Next week we start our Journey through Ephesians. The book of Ephesians is a very up close personal book that Paul wrote to help the believers understand their standing in Christ. Chapter one starts out by telling us about the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. I know all of us want God's spiritual blessings? How you receive and live in them is the key. All of us have a choice to draw closer to the Lord if we really want to. You can have firsthand knowledge of Him. You don't have to settle for Sunday morning sound bites, secondhand information or a longdistance relationship. You can get 'up close and personal' with Him. I love what John writes, 'That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.' Drawing closer to God calls for developing a greater awareness of His presence. This brings three great benefits: (1) Friendship. No human being, no matter how wonderful, can be everything you need. But the Lord can. In Scripture He is described as a 'friend who sticks closer than a brother.' (Proverbs 18:24 NIV) He will stick by you through every season of life, the bad ones as well as the good ones. For decades the motto of the Marines has been 'Semper Fidelis,' or "Semper Fi" which is Latin for 'Ever faithful.' Even when you're not faithful to God, He will still be faithful to you. (2) Compassion As a young disciple, John wanted to call fire down from heaven on a town that refused overnight accommodation to Christ and His disciples (Luke 9:54). But after a lifetime of walking with Jesus he wrote, 'Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.' (1 John 4:8 NIV) (3) Confidence Whatever life throws at you, you can handle, confident in the strength of God. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' (Philippians 4:13 NKJV) You can do this and from an old Army term; "Be all you can be." You are loved...
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