Day 26 - Dear God, Help! (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Just a reminder... before you read today's journal from Pastor Gary, read today's verses, Ephesians 1:15-23.

One question to think about as you read these verses is this -- How would it feel to have someone.. even a great Christian like Paul... pray those words for you. Pray that God would give you his Spirit of wisdom. Pray that God the "eyes of your heart" would be wide open to see the riches, the power, the love, the eternal nature of God's blessing on your life.

He's praying for a spiritual awakening. Don't miss what God has in store for you! Don't close your eyes to the incredible power and purpose God offers you! Don't yawn at the opportunity to know God better!

I have heard several stories about those of you who are doing these daily readings... and how God is bringing your heart closer and closer to His. Some of you are "really praying" for the first time, or for the first time in a while...

In essence, many of us are learning and receiving the things Paul prays here... more love, more knowledge, more power, more openness with God, more wisdom. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

I think a lot of people reject God because they've never really known God.

I think a lot of people have never really known God because they've never made ANY effort.

I think a lot of people don't make the effort because we think that, if there is a God, then HE will make the effort.

Open your eyes. He's made the effort. He's given you life, breath, health, food, clothing, shelter. He's given you mind, heart, soul, and a chance to learn. He paints his love across the skies every morning. His words speak every day to those who will open that leather-bound book that we're all respectful of, but few of us really read.

Open the eyes of your heart. Seek God personally. Listen to what He has to day. You'll never be disappointed by what you find in Him.

Dear God, the things Paul mentions in these prayers are the most important things in our lives. Knowing you, experiencing your power, knowing the ultimate leader of all-time, Jesus Christ. Please teach me, remind me what's most important every day. Give me the "willing spirit" to keep seeking and knowing you - help me as a husband, father, friend, and pastor - to reflect your love and the same praying priorities as Paul...

I pray for my wife, my kids, my parents, my friends, my church family - I pray that each one of them would encounter you today... You know that some of them are too comfortable, and need to be challenged. You know that some of them are too challenged, and need to be comforted. Thank you, Father, that you know each one of our lives and our situations as we pray to you today. Thank you, even for the times when you seem distant, because even those moments are opportunities to trust you at greater levels.

You are worthy of an all-out search... help each one of us pursue a deeper love for you, Jesus!