Bible Chapter: Ephesians 1

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    God’s plan for His followers is that we will live holy and blameless in His sight.  Is that possible?  Can we really LIVE a holy life?  Can we live with spiritual victory?  Well, if that is God’s plan for us, then we really CAN live a holy life.  We must not make excuses for sinning continually.  When we make Jesus our Lord we are adopted into His family.  We belong and must live according to the family name.  God works in us to give us the changes and strength we need, but we still must live the life.
    We have redemption through His blood.  A footnote in the Fire Bible says that redemption means “deliverance with a price”.  Jesus paid the costly price through His blood.  We have been bought with a price and must serve the Lord.  We have been forgiven, so we have God’s peace and victory over evil.  As we keep the price Jesus paid in mind, we will more likely want to live as it pleases Him.  We live “in Christ”, a term seen many times in this book.  We live in connection with and communication with Jesus.  Jesus is our environment and world view.  He becomes our everything.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I must apply the thoughts I have just written about.  I am also looking at part of Paul’s prayer in the second half of this chapter.  He prays for the eyes of our hearts to be enlightened so we may know the hope Jesus has called us to.  We have the most amazing inheritance waiting for us.  There are many children of millionaires who wait excitedly to grow up so they can inherit lots of money.  That is fine.  But, God has an even greater inheritance waiting for us.  Eternity in God’s presence is worth more than all the world can offer.  Here there is always something that will fail or disappoint.  There is no failure or disappointment in heaven.  May my eyes always be open to what God says and may my heart always desire to follow His ways.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I must continue to pray for the spiritual eyes of those around me will be open to see what God has provided for them through the sacrifice of the cross.  Sadly, so many don’t see what He did or their need of true commitment to Jesus.