Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-16 "Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:"Observation: Paul here opens the discussion toward application of the first 14 verses. The Ephesians are blessed, redeemed, given the revelation of God's will, sealed, predestined to adoption, accepted, joined with the others ("beloved"), and forgiven. Wow.
Application: When people hear of my actions, what do they hear and how do they respond? Are they encouraged in their faith? Do they have reason to glorify God (1 Pet 2:11-12)? I need a genuine and active faith - a faith that works, as James says.
Second, how do I respond to the faith of others? Am I brought to my knees in worship of the work of God? Do I intercede for their faith, their sanctification, their protection, and witness? Do I thank God for their response to His calling, their salvation by His work? It's kind of like the cliche "Family is all you got." Do encourage their faith?
Prayer: Lord, I definitely need to encourage more and to be one that remembers the faith of others. This feels like just another thing that I lack in my attitude toward others. This should bring a sense of joy for the believers around me, an excitement of our common faith, but I don't think it does now. Please teach me, chasten me, guide me to You. Teach me to have the joy that Your word commands me to have. I know that Your presence and my nearness to You will change me. I love You.
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