Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “How Will You Know?” - Saturday, 1 March 2014 – Scripture – Ephesians 1

Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “How Will You Know?” - Saturday, 1 March 2014 – Scripture – Ephesians 1: 11 in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who does all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be to the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of his glory. 15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, 16 don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 18 having the eyes of your hearts[a] enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might 20 which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. 22 He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Footnotes:

a. Ephesians 1:18 TR reads “understanding” instead of “hearts”

“How Will You Know?” by Duane C. Brush

“There are some things that you won’t know unless I tell you,” she slowly moved her coffee cup and folded her hands together. A tale of hurt and pain ensued. She was right. Nothing was apparent in her life to lead anyone to think that such a sad tale was part of her past. When she finished her friend placed her hand on top of hers, “You are right! I could never have guessed, but isn’t it wonderful what God brought you through?” Both their eyes began to fill with tears of joy.

We pour out our hearts in confession and repentance to God. He already knows it all, but we must acknowledge and face it. God says to us, “There are some things that you won’t know unless I tell you!” That is called revelation. His Word, enlightened by the Spirit of wisdom, teaches that “You also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14). Need a tissue?

Hymn for Today:

“Let All The People Praise Thee” by Lelia N. Norris

1. O magnify the Lord with me,

Ye people of His choice.

Let all to whom He lendeth breath

Now in His name rejoice.

For love’s blest revelation,

For rest from condemnation,

For uttermost salvation,

To Him give praise.

Refrain:

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thy name

forever and forevermore.

2. O praise Him for His holiness,

His wisdom, and His grace;

Sing praises for His precious blood

Which ransomed all our race.

In tenderness He sought us;

From depths of sin He brought us;

The way of life then taught us.

To Him give thanks.

Refrain:

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thy name

forever and forevermore.

3. Had I a thousand tongues to sing,

The half could ne’er be told

Of love so rich, so full and free,

Of blessings manifold;

Refrain:

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thy name

forever and forevermore.

4. Of grace that faileth never,

Peace flowing as a river

From God, the glorious Giver.

To Him give thanks.

Refrain:

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thee.

Let all the people praise Thy name

forever and forevermore.

Thought for Today:

“Make your creed simply and broadly out of the revelation of God, and you will keep it to the end” (Phillips Brooks).

Prayer Needs:

For faculty and students as they prepare for full-time Christian ministry in Australia!

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