Friday, September 27th: Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 51:1-53:12, Ephesians 5:1-33, Psalm 69:19-36, Proverbs 24:7

Ephesians 5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us^[a] and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Our church has been searching for a new youth pastor and this weekend is a candidating weekend for the young man our search committee and church board have recommended to the congregation.  Tonight (or last night, by the time you read this) the youth parents (us!) had a chance to meet him and get to know him a bit.

One thing he repeated a few times is how we should all be striving to be imitators of Christ.  I thought it was fitting that this was on our passage today!

We do need to be imitators of Christ.  Obviously, we will not be able to do that perfectly, and certainly not without the power of the Holy Spirit.  But every day we are to desire to become more like Him, and to love Him more, and that others would see Christ in us. 

May we be imitators of Christ today!

Wednesday, September 25th: Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Ephesians 4:² Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ³ Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

How much different would our lives be if we actually did this?!  Obviously this is something we can only do through the power of the Spirit.  We are not naturally humble, and we are certainly not naturally patient (I know I'm sure not!).  We are quick to make allowances for ourselves, but not so much for each other's faults.

The first part of v2 reminds me of the Tim McGraw song "Always be humble and kind" and even the live version of Cinderella's "Have courage and be kind" quote.  I wonder where they got it from :)


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 48:12-50:11, Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 69:1-18, Proverbs 24:5-6

Tuesday, Sept 24th: Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2 

I like the image of the verses in Isaiah 44. How often do we make an idol out of something or someone only to realize that it didn't bring us the joy we longed for. There is only One who can bring us joy and completeness in life. We are very foolish when we look to others or objects to bring us fulfillment.

9 How foolish are those who manufacture idols.
    These prized objects are really worthless.
The people who worship idols don’t know this,
    so they are all put to shame.
10 Who but a fool would make his own god—
    an idol that cannot help him one bit?
11 All who worship idols will be disgraced
    along with all these craftsmen—mere humans—
    who claim they can make a god.
They may all stand together,
    but they will stand in terror and shame.

12 The blacksmith stands at his forge to make a sharp tool,
    pounding and shaping it with all his might.
His work makes him hungry and weak.
    It makes him thirsty and faint.
13 Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood
    and draws a pattern on it.
He works with chisel and plane
    and carves it into a human figure.
He gives it human beauty
    and puts it in a little shrine.
14 He cuts down cedars;
    he selects the cypress and the oak;
he plants the pine in the forest
    to be nourished by the rain.
15 Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire.
    With it he warms himself and bakes his bread.
Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it
    and makes himself a god to worship!
He makes an idol
    and bows down in front of it!
16 He burns part of the tree to roast his meat
    and to keep himself warm.
    He says, “Ah, that fire feels good.”
17 Then he takes what’s left
    and makes his god: a carved idol!
He falls down in front of it,
    worshiping and praying to it.
“Rescue me!” he says.
    “You are my god!”

18 Such stupidity and ignorance!
    Their eyes are closed, and they cannot see.
    Their minds are shut, and they cannot think.
19 The person who made the idol never stops to reflect,
    “Why, it’s just a block of wood!
I burned half of it for heat
    and used it to bake my bread and roast my meat.
How can the rest of it be a god?
    Should I bow down to worship a piece of wood?”
20 The poor, deluded fool feeds on ashes.
    He trusts something that can’t help him at all.
Yet he cannot bring himself to ask,
    “Is this idol that I’m holding in my hand a lie?”

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 45:11-48:11, Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 68:19-35, Proverbs 24:3-4

Monday, September 23rd: Isaiah 41:17-43:13, Ephesians 2:1-22, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 23:29-35 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 41:17-43:13, Ephesians 2:1-22, Psalm 67:1-7, Proverbs 23:29-35

Ephesians 2:8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
May we never take credit for our salvation!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 43:14-45:10, Ephesians 3:1-21, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 24:1-2

Saturday, February 10th: Leviticus 13-15, Ephesians 6 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 13-15, Ephesians 6

6 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord,[a] for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”[b]

4 Fathers,[c] do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

I like the fact that Paul addresses both children and parents in this passage (and both slaves and masters afterwards).

Yes, children are to be obedient and honour their parents, but we are supposed to parent in love, with patience and understanding, not as domineering authorities.

This transfers to other areas of authority as well - both sides need to treat each other with respect, submitting first to the Lord’s authority over our lives.


