Ephesians 1:1

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus"

I used to try to set personal goals, ministry goals, academic goals, etc. so that I could see if I was making progress. I would write things down in my journal like "by the end of the year I will be in full-time music ministry", or "I will go to the gym at least three times a week..." Maybe this sounds a little like you as well. I resolved to do everything it took to be in ministry. I committed firmly to working out consistently. My will, however, is fickle. It is constantly wavering and changing. In fact, most of the time I don't even know what I want.

I find myself amazed at how often I've read the Bible, but how rarely I've actually studied it. Maybe you're like me and you've read things a thousand times, only to come across a verse and your reaction is "have I ever read this verse before?!" So, stare at the verse at the top of the blog and make note of what you see. See it yet?

...by the will of God

Paul realized and believed something essential to the Christian life. He realized that he was only who he was because of the will of God. But why does this matter? What real difference does it make? In fact, could he not have just left out that small phrase? Moreover, why is it important that we understand why Paul would include that phrase?

Acts 17:28 says that in Him (Christ) we live and move and have our being! Why was Paul an apostle, writing letters to the saints in Ephesus? Because of the firm, resolved, unwavering, unchanging will of the only God. Indeed, you and I also should recognize our place in the Sovereign will of a Holy God.

How sweet is the peace that is found in the will of a gracious God.

matthew 5:14-16

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Two things you should know about me: I was a Communication major in college, where I specialized in how to read people. I play music quite often. It would seem logical then that while I'm on stage my mind is trying to process the reactions of the audience. Head nods are good. Amens every now and then are good as well. These are the reactions that we've received the most. Which is why tonight was so very different.

We were added, last minute, to a hard core band's show. They are friends of ours, playing the club scene. When we started playing, I felt this immediate pressure to "water down" the stories behind our songs. To just play. Don't talk. And definitely don't share the gospel...

What conviction these verses brought to my heart! I have been light with a fire in my heart that should "shine before men" and why? that they may what? "see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Yes, that's it. That they may know the One who is heaven. Be bold then, stand as lights on a hill, validating the truth of the gospel in all situations.