In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will (Ephesians 1:5). Such a huge little phrase Guess what? God didn’t choose you grudgingly. He didn’t say to himself, … Continue reading
In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ…(Ephesians 1:4-5). I tend to make things up as I go along. I muddle along, reactive instead of proactive, trying and often failing to MacGyver my way … Continue reading
For he (God) chose us in him (Jesus) before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:4). You are the chosen one. Well, maybe not the chosen one, but certainly a chosen one. … Continue reading
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). Think you aren’t strong enough? Think you aren’t smart enough? Think you … Continue reading
Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:2). Have you ever considered the relationship between the words grace and peace? Paul always puts them together. Look through his letters and you will … Continue reading
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1) That’s you. Paul’s talking to you. OK, so not specifically you. He’s writing to people on the … Continue reading
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…(Ephesians 1:1) That’s not intimidating at all. I mean, imagine getting a letter from someone claiming to be a direct representative of Jesus…because that’s what an apostle was. There were … Continue reading
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen (Philippians 4:23). Well, Beloved…we did it. Pretty much the entire book of Philippians Go us. So…Paul signs off with a simple sentence, a benediction to his readers. But … Continue reading
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). The key word here is needs. And God. God is always a key word. And, you know, Christ Jesus. But right now … Continue reading
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles (Philippians 4:14). So, there is a person on your mind who needs help. Maybe financially Maybe emotionally Maybe logistically Maybe spiritually I don’t know who they are, but you … Continue reading