Tomorrow: Catch Up Day
Monday’s Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 16-18, Philippians 1

Friday, February 9th: Leviticus 10-12; Ephesians 5 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 10-12; Ephesians 5

“Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.” - Ephesians‬ ‭5:16‬

It can be very very tiring to keep the faith in “these evil days”, as put in this verse. Sometimes it can even seem hopeless, especially when you’ve been friends or coworkers with someone who does not believe in God for years, and still they don’t believe in Him. But don’t lose heart, God is working in ways you can’t even see. You might just be the planter of seed, and it will be someone else who harvests. It can be very hard not to lose hope when everything around us seems to be without God, but we need to trust that God has a plan, and we need to “make the most of every opportunity” that He presents us with. It’s a tiring race, but it’s nothing compared to the wonderful reward we will receive at the finish line.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 13-15; Ephesians 6

Thursday, February 8th: Leviticus 7-9; Ephesians 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 7-9; Ephesians 4

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” - ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:3‬

This verse serves as a good reminder that we need to work our hardest to be at peace with everyone around us, especially fellow Christians who we are supposed to be one with. We need to remember we are all God’s children, and none of us is greater than the other. Five year olds, ninety year olds, men, women, pastors, newest church goers, and everyone else. We need to act as one body because that is what we are. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 10-12; Ephesians 5

Wednesday, February 7th: Leviticus 4-6, Ephesians 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 4-6, Ephesians 3

Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
He is able to do more than we can even imagine.

And that amazing power is in us.

He can work in us.
He can work through us.
For His glory.

Such simple and yet profound truth.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 7-9, Ephesians 4

February 6: Leviticus 1-3, Ephesians 2 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Leviticus 1-3, Ephesians 2

Scripture-
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4)

Observation-
“Even when we were dead in transgressions” - & not giving any indication that we were trying to do better or even doing “ok” but just needing a little help. He didn’t see humanity trying so hard, getting so close to doing right that he thought that he’d help us out & just finish it for us. We were dead & he gave it to us, bringing us to life. Christ didn’t just “help” us with our salvation, he gave us our salvation freely. What a merciful God!

Applications-
When we have been extended such unmerited mercy, how can we not extend mercy to those around us. Jesus died for us; giving his life for us when we were so undeserving. How can we be unwilling to forgive/show grace to those around us.
In the “little” things we can make a big impact to others & within our hearts. How about extending graciousness throughout our day to day; not getting annoyed so quickly, speaking in kindness when someone’s “getting to you”, looking for the best in someone rather than assuming the worst, etc.

Prayer-
Lord Jesus, it can be so easy to take for granted the gift of forgiveness & mercy you so willingly gave us. Help us to work from the inside out to extend mercy to those around us, to show others a taste of the love that you have for us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 4-6, Ephesians 3

Monday, February 5: Exodus 39-40, Ephesians 1 by Kaden

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 39-40 Ephesians 1

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 1-3 Ephesians 2

Ephesians 1:9-10 "Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and  things on earth."


I often notice myself questioning what God's plan for me is, and most often I forget that his plan is only revealed to us when the time is right. God's plan cannot be predicted or changed, his plan is set and will be revealed when the time is right.

This coming week I encourage you to follow God's will, even if it seems like his plan has no point, and trust his promises as we were told, and remember that he reveals his plan when we are ready.

Wednesday, October 4th: Isaiah 20 - 22, Ephesians 6 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 20-22; Ephesians 6


Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.


This verse stood out to me. First, it reminds us to pray in all cercumstances. Do I pray mostly at the beginning and end of each day? Yes I do. Do things happen throughout the day that should cause me to go to prayer? Yes

Secondly, do I pray mostly for myself and for my own family? A good reminder (being alert) to branch out and pray for all those around me.

I have a list of prayer requests and people that I pray for, that I keep on my phone. I pray that I go to this list regularly.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 23-25; Philippians 1

Tuesday, October 3rd: Isaiah 17-19; Ephesians 5:17-33 ~ Jody

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 17-19; Ephesians 5:17-33

The last verse in our Ephesians passage stood out for me today: 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

I love how this verse shows how God made men and women differently. When I first read this verse I wondered if it was because of our different needs, that our partners should give us these things. In other words, one of women's primary needs is love so men should be sure to love his wife unselfishly. While men's primary need is respect so women should be intentional on giving respect to her husband.

