seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 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. 18 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, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Here's the link to the commentary. I think reading the commentary would be the best way to get the "hopefulness" that I got this morning from the verses and the commentary combined.My online Bible titled these verses as "Thanksgiving and Prayer". I didn't get that from the first read through. As a matter of fact, I didn't get it from the commentary either. But I did get "hopefulness". That's a big deal this morning. Someone must have said a prayer for me!!!
The change that comes over someone when they become a Christian is subtle yet astounding too. I'm not talking about the "wannabe" who claims they belong to the church, even teach, but never got around to accepting Jesus as their Savior and God as their Father. I'm talking about someone who really talks to Jesus all the time, not long-winded prayers to show off their talent, but in short quiet conversational prayers. I've known both types and the differences are huge!
I have friends who are Christian. They don't go to church every Sunday.... church bugs them because there are so many "wannabes" pretending in the pews. They all have amazing Salvation Stories. They know when they accepted Jesus but they don't brag on it. They are kind to everyone they meet. They hold their tongues well when someone utters something totally ignorant. They have a past, but they thank God every day in some way for making it their past, and letting them get on with life. They put the booze, drugs, and abuse behind them and got on with the "hopeful" living of being a Christian.
One of the best preachers I ever met, was saved, bottle in hand, on an aircraft carrier in the rain. He told the story during a Revival at the church. He was a raging alcoholic. He isn't anymore. Most alcoholics will tell you; they are never cured. This man says the same... but he hasn't wanted a drink since that night and he will tell you it's all because God is his Father and he'll tell you that he's thankful.
I've been a lot of places I should not have gone. I generally met someone there who was searching for truth. I've told a lot of people "there's hope". I've heard a lot of souls say "yeah right". That opens the door so I you can share with someone... "We have all sinned... none of us has ever done a perfect job at life so far. Then God sent Jesus, His Son, and Jesus showed us the secret. We're not perfect at living this life, but we're getting better at it. We are "hopeful" and that helps. Life can get better."
The title of these verses is "Thanksgiving and Prayer".
"Thanks Father!"
