Praise God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord!

Scripture: Ephesians 1:21 "far above all principality and power and might and dominion and every name that is named, not only in this age but in that which is to come."

Observation:
What are the principalities, powers, mights, and dominions? Are they spiritual or temporal? This phrase is used elsewhere in relation to the spiritual realm (Eph. 6; Eph. 2). Perhaps I should consider the spiritual powers to be above human powers as a standard. "You have made him a little lower than the angels..."

God's plan was to put Jesus above everything. Jesus has become the mightiest, worthy of all praise and glory and honor. Repeatedly Jesus is lifted as supremely valuable, worthy, and mighty. (c.f. Revelation 5:11,12; Phil. 2:9-11). Philippians 2:11 is extremely important because it describes the reason or purpose that God determined to send, crucify, raise and glorify Jesus - it increases the glory that God receives from us.

Application: Jesus needs to be in that place in my mind and heart as well. I should ascribe to Him, by faith, greater strength and wisdom than any institution or friend or enemy that I encounter (be it physical, mental, spiritual, or relational). There should be no problem or struggle that He cannot be trusted with. "Hope does not disappoint!"

Second, Jesus must be absolutely, without reservation my highest and most cherished treasure! There is no greater person or object existing. As John Piper said, Mary wiped Jesus' feet with her hair because even the least part of Jesus is greater than, and worthy of praise with, the most beautiful and wonderful part of us.

If I give my entire being to the worship of Jesus I will fulfill my highest purpose and receive my highest fulfillment at the same time. My outpouring of my life to Jesus' praise will result in God's filling of me for everything and anything that I need. It is His will for it to be that way.

Prayer: Lord, please help me today to keep faith in You. Help me to never seek strength or might from man or circumstance. You are my God! Jesus, You are my might and righteous and glorious King! My Redeemer lives and my God triumphs in love, grace, mercy, and goodness! Oh, how I love You for Your awesome character and endless, undeserving love for me. Amen.