Ephesians 2: 1-10

Overview:
Before we trusted Christ, we were dead in our sins. We once followed the world and its ruler, Satan, (the prince of the power of the air- v. 2) as still do those who have not believed the gospel message. BUT GOD (love that part) even though we were mired in our sins, saved us - purely out of grace, because we did not deserve it or earn it. It's by grace you have been saved (2:8-9) not of works, so that you couldn't boast that you had anything to do with your salvation. Salvation is a free gift from God. God created us - His workmanship. He created us to do good works, a plan He had for us before we were born - a plan so we would know how to walk the walk.
Application:
Nothing I can do will earn me more of God's love. He knew about me before the creation of the world, and drew me to Himself, knowing I could not/would not come on my own volition. I live day-by-day by His timetable for my life. I want to live my life yielded to His control as His will is best for me. He had a plan for me, and prayerfully I am living it out for His glory.

Ephesians 1:15-23

Overview:
Paul is thankful for hearing that the Ephesian church was staying faithful to Christ, and their love for all believers (saints). He continually thanks God for them. He prays the following for them: (1) that they would have wisdom and continually grow in their knowledge of God; (2) that the "eyes of their hearts" would know in a richer way than before the "hope of their calling" - what Christ did for them, is doing presently, and what will await them in glory; (3) that they would understand God's immeasurable power. He goes on to say what that power is - it saved us; raised Christ from the dead; seated Him at the right hand of God the Father; made Him the ultimate authority and sovereign over all (made everything His footstool); God gave the church into Christ's safekeeping. The "church" is His body.
Application:
As I read this, I kept thinking the phrase - "that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection." It's all about knowing God. Not a superficial knowledge of facts but, an in-depth love affair with Him. This is obviously important because Paul keeps bringing it up again and again in his letters to the churches.
"Lord, help me know you in way that changes me to be like your true Son. I know lots of facts, but I want to have a deep non-shakable relationship with You - one that stands firm and testifies to all who see, that when the tough times come, You are all we have and You are all we need. You are "all in all." 

Ephesians 1:1-14 (this was from Tue, March 16th - no Internet yesterday)

Personal Note:

I’m in Nashville – arrived at 10AM this morning. I can’t put this on my blog today, as I don’t have Internet connection here. Tomorrow I’ll go to the library and put this on and also work on the webpage.

Our kitty, Belle, that we’ve had for 19 years, died today.  I knew even last night something was not right, but I’ve thought that in the past and she ended up being fine. But this morning, when I was getting ready to get in the car to go to the airport, I could see she was extremely weak. She would meow, but no cry could be heard. I got a chance to rub her head and talk to her, but I had a plane to catch, and so with a very heavy heart and many instructions for poor Rodger, I left.

Rodg called me about 1:30 and said he was on his way to Jay’s clinic. Before he even said anything, I could hear stress in his voice. Jay wasn’t there, but a female vet said she thought it was either diabetes or kidney failure. Kitty couldn’t stand up on her own and was very, lethargic and weak. She didn’t fight Rodger about going to the vet and she didn’t even react to the other animals that were there.

He called me back and asked me what we should do. I knew he knew what was right, but he needed to  hear it from me. I had to actually say the words, but as I did so, I made him promise he would hold her until she went. I felt so bad that my little friend was leaving and I couldn’t be there to let her know how loved she was by all of us. Rodger was great (all those times he’d say otherwise, he loved her too!). He and I chose to have him bring her home and bury her in our yard. Seemed more personal and kind that way – she was a part of the family for so many years. Keith was only 4 and Catherine 8 when she followed us home on a family vacation in Belle Vista (thus the name we gave her – although “Kitty” and “Fat Cat” were names we called her more frequently).  

Today was a sad day….

Overview:

Paul begins the letter with greetings and then goes into a worship mode – extolling the blessings that God has given us. He’s blessed us with all spiritual blessings (if we don’t think we have them, it’s not for lack of having them, but rather our lack of appropriating them in our lives); He predestined us before the world began, to be adopted into God’s family because of the price Christ paid for us on the cross – He bought us back (redeemed us) and forgave all our sins; and revealed to us the “mystery of His will” (opened our eyes and hearts to know and understand His plan for our salvation and how He wanted us to live).  He works all things according to the counsel of his will (v 12). Paul reminds them that when they heard and received the Gospel message that they were sealed by the Holy Spirit – He is the stamp of authenticity that says: This one belongs to God. We carry this stamp until the day we receive our inheritance – heaven.

Application:

It is a good thing to be continually reminded of our roots. It gives us a sense of our place in this world. Paul reminds us that our salvation was less about our “free will” and our choosing Him – and all about Him choosing me because He loved me. The age old question of “How could He choose some and not others?” comes to mind. The only answer one can give is that we were “dead in our trespasses and sins” we would not – could not, choose Him. He had to choose us. Why me and not others? Because He is God and I know that the God who created me only knows how to do right. I am not God. I can’t explain why He chose me, but I’m glad He did! I’m glad I have the Holy Spirit’s stamp of authenticity. I am looking forward to receiving my full inheritance as an adopted child of God. Adoption is special – each child is chosen by his new parents, just like God chose us. And just like the adopted child has all the rights of a natural born child (Jesus), we too have those same rights and privileges. We can approach our heavenly Father and make our requests of Him and He will give us what we need.

“Thank you God for choosing me. Help me to assimilate into your family and be like Jesus. I want to look just like one of your natural born children.  I am your own.”

Philippians 4:14-23

Personal Note:
The news is not good for those living near the US in Mexico. Drug wars have erupted, and many people have been killed - mostly cartel and Federal-es, but some "innocents" as well. The US consulate in Reynosa has pulled out its personnel because of fear for our people's safety. So...we are in prayerful concern for the safety and well-being of my sister Carole and brother-in-law, Peter, as they cross the border back into the States. They are planning on going through the Columbia crossing at Laredo this Friday. I look forward to hearing her voice on this side of the border!
Overview:
Paul says he was glad the Phillipian church has been  helping him in ministry for quite some time. Not that he wanted their gifts, but his concern was that because of their help, God would see it as a fragrant offering. Just as you have supplied my needs, God will supply all your needs. Greetings are passed along. He ends the book with: "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."
Application:
You can't outgive God. If you are a blessing to others in looking out for their needs, God will take care of your needs too. He's able to do that because of all His riches in glory. We just had new shutters installed in our home on all the windows except the MB. The young man who installed them was a Christian and goes to Life Church in Olathe, KS (getlife.com) - I'll have to check it out. Anyway, don't know that shutters qualifies as a "need," but God has richly blessed us. We are able to do things that most people making our income would never be able to do. I've often said that it feels like the woman in the Bible who God kept giving her flour and oil daily - a supply that never ran out. We don't give to others because we expect God to richly bless us, as some preachers teach, but because we believe that is what God would have us do. I remember times of personal need, and want to bless others the way God has blessed us. Besides, we won't need it where we're going, and our kids are on their way to financial independence - give it to those that God lays on your heart. It blesses them, but I can testify it is pure delight to give - makes me feel like I'm on an errand for God. And if someone gives to you, allow it to happen - don't rob them of the joy of giving. This is a hard principal for me, but I'm learning to be a gracious receiver. Afterall - it all belongs to my Father anyway!!