Amen to these translations from The Message.
Ephesians 1:4-6 - Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter in to the celebration of his lavish giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Ephesians 1:7,8 - ...we're a free people...And not just barely free, either. Abundantly, free!
Ephesians 1:11, 12 - Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Noah and Anna, I pray this over you with all my heart. I beg the Lord from Ephesians 1:17-19 - ... 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 5:4 - Thanksgiving is our dialect.
I have loved Ephesians since I was
ReplyDeletea young pastor's wife at our first
church in Virginia. These are
wonderful verses for my Girls in
Action group. We are concentrating
more on Bible study this month,
particularly the life of Christ.
Some of them are almost ready to
receive HIM into their hearts.