Ephesians. Ahhhh, it is a joyfully refreshing book. Recently whenever I think about this ministry and this campus, I think about the command that has been given to us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength…and love your neighbor as yourself.” I think of the call we have been given to “go and make disciples of all nations,” and I