Ephesians 4:16 “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” My dear friend, Linda, is a personal trainer. She is one of the healthiest, most energetic people I know, and I sometimes (lovingly) call her a “slave […]

Ephesians 4:12 – 15 “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may . . . become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every […]

Ephesians 4:11 – 13 “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and […]

Ephesians 4:7 – 11 “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: ‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.’ (What does ‘he ascended’ mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He […]

Ephesians 4:3 – 6 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over […]

Ephesians 4:1 – 2 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Do you ever read the end of a book first? I must confess. I am guilty. Actually, […]

Ephesians 3:20 – 21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Years ago, my husband and I […]

Ephesians 3:17b – 19 “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure […]

Ephesians 3:14 – 17a “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through […]

Ephesians 3:13 “I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are for your glory.” Okay, Paul. I gotta be honest. This is one of the craziest things you have written, so far! Seriously, in my book, suffering equals discouragement. Suffering does not equal glory. Paul, Paul, Paul . […]