week of 06/15/11 3rd recorded HighQuest Ephesians 6:18-24

The passage I read was Ephesians 6:18-24

You can find that passage here:

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%206:18-24&version=NIV

The verse that most stood out to me:

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

As I reflect:

Though I’m sure there was plenty more to focus on in this passage, I chose to focus on the 2 areas that most stood out to me. Selfless prayer and encouraging blessings.

Paul’s requested prayer focus was not on receiving comfort or freedom from prison or any selfish thing. He was praying for courage to spread the Gospel even from prison and with those whom he would soon stand accused before. He was also asking others to pray that he would have the right words to say as to win over those who would listen. We should all learn from Paul’s example as he not only encourages us to pray for one another, but also to pray selflessly for courage to do what God has commanded us all to do. Spread the Gospel.

Paul concludes his letter much the same way as he begun it in blessing others with grace and peace in the Lord. Yet another wonderful example we can take from the Scriptures. I have often ended letters with “the Lord bless and keep you” because I value the recipient knowing that this is not only possible, but available to them if they will trust in the Lord fully. Here Paul is using a similar approach to those in need of encouragement, blessing them by reminding them of the grace and peace that is available to any who love Jesus with an undying love. We ought to encourage each other in similar ways today. You never know when your word of encouragement may be exactly what was needed to turn someone day around… perhaps even their life. You just never know.

My response to the Lord:

Father, it is truly my desire that your children be blessed by you. It is also my desire and request that I be courageous in sharing your gospel with others and that you would give me the words to speak as those moments. May you use me as a blessing and encouraging witness as you see fit. Keep me ever mindful of those in need Lord. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.