| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Lifelong Learning” Our Bible verse for today: “Grace to you and peace from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:2 (CSB) Our thought for today: “My prayer for you” About twelve years ago I wrote a book with the title “Walking with Paul: A journey through the lessons of Ephesians.” I love Paul’s letter to the Ephesians because it was motivated by his strong desire for the spiritual growth of his readers. His intent was to encourage them to be lifelong learners and faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. The letter is filled with insights that reveal deep spiritual truths, and it addresses issues critical to living the Christian life well. (If you would like to have a copy of my book let me know and I will be happy to send you one.) I especially love Paul’s salutation in verse 1:2, “Grace to you and peace from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” What a sweet word of blessing prayed for his readers as they begin reading his letter. In fact, it sets the tone for the rest of the letter, which is peppered with short prayers for his readers, words of blessing, words of thanks, and other kind thoughts. Paul clearly loved and valued those he was writing to, and he considered it a privilege and a joy to be serving as a teacher and a guide for them on their journey through life. Perhaps the passage in the letter that best expresses Paul’s desire for his readers is found in 1:17-19, “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength. Paul desired that for them so much that he prayed a similar prayer for them just two chapters later in 3:14-19. Isn’t that what lifelong learning is all about – the growth and maturity that Paul described in that prayer? Yes, that is it. That was Paul’s prayer for them, and it is my prayer for you as well. As we conclude this month of devotionally thinking about lifelong learning, I pray that God has used it to enlighten and help, and that perhaps all of us are a little further along the path of spiritual growth and maturity. However, as we come to the end of this subject, I’m also looking at all the notes I have accumulated through my research throughout the month which I haven’t used yet. That tells me that there is still more to be said on this subject, so I believe I will keep those notes and perhaps we will come back to this subject again, maybe in August. For July I have another plan (which I will tell you about tomorrow.) Along with Paul, I pray grace and peace for you and that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened as you continue your journey of lifelong learning. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville) |
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