It occurred to me as I am going through these verses, that the method we are using has a similarity to lectio divina, which is a monastic study tool that goes through scriptures three times with meditation. We read it, go through it again looking for information, and then we write or draw what we have heard–we also go throug the text three times during each study period.
13-14 It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This down payment from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. 15-19 That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength! (Ephesians 1:13-19, MSG)
Here’s my informationchart that shows “cause and effect” of God breaking into our lives.
| EVENT | WHAT GOD GIVES US | HOW WE RESPOND |
|---|---|---|
| we heard & believed the message of our salvation | the Holy Spirit as a seal that we are part of His family now and forever | praise, to God be the glory |
| we display sold trust in Jesus Christ | focused, in daily, close relationship with Him | outpour God’s love on all those around us |
| we spend time to know Him personally | reveals the immensity of life in the Kingdom of God, the extravagance of His presence in us | we do the work He has prepared for use to do in His strength |
God prepared the way for us to be with Him, our salvation, before He created the world. He made sure we all had the opportunity to hear and believe, He gave us a sign and seal that we now move in His Circle of Love, and as we move forward in relationship with Him, we are transformed to be more and more like Him. We choose belief and trust; He provides all we need for life with Him.
Heavenly Father, thank you for inviting us to join the dance in your Circle of Love. May we be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting so that we can live well, wisely, and humbly. Help us to reflect the love you have poured into us by our words and actions. Lead us to bear your fruits of gentleness and reasonableness, mercy and forgiveness, patience and kindness. Thank you for giving us the community of believers, and help us to encourage and love one another. Amen.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Kathleen S Evenhouse 