Open My Heart!

For Sunday, April 18, 2021

Ephesians 1:18 CJB, Paul speaking: “I pray that he will give light to the eyes of your hearts, so that you will understand the hope to which he has called you, what rich glories there are in the inheritance he has promised his people.”

This is the verse that led to the popular Christian song, “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord.” The ‘heart’ is a metaphor for being ‘all in,’ like when a couple says to each other, “I love you with all my heart.” The prayer asks that not just your external eyes be opened, but that your entire body and soul could see and understand the goodness of God and his Son Jesus, and the hope we have as children of God.

The ‘glorious inheritance’ refers to the life we can enjoy after this life, heaven. In Paul’s day, there was debate about if life after this life even existed. Of course Jesus proved that death is not the end, and because Jesus took our sin-problem upon himself, we have the inherited hope of spending eternity in the presence of the Father!

"I want to see You; I want to see You!”

Blessings and safety as we worship today!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship, 3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406

Relationship!

For Saturday, November 28, 2020 

Ephesians 1:18 NIV: “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.”

Paul is teaching the church of Ephesus that God expects more than a superficial commitment, more than the eyes on the outside of your face. We are to love the Lord from deep within, and Paul says to open the eyes of our heart! What a great analogy! 

It’s said that Christianity isn’t so much a religion as it is a relationship, and I believe that’s the intent here. The eyes on your face might recognize someone on the street; but the eyes of your heart would invite them for dinner, maybe even allow them to stay the night!

Paul Baloche wrote a great praise and worship song about this: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see you!”  

Blessings, safety and hope to all!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship

3249 30th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55406