Thought of the Day !!

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 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. – Ephesians 1:15-19a (NIV)

Paul started up the church in Ephesus.  It’s his baby.  He is their spiritual father, their mentor, their friend.  And he prays often for these friends. 

Notice first what he doesn’t pray for.  He doesn’t pray for things such as safety or security.  He doesn’t pray for physical healings or finances.  He doesn’t pray that they will be successful or even happy.  Instead, Paul prays for what he understands to be most important for his friends.  He prays for them to know God better.  The greatest thing that Paul can ask God for on behalf of his friends in Ephesus is a deeper intimacy with Him. 

The greatest gift we can have in this world has nothing to do with our earthly needs or desires.  It’s being totally consumed and in love with God the Father and the Son Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

We can know about God.  We can know that He is holy.  We can know we would have nothing if it were not for Him.  But until the “eyes of our hearts” are opened to Him and enlightened, we are in no better shape than if we were to go through this life never having even hearing about Him.  And if these “eyes of our hearts” are not opened, then our walk with Him will be one out of duty instead of one out of intimacy.  It’s only through an intimate walk with Him that we’ll find true joy because it is this kind of walk that we were created for.  So don’t settle for a half-hearted walk with Jesus.  Or else you’ll miss out on so much.

In the love of Christ,

greg