SEPTEMBER 12, Ephesians 1:16

People are happy and thankful for different things. Some people are glad when they are wealthy, even if it is by cheating customers. Others may be happy when they have been able to destroy an enemy in the office. How about you? When are you happy and thankful?

The Apostle Paul was thankful in this epistle, even though he was in prison. Was he mad? No! he was thankful because he knew there were people in Ephesus who were getting saved and growing in the faith. What do you do when you hear of someone receiving the Lord Jesus Christ? Paul gave thanks. Even though he was in the prison, when he learnt of what was happening at Ephesus, Paul thanked the Lord.

When you hear somebody has come to the Lord, you do not go up to the person and thank him for becoming a Christian. There is nobody to thank, but God. Salvation is God’s work. The whole work of salvation is God’s, and no human or angel has any part in this wonderful work. At Ephesus, some unbelievers had become believers. Satan’s followers had turned to God. God’s grace had been seen in action. Lives had been changed. Do you recall that magicians gave up their crafts after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ? Love now reigned among those who were once unkind and unlovely. What marvellous news! When such news reached the ears of the imprisoned apostle, he went to his knees and gave thanks.

Thought: How often should we give thanks to God?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me a joyful and thankful spirit to thank You ceaselessly for all the blessings You give to me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.