I am going to make Wednesdays my "in the Word" day. For the simple fact I am hoping that it will help me study more and become closer to my God. I will be highlighting the areas of this sudy that affected me the most. So I hope you enjoy "In The Word Wednesday."
Ephesians 1:1, 2; 6:21-24; Acts 20:17-38
God's plans aren't always our plans. Things don't always work out as we expect them to. The apostle Paul knew this fist hand. He was persecuted for being a christian, he was a strict jew and God sent him as a missionary to the Gentiles. He wanted to preach in Rome, when he finally got to Rome he was a prisoner. It is in prison where it is said he wrote the book of Ephesians.
Discouragement and depression may make our homes, schools, or jobs seem like prisons. We may long for better circumstances, assuming that when we get married, get out of debt, get the kids grown, or retire, we'll be able to do great things for the Lord. We always look for something better.
Maybe I should stop waiting and make the best of my present situation. I know God will see me through and make good come out of every situation. ( Charles Hodge paraphrased 2 Cor 1:5-6 : "God comforts us, not to make us comfortable, but so we can comfort others.") Our "letter" from "prision" may be the most helpful message someone will ever read.
God has a plan, and you and I are a part of that plan just as surely as Paul and his first readers were.
Paul's signature in his greeting: "to the saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus." Saint comes from the same root as sanctified and it means set apart or dedicated to God. In the New Testament ist refers to the church (1 Cor 1:2). Those who are "in Christ" are those who have been baptized into him, have put him on, and remain in him (Gal 3:27).
Paul attempted to heal the animosity between Jews and Gentiles when he asked the Church in Ephesus (Gentile) to send relief funds for the Judean churches (Jews). An early indication of this unity theme is Paul's characteristic greeting, "grace and peace." Grace is a form of the typical Greek greeting, It held the blessing of divine favor. Peace is the Jewish shalom, the wish of a special gift of God. The combined greeting incorporated both groups. Paul even states this at the close of his letter.
Lessons from the Letter:
What can we learn from this introduction to the book of Ephesians?
1. That God has a plan, and we're part of it.
2. That God's ways aren't ours and may surprise us.
3. That God can use us, even in the most trying circumstances.
4. That God wills and works in our lives.
5. That we have been set apart for his use.
6. That he wants all of us to work together.
7. That we can be united only in him.
8. That even in our difficulties, we should reach out to others.
9. That we should commend and encourage each other.
10. That we should pray God's richest blessings on one another.
(not that any of these are less than others, I have higlighted the ones that touched me during this study. Which ones touched you?)
A few things to think about:
1. Think about a few things that didn't work out as Paul might have expected.
2. What are some situations in your life that didn't work out as you planed? But God used for good.
3. How can our homes, jobs, or schools become prisons, and how can we overcome the feelings?
4. Has someone in a dificult circumstance been able to reach out to you?
What I (Lela) have taken away this week from this lesson~
I am so "not" a Bible scholar and I won't pretend to be one. I won't lie and tell you that I don't sturggle to study my bible. Because I do. Thus the reason for my "In The Word Wednesday".
I do have struggles and one of them is letting God be in control. I also struggle with knowing that God does have a plan for me and his plans are GOOD. The first chapter of this book as brought to my attention the fact that God does and always has had a plan for me. And Wow! I am so thankful that he has set me apart and will use me for His Glory. I learned things about Paul's greeting, how he was wanting to unite the churches. And even when I am in my "prision" God will use the situation to help others.
What are some things that you got from today lesson? I would love to know what your thoughts are.
My you have a blessed Wednesday.
God Bless
Lela
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Orion was getting impatient when I was taking pictures so Justus just covered his mouth.... 
He is such a little ball of movement. He has discovered the art of movement and he doesn't slow down. He finally got his 6th tooth today... I'm hoping that this means he will start sleeping better. Jeannie calls him her little "Juicy Fruit." I have to agree with her on this one because he has a constant drip coming from his mouth. I've already had to FIRMLY tell him "NO" when I caught him reaching for the outlet plug. And lately when he want your attention and he wants it now he has started to "scream." We do not allow this and he has already got hurt feelings when the word NO is said. He is a JOY to David and I. I am constantly reminded with his "Big Smile" that God's plans are so much better than my own. 
Kattie is in the 11th grade
1st Picture: nerves?
Joe is in the 8th grade
1st picture: told him he better smile or I was going to give him a kiss at school. :-)
Luke is in the 6th grade
Justus is doing kindergarten at home with me this year.
Matthias is working hard with me too!