Ephesians – Chapter 1

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 – What part of all this do you do? All I see in this passage when it comes to our part in the salvation process is us hearing and believing it. Everything else is Jesus. Make sure you’re not changing that process in anyway. Like thinking if my church attendance grows so will my chances of getting into Heaven. Or thinking you better do 5 good things now to make up for the 1 bad thing you did last night. That type of thinking isn’t anywhere near what scripture says about your relationship with God. Realize and remember that it’s only through Jesus that we can be with God. It’s not because of anything you have done, or didn’t do either. It’s only because of what God did for you through His overflowing, reckless, unchanging love. You didn’t save you, Jesus did. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 537

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:7-10 – Truly I feel like this chapter is one we could break down verse by verse over the next many days and still not be able to dig deep enough to find all the goodness within it! This morning what captured my attention was that from the beginning of time God has been pouring out, lavishing on us, His love and grace for the purpose of uniting us to Him. His purpose from the moment humanity was created was to bring us close to Him. To bring us close to reveal Himself to us and the mystery that surrounds Him. To give us forgiveness of our mistakes. To be our Heavenly Father. Today know God is longing to have you close to Himself, but that longing didn’t just start this morning. Before you woke up, before you were born, even before the world was created, God was longing to be close to you. That’s how deep the Father’s love for us is. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1591

…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints… Ephesians 1:18 – I’ve always enjoyed those home makeover shows where they take a tired looking house and completely transform it. One of the more special parts of the show is the reveal, when the homeowners are led to a certain spot, all while not seeing the house yet. Then the moment comes, when they are told to open their eyes to see the final results, and usually it’s amazement all around! Paul here is desiring the church in Ephesus, and the church of today, to open their eyes and see the final results. To look at all God has done in our life and to grasp the fullness of this hope that we have through Jesus. See how every sin, past/present/future, all has been washed clean by the blood of Jesus. See how we have the promise of the Holy Spirit with us daily. See how we have Heaven and all its wonder in front of us. See how we have life with God this moment and every moment, now and for all eternity. For this is the reality in front of us, the beauty that we can live our lives in. Yet, just like the people in the shows, we could choose to never open our eyes to see the results. We could just live with our eyes closed, just feeling around with our hands, only knowing in part all that we have in Christ. God’s heart though is open eyes. As a result of seeing all we have in Christ, God also longs for a heart from us to serve Him. Take time then to study God’s word to learn more of the promise you have in Christ, also spend time in prayer asking God to help open your eyes like they need to be. Our God has done and is doing great things, let’s choose to see. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2396