A Heart of Praise

Ephesians 1:3-14

As I read from Ephesians 1:3-14, listen for the ways in which God has blessed us:

In Paul's letter we see many reasons for praising and thanking God. He has blessed us ultimately by making a way for us to belong to Christ, who is the key, the means for having and understanding God's blessings.

God blessed us by

1. loving us even before Creation: in having a plan of salvation
2. choosing us to be HOLY in His eyes: we can come before His presence
3. making us His children: we can call God, "Father" and know that He cares, provides
4. purchasing our freedom: from sin and death
5. giving us an inheritance: eternal life, the perfect and abundant life we have longed for, the kingdom of God
6. giving us a purpose: to praise God giving Him glory for what He has done.

Pondering all of these blessings should make our hearts well up with praise to God.

Paul reminds the Ephesians of one, other blessing:
7. the gift of the Holy Spirit: a comforter, an intercessor, a teacher, a guide

If we can remember these blessings, and dwell on them each day, we will be strengthened and we will exult in the Lord. Let us have hearts of praise and make His glories known.