“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know . . .”    Ephesians 1:18a

Dear Friends,

From prison, the Apostle Paul sent a letter to the church in Ephesus to provide them with encouragement and instruction.

In verse 17 we find that Paul prayed for them and specifically what he asked God to give them – “a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.” This points out the reality that knowing God more completely requires that God make it possible for us to understand spiritual truths.

In verse 18 above Paul expresses the same thought that it is God who must “open the eyes of our heart” in order for us to know Him and comprehend His word and His will. God does this work through His Holy Spirit who dwells within people wo have received His Son Jesus Christ. The indwelling Holy Spirit “illumines” the minds of Christians, enabling them to grasp spiritual realities and experience deeper intimacy in their personal relationship with God.

What does this tell us about God? That He wants His adopted children (see Ephesians 1:5) to “Know” Him spiritually, personally, intimately, deeply, truly, and fully. It also shows that God has provided the means by which His children can know Him – the inner working of His own Holy Spirit, opening their minds and enlightening their spiritual perception.

Have you received Jesus Christ (see John 1:11-13)? Are you aware of the illumining work of the Holy Spirit within you? Are you encouraged by knowing that God loves you, knows you fully and wants to be known fully by you? If so, will you now thank God and ask Him to “open the eyes of your heart” more and more?

Praying that this may be true of you,

In Jesus’ Love,

Pastor Tim Sir