experiencing a crushing loss; a son facing depression and difficulty; a family member holding a grudge against us. As we take these issues to God, asking for his grace and mercy, he will bring us hope, relief and signs of joy.

Father God, I give you my concerns and delights. I know you hear me, and that you love me. Amen.

May 11, 2015