Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. — Paul (Ephesians 1:4-6, The Message)

Just a piece of what God’s been pouring into my heart lately… May you be richly blessed by Jesus today as you go about your life.

I can’t stop thanking God for you, my friends (and my readers)!! Every time I pray, I think of you and give thanks! But I do more than that. I ask. I ask Him, the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory–to make you wise and discerning in knowing Him personally, growing closer to Him in intimate love, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life He has for all followers of Jesus, and the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust Him–endless energy, boundless strength! (based on Ephesians 1:16-19, The Message)