The more I thought of this though, I wonder actually if God is giving us a heads up on what each gender may struggle to give and is spelling this out as a reminder to give things that may not come as naturally to each gender. It may be more natural for men to be respectful than lavishing love, while for women (who are generally more tender) may find it easy to love their men, but may struggle to give them the respect they need.

I suppose the 2 different ways to look at this passage tie closely together and both get us to the same place... Let's be intentional in the way we love and respect our partners!!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 20-22; Ephesians 6

Monday, October 2, 2017: Isaiah 14-16, Ephesians 5:1-16 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 14-16, Ephesians 5:1-16

A few things jumped out for me from the NT passage:
 (Red = Scripture, Blue = my thoughts)

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. Children almost always imitate their parents in some way. If you are raised by your parents you will pick up traits from them. As I teacher I often see this clearly during parent/teacher time :) It's that whole "apple doesn't fall far from the tree" saying. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant (noticeable to everyone around you) offering and sacrifice (giving of yourself willingly) to God.

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.(in our society this is becoming so common that generations of kids are being taught that if it feels good to you then it's ok.  4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Clearly the bible says even "joking" in an inappropriate manner is unacceptable. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.There is eternal judgement for short-sighted living 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; You become like the people you surround yourself with--choose wisely! 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. One day all that is hidden will be revealed. What will we have to answer for? 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, Proverbs 19:20 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. It's easy to be idle with our time, make poor decisions, and go along with what feels good at the time. The easy route is chosen by many but it has disastrous consequences.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 17-19; Ephesians 5:17-33

Sunday, October 1st: Isaiah 11-13; Ephesians 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 11-13; Ephesians 4

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” - Ephesians‬ ‭4:2‬

This seems so simple yet it’s so hard to do. We always want to be noticed for the things we do, when instead we should be humble and know that it isn’t our abilities but God’s. We lose our patience so easily with people who annoy us and just “aren’t our type of people”, when instead we should be loving them as Christ loves us. We need to work on loving our neighbours as ourselves, because it is the second most important commandment, given by God Himself, who we should try to become more and more alike each day. 

“For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” - Ephesians‬ ‭4:4‬

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 14-16; Ephesians 5:1-16

Saturday, September 30th: Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3

Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness.
Oh, how I wish this could be said about us now!  That Canada (and America) would recognize the darkness for what it is, and see the Light.  That we would awake out of our slumber and LIVE!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you're ever unsure of what to pray, here is a great prayer!!


Ephesians 3:16-21
I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God’s love, and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or thinkaccording to the power that works in us— to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Isaiah 11-13; Ephesians 4

Friday, September 29th; Isaiah 7-8; Ephesians 2 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Isaiah 7-8; Ephesians 2

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

Grace is God's life transforming gift given to those who do not deserve it.  The gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins is available for all who through faith accept His grace revealed in Jesus Christ, but so many miss the gift because they rely on themselves.  

This verse was brought up during the sermon this past Sunday.  One of the points made on this verse was that the value we place on His grace, and how impressed we are by God's greatness, is what shapes us.  

What value have I placed on His grace, and His greatness?  How has this shaped me?  And do I need to place a higher emphasis on Him, and less on me?    

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 9-10; Ephesians 3

Thursday, September 28th: Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1

There was a bit of a mixup this week with one passage being done twice, so this one got missed entirely - figured I'd finally fix it (in November, backdating it to September!)



Isaiah 6: 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
"Here am I. Send me!"  Bold words.  Words of willingness.  Words of faithfulness.  Words of trust in God's faithfulness, to follow wherever He leads, no matter the cost.

Costly words!

Am I willing to say, "Here am I. Send me!"

Perhaps those words, and the obedience they require, are made somewhat easier when we fully grasp and understand all the amazing truths in Ephesians 1, and who we are in Christ.

After all....
We are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing (v3)
We are chosen to be holy and blameless (v4)
We are loved, and we are His adopted children through Jesus (v5)
We are the recipients of His glorious grace (v6)
We are redeemed through His blood and our sins are forgiven (v7)
He has lavished His grace upon us (v8)
And on and on it goes.  We are all those things, we have been given all those things - do we live like it?

