June 5, 2016: SOAP #2376: Proverbs 30,31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

Scripture: Ephesians (NIV) 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Observation:  What has the Father done? He blessed us with not just a few, but every spiritual, not temporal (temporary) but eternal, blessing. Who has the Father so blessed? Us! We are so unworthy, but God in grace has provided abundantly. He not only forgives, but justifies!   He not only cleanses, but sanctifies! He not only wipes out the past, but sets before us a new future! How does the Father dispense His blessing? These blessings are in Christ, not separated from Christ, but in Him. They are ours only as we are Christ’s. They cannot be found in money, in understanding, in sex, in pleasure, in entertainment, etc., but only in Him! Who did the Father do this for? He did it for us!

Application: What should be my response?  Praise. From the Greek word used here comes the word “eulogize.” We commend, extol, laud, and applaud. It is grace beyond reason that He has bestowed on us! The least I can do is give Him my all! My all includes my praise!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, what you have done for me is beyond my full understanding. It is way beyond expectation. It is the opposite of what I deserve. The only explanation is your great love, mercy and grace. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!