Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola focus on the incredible promises found in Ephesians 3:20 and the limitless ability of God to bless His children. They explain how God desires to do far more than we could ever ask, think, or imagine, according to His power working within us. The message emphasizes kingdom-minded thinking, confident asking, and renewing the mind to align with God's goodness. The pastors encourage believers to meditate deeply on this verse and allow the Holy Spirit to bring revelation, faith, and expectation into every area of life.
Bible verses referenced
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Matthew 6:10 — “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Colossians 1:13 — “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
Romans 8:11 — “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: God Is Able
- The Meaning of “Exceedingly Abundantly Above”
- Keep Asking God
- Kingdom Thinking and Kingdom Living
- The Importance of Thought Life
- The Dunamis Power Working Within Us
- Meditating on the Word Daily
- Final Encouragement and Ministry Updates
Introduction: God Is Able
Pastor Lori begins the teaching by reminding everyone of the main scripture from Sunday’s message:
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Pastor Leonard immediately emphasizes the phrase “Now unto him,” explaining that “him” refers to God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. He repeatedly stresses that God is able. He recalls an old song from his youth about God being able to carry believers through every circumstance. The central emphasis is that believers must truly understand and believe that God is fully capable of doing what He promises
The Meaning of “Exceedingly Abundantly Above
Pastor Lori begins breaking down the meanings of the words in Ephesians 3:20. She explains that “exceedingly” means beyond, over, and beyond again. She emphasizes that believers cannot ask too much of God because His blessings go far beyond normal human expectations.
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
The pastor's focus on how the verse repeatedly builds upward: exceedingly, abundantly, above, all. Pastor Lori explains that God keeps emphasizing His limitless goodness through repeated words of expansion and increase. Pastor Leonard points out that this repetition reflects the perfection and fullness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at work on behalf of believers.
They stress that God desires to do more than merely meet necessities. He desires to bless “over and above” what is necessary. Pastor Lori highlights that the scripture keeps expanding the idea, showing there is no ceiling to God’s goodness and provision.
Keep Asking God
The teaching then moves into the phrase “ask or think.” Pastor Lori explains that the word “ask” includes asking, begging, calling, craving, and deeply desiring. She notes that many believers have been taught by religion that there is a complicated formula for asking God correctly.
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
However, the pastors emphasize that this verse simply encourages believers to ask. Pastor Leonard says believers should not worry about “getting the combination right” or finding the perfect wording. The emphasis is on God’s willingness and ability rather than human perfection.
Pastor Lori explains that as believers grow closer to the Lord, their desires naturally begin aligning with His kingdom and His heart. Because believers live within God’s kingdom, their requests increasingly reflect kingdom realities. Pastor Leonard then references Jesus’ teaching concerning God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 — “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
He explains that kingdom asking involves praying for healing, blessed relationships, financial provision, wisdom, healthy families, and lives that reflect heaven’s reality on earth. The pastors stress that kingdom-minded believers are not asking for evil or sinful things but are asking according to God’s loving nature and kingdom purposes.
Pastor Leonard then references the kingdom of the Son of God’s love.
Colossians 1:13 — “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
The pastors summarize this section with the phrases “kingdom living,” “kingdom asking,” and “kingdom receiving.”
Kingdom Thinking and Kingdom Living
The conversation then shifts toward the importance of thinking. Pastor Leonard says that thinking has become a major focus in his heart recently because thoughts shape spiritual life and experience.
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Pastor Lori explains that believers think before they speak and that thoughts matter greatly within the spiritual realm. She teaches that believers must think and speak in unity with the kingdom of God and the Spirit of God.
The pastors explain that the word “think” includes comprehending, considering, perceiving, and understanding. They stress that spiritual growth requires aligning the soul, mind, and will with God’s kingdom realities. According to the pastors, thoughts are not insignificant but are deeply connected to faith, prayer, and spiritual transformation.
The Importance of Thought Life
Pastor Leonard and Pastor Lori continue emphasizing the importance of renewing the mind and maintaining kingdom-focused thinking. They teach that believers must meditate on God’s promises and think in harmony with the Spirit.
They explain that spiritual life flows from inward belief and understanding. Thoughts shape expectations, and expectations influence how believers receive from God. Pastor Lori especially emphasizes unity between thought life and the spirit realm.
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
The pastors repeatedly return to the idea that the soul — the mind, will, and emotions — plays an important role in how believers walk in kingdom realities. They encourage listeners to think deeply about God’s promises rather than allowing fear, limitation, or religion to dominate their minds.
The Dunamis Power Working Within Us
Pastor Lori then focuses on the phrase “according to the power that worketh in us.” She explains that the word “power” refers to “dunamis” power, which is where the word “dynamite” originates.
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
The pastors explain that this is the very same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.
Romans 8:11 — “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
Pastor Leonard emphasizes that this resurrection power is alive inside believers right now. He explains that the power is active, efficient, and constantly working within God’s children. Pastor Lori again connects this back to thought life, saying that proper kingdom thinking allows believers to walk in greater awareness of the power operating within them.
Meditating on the Word Daily
Pastor Lori encourages everyone to meditate on Ephesians 3:20 throughout the entire week. She tells listeners to study every word carefully and allow the Holy Spirit to illuminate the verse personally to them.
Ephesians 3:20 — “Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
She explains that the Holy Spirit will bring revelation and excitement as believers continue thinking about the scripture. Pastor Leonard shares how he personally wrote definitions beside each word in the verse to help meditate more deeply upon its meaning.
The pastors then remind listeners that God’s Word itself is alive, active, and powerful.
Hebrews 4:12 — “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Pastor Leonard explains how meditating on the expanded meanings of words like “exceedingly” and “abundantly” caused the verse to come alive in a powerful way as he studied it.
Final Encouragement and Ministry Updates
Toward the end of the teaching, the pastors thank viewers for their love, support, cards, letters, and gifts. Pastor Leonard shares that Facebook had deleted his platform, which he describes as a mistake, but reassures viewers that New Life Ministry remains available on many other platforms.
They direct viewers to their website, where people can find their teachings on YouTube, X, Instagram, Spotify, Roku, iTunes, PodChaser, and Podbeans. The pastors encourage listeners to spread the word so others can continue finding the ministry online. The teaching closes with expressions of gratitude and love for their audience and anticipation for the next session together.
We hope this article has blessed you and encouraged you to meditate deeply on God’s limitless goodness and power. Take time throughout the week to reflect on Ephesians 3:20 and allow the Holy Spirit to bring fresh revelation into your heart and mind. Share this teaching with friends and family so others can also be encouraged by the message of God’s exceeding, abundant grace and kingdom power.