There is an apt description of God's magnificence in chapters 40 and 41 of Isaiah. We do well to meditate on His attributes defined here. I have found great consolation on more than one occasion here in these passages. Isaiah 40.31 is a scripture I love: "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." I hope all my friends who read their OYB's and even this blog today will find as much comfort in this scripture as I do today.
For what it is worth, long before Columbus even imagined circumnavigating the globe, the Bible (here in Isaiah) spoke of the earth's shape... "God sits above the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40.22a. Cool, huh?
Paul's letter to the Ephesians (beginning today) starts off with such a 'warm' beginning. I sense a true relationship between Paul and the people of Ephesus. It seems to me to be a different kind of relationship than we have previously seen with the people of Corinth and Galatia. In the opening verses of Ephesians it is as if Paul has a deeper spiritual connection - more camaraderie with the addressees of this letter.
Verse 15 in chapter 1 of Ephesians begins a neat section where Paul details his constant prayer for these people:
- Thankful for them (vs. 16)
- Prays for wisdom and insight (vs. 17)
- Prays for understanding of the hope given to those who are called (vs. 18)
- Prays for understanding of God's greatness (vs. 19)
Lord, help me have the same heart Paul demonstrates today to the Ephesians toward those You have brought into my life. Thank You for them - bless them with every blessing... today!