Monday, December 5,2016: Ephesians 4-6

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ephesians 4-6

A few things jumped out for me from today's readings:

from verse 4:15

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

We are, as Christians,  to speak the truth. If we believe what the Bible says, then some things that society has professed as true are not true. However, I think the key words in this verse are "in love". I think too often Christians come across as judgemental and thinking/acting that they are above someone just because they sin differently. We are to grow to be like Christ and to encourage others to do likewise but admitting our own faults and shortcomings and show compassion and love as Christ does to us.

from verse 4:24

 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

We become a new creation in Christ. When I read this verse, it made me think of the renovation Conrad and I are doing. As we work we put on old clothes and are not really worried about them getting ripped or stained as we work. However, we don't wear those clothes in public. We put on new clothes and clean clothes and we don't want those clothes to get wrecked. Likewise, our lives and our actions should change too and we should try not to "stain" our lives after we receive a new one.

from verse 5: 1-2

5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


I've been following this company's instagram page for quite some time now. Their mission is: Walk in love. is dedicated to selling well-designed, high quality t-shirts with a positive and inspiring message. That message is a reminder to imitate God by loving others every chance we get - no strings attached. We believe that Jesus came and showed us how to be that message.  We want you to walk in love.

How we live our lives IS a reflection of who we are in Christ. I know I don't always walk in love. I like also how it says WALK in love. It doesn't say stand still in love, or lie down in love, or even run in love. We are told to walk...not to miss anything and show love as we go along our lives.

from verse 5: 18
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Kaden's hockey team had a parent's party this weekend. Conrad and I made an appearance at the beginning of the party but have little interest in all of the alcohol consumption that goes on during these kinds of events. Neither of us grew up in homes that drank at all and we just don't feel the need to participate in behaviour that could have such disastrous consequences. Many of Kaden's friends have already been drinking and that kind of lifestyle is just not one we are very familiar with. When people can't remember what happened the night before or choose to drive after drinking or a whole host of bad choices that come from alcohol clouding good judgement it's no surprise that the bible warns us about getting drunk.

from verse 5: 22 - 25

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

So many people have such a difficult time with these verses. This is how God designed marriage. It is counter cultural to what society thinks about how husbands and wives should be. Marriage by design is a partnership with each partner having their own unique roles.

from verse 6: 1 & 4

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 
 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Everyone seems to know verse 1 but I think verse 4 is just as important. As parents we should be consistent and set out clear expectations and consequences so that kids know what they need to do and what will happen if they don't do it.

from verse 6: 10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 

We can't go into battle without the right equipment. God has given us everything we needed.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Philipians 1-4

Sunday, December 4th: Ephesians 1-3~ Jay

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is; Ephesians 1-3

A few of the key thoughts that struck me from today's passage. It provides a clear perspective on salvation and so much more.

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
This is one of those passages that causes much theological debate and discussion....sorry to disappoint but I will not try to grapple with the theologians on this one- but rather I look at this from a personal perspective. How impactful is it when I think about the fact that God foresaw some purpose in me....to chose me to be His son.  This causes me to pause and ask several key questions. Do I believe I am set apart and chosen for a special purpose / calling? Am I open to God's leading- when He directs me towards the actions required to fulfill this special purpose? Am I daily asking Him to reveal opportunities to be used by Him? 

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f]of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
Imagine if we truly knew and understood how powerful our God is? Powerful enough to raise Christ from the dead, well after he was sealed away physically in a tomb.  Just as Paul prayed for the believers that they would be enlightened, we too should follow this same example and not only ask that God reveal himself to us, but also pray for wisdom and understanding for our children and fellow believers. In my mind, it should not stop at simply requesting this through prayer, but I must take action and invest time in order to better know Him. 

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins...8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Many people get caught up in looking at their neighbor and comparing the "good" they do vs the relative evil of everyone else.  Somehow thinking that on the heavenly "grading bell curve" they will make it to heaven. This passage makes it very clear. No individuals "goodness" is good enough! It is only by God's grace that we have the gift of salvation...it was accomplished at the cross but we still must accept the gift. Once we have accepted the gift, our motivation for doing good for others should come from a heart that has been transformed...always with a focus on the giver of the gift (God) and not on our own ambitions.

Continued thankfulness for the gift of salvation along with the openness of mind to be utilized for God's special calling / purpose are key take-aways for me from this passage.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Ephesians 4-6