Ephesians

   Hello faithful readers and welcome to my next entry!!
   As you may know, I've been trying to get up early more consistently in 2014 and I'm not making any promises, but so far it's been good.  I read Ephesians today!
   So a note on "reading the Bible".  Yep, I said it, there it is.  Reading the Bible, like any spiritual discipline likely has some baggage attached to it.  Christians say you should read your Bible, go to church, pray, the list goes on.  I only l say this to acknowledge that I know it's not that easy to read the Bible.  I get it, but that being said, I think Ephesians is a good short letter mostly full of the good news with a few other things.  All in all, a fairly digestible letter (only 6 chapters).  Allow me to summarize what I got out of it today and that will close  this entry.  

The primary message of this letter is two fold:  1) Know, understand, realize, remember your place as a child in God's family.  2) Lead your life from that place.  You are on God's team, He's given you a jersey, so follow in Christ's example and wear it as a dearly loved child of God.  

That's really it, I could (and maybe should) stop, but I got a few more notes/specifics.  If you're interested keep reading, if you don't have the time re-read the highlight above and ponder ;)

Ch 1: This letter is written to the peeps of faith, those that believe, God's people (good to keep in mind as we read the letter).  
Ch 2:  Paul reminds us were we were (far from God, chasing the desires of the flesh) and where God has brought us (into His family, His will, His purpose, His calling, His grace, His peace).  Paul also reminds the reader that God's plan is for everyone in equal share (the Jew and the Gentile alike).  
Ch 3:  One family and endless treasures from God (not earthly, but where the earth and our lives intersect.  See John 10:10).  
Ch 4:  Some ways to lead our life in Gods family (point 2 from the highlight above):  humble, gentle, patient, loving, united, full of peace.  We each have unique gifts from God.  Use them for God.  Quit following your old nature, but life life from your new nature.  Tell your neighbor the truth, we are all one family.  Encourage others with your words.  Kind, tenderhearted and forgiving.  
Ch 5:  Follow Christ's example.  In every situation, answer from WWJD?  Shine the light of Christ.  Thankful to God.  Be careful and intentional in how you live.  Make the MOST of every day living life to the fullest (joy, peace patience, etc.).  Don't waste one day, make every one count.  
Ch 6:  Work hard for your boss as if you are working for God.  Stay alert and pray for Christians everywhere.  

That's it!  Thanks for reading.  I pray that your are encouraged by my words.  
Let me know what you think and enjoy the day (don't forget who you are).