Ephesians 1:1 — Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Over the weekend, in my quiet time, the thought has been building in my mind of the steps by which we end up being in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit. So, unless He leads me in another direction, this will be the first of three pieces considering the “plan, build, occupy” process that leaves us as the Spirit’s homes.

The starting point for my thoughts was the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, specifically verses 1-14.

Verse 1 talks of Paul’s part in God’s plan — “an apostle by the will of God.” Then see all the other ideas … God chose us before the foundation of the world (V4). He predestined us to adoption (V5) according to His purpose (V11). He has provided bountifully for all our needs “in all wisdom and prudence” —“wisdom” in planning and “prudence” in executing His plan (VV7&8). He has planned for the fullness of time (V10) and given us a token — an “earnest” of what is to come (V14).

How often we are reminded of the promise given through Jeremiah that God has firmly set in His mind His plans to do good for us. But I don’t remember very often having the full scope of those plans being laid out. Reading this section of Ephesians again, I was reminded that His plans were laid before time began, and stretch forward into unimaginable eternity. We are often reminded that, in general, God’s plans for all creation extend infinitely in all directions of time and space, but it is moving for me to remember that the same is true for me, personally.

God’s plans are perfect. One of my favorite Psalms expresses it beautifully:

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! (Psalms 139:14-17)

This is a theme that could fill a book … not just a single devotion, but let me summarize: God’s plans are personal, perfect, and permanent. They weave a glittering thread through all of scripture. Tomorrow we shall move on from His role of architect to his work in building us to His specifications.