Humble Jørn

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. I'm Amy Boucher-Pye and I called our reading Humble Yorn.

They didn't think Yorn, a tenant farming the land, would amount to much. Yet, despite his weak vision and other physical limitations, he poured himself out for those in his village in Norway, praying the many nights when his pain kept him awake. In prayer, he'd move from house to house, naming each person individually, even the children he hadn't yet met. People loved his gentle spirit and would seek his wisdom and advice. If he couldn't help them practically, they'd still feel blessed when they left, having received his love.

And when Yorn died, his funeral was the biggest ever in that community, even though he had no family there. His prayers blossomed and brought forth fruit beyond what he could have imagined. This humble man followed in the example of the Apostle Paul, who loved those he served and prayed for them while confined. He wrote to those in Ephesus while he was likely imprisoned in Rome, praying that God would give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation and that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened. He yearned that they would know Jesus and live with love and unity through the power of the Spirit. Yorn and the Apostle Paul poured themselves out to God, committing those they loved and served to him in prayer.

May we consider their examples in how we love and serve others today. Our passage from Scripture today is from Ephesians chapter 1 verses 15 through 23. 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 holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age, but also in the one to come.

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Join me in praying. Jesus, you served others and put their needs first. Please help us today, tomorrow, and always to love and serve you with joy, constancy, and peace. We pray in your name. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.