Ephesians 1
Both OverviewBible.com and MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicate Ephesians as a letter written to remind the young church of Ephesus of their identity in Christ and to prescribe how to manifest this identity in their lives - practical advice. We all need to be reminded of how lavishly God has blessed us - and undeservedly so.
We are holy and blameless in His sight (v4).
We are adopted by Him and been freely given grace (v5-6).
We have redemption and forgiveness of sins in His blood (v7).
He shares wisdom with us (v8-9).
Of course there are so many more ways God blesses us but Paul's words are more than sufficient to give us the humility we need to appreciate who God is and what He has done for us. It should encourage us to continue to come back to Him.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has lavishly bestowed an unimaginable amount of blessings on me - thank You Jesus - I am overwhelmed by Your love. Even more so because I know I am undeserving. I sin daily - not being who You desire for me, I fall down in my sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
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. v7-8
Both OverviewBible.com and MacArthur Bible Study Commentary (for purchase) indicate Ephesians as a letter written to remind the young church of Ephesus of their identity in Christ and to prescribe how to manifest this identity in their lives - practical advice. We all need to be reminded of how lavishly God has blessed us - and undeservedly so.
We are holy and blameless in His sight (v4).
We are adopted by Him and been freely given grace (v5-6).
We have redemption and forgiveness of sins in His blood (v7).
He shares wisdom with us (v8-9).
Of course there are so many more ways God blesses us but Paul's words are more than sufficient to give us the humility we need to appreciate who God is and what He has done for us. It should encourage us to continue to come back to Him.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has lavishly bestowed an unimaginable amount of blessings on me - thank You Jesus - I am overwhelmed by Your love. Even more so because I know I am undeserving. I sin daily - not being who You desire for me, I fall down in my sin. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
