March 13 - Enlightened Hearts

Today's Reading:
1 Chronicles 15:1-16:36
Ephesians 1:1-23
Psalm 107:23-32 
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Focus Verses:
Ephesians 1:18-20
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms...

Insight:
Paul prayed for the Christians in Ephesus to be wide-eyed, receptive, open-hearted, and fully aware of all that God had for them—the hope, inheritance, and power for all who believe. Implicit in his prayer is the possibility that people can be believers, yet still be blind to much of what God has for them through Jesus. Christians must live, pray, and act in ways that open them up to see and take hold of God's power and blessing in their lives.

Response and Action:I want my heart to be wide-eyed! I want my life to be transformed by God's grace. I want to know and experience the power and truth of Christ more each day. I want to do the good things God has planned for me, and is preparing me to do.

I will seek times of solitude in order to focus upon God. I will study and meditate up on the Scriptures. I will pray and yield my heart and will to God. I will give thought and care to my choices, actions, and attitudes. In all things, I will seek to follow Christ, honor God, and walk in truth.

O God, the God of my Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, grant me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that I may know you better. Open the eyes of my heart and enlighten me in order that I may know the hope to which you have called me. Show me the riches of your glorious inheritance for all the saints, and transform me by your incomparably great power for all who believe. Make my life a demonstration of your power and workmanship. Help me to do the good things you would have me do. Through Christ, Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Hebrews 12:1b-3 
1b Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Resources:
Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ
by Dallas Willard