Contemplative Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:10 (New Living Translation) For we are God’s masterpiece. Wikipedia tells me that a masterpiece is: one that is considered the greatest work of a person’s career or a work of outstanding creativity, skill, profundity, or workmanship. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masterpiece We are the greatest work of God’s career. Let’s consider that one for twenty or thirty […]

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Ephesians 2:20 (New Living Translation) Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. There is some old saying that has a thousand variations about “standing on others’ shoulders, not on others’ toes.” Of course, most old sayings go back to the […]

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Ephesians 4:34 (New Living Translation) 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. The writer is explaining what Jesus Christ has done for them. Jesus made their lives different. They are better. NO! WRONG! My life isn’t different. My life isn’t better. My life isn’t improved. My life is […]

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Ephesians 2:12 (New Living Translation) You lived in this world without God and without hope. This is the last sentence of the verse. The writer is reminding Christians what life was like without God—it was a life without hope. The writer provides several examples of life without God. Far from God Far from peace No […]

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Ephesians 1:18 (New Living Translation) I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. Paul is writing a letter to Christians in Ephesus. Paul describes his prayers for those Christians. […]

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Ephesians 1:16b-17 (New Living Translation) 16b I pray for you constantly, 17 asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. Paul describes his prayer for Christians living in Ephesus. Among several things, Paul asks that God […]

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Ephesians 4:21-24 (New Living Translation) 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your […]

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Ephesians 2:10 (New Living Translation) 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Paul is writing to a group of Christians long ago in a place called Ephesus. To many folks, being a Christian means “don’t […]

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Ephesians 1:15-16 (English Standard Version) 15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Paul is writing to a group of Christians in Ephesus. Paul thanks God […]

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Ephesians 2:9 (New Living Translation) 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Here we have a sentence I hate and love. I mean, I’m a good guy—always have been. I have always done good things. Look at me. (Seriously.) Being saved […]

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