April 13, 2016 – Ephesians 1:13-14

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood. John 8:18So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.   I Corinthians 10:31.In our day and age, we often desire our own glory and ‘name in lights’.  Without the joy of the Lord Jesus deep inside our hearts, our lives are empty.  Each weight and downfall in life is heavier to bear.  All pleasures are fleeting.  A new piece of furniture or a new anything does not buy lasting joy that is always there even in the deepest heartache.  Only in Jesus can we find strength and joy.”And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b.  When we believe and trust in that the Father God sent his Son to be the Savior of the world, His Holy Spirit dwells within.Colossians 1:9-12 gives us the pathway to peace and joy…”And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,  so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might,  for all endurance and patience with joy,  giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Ephesians 1:16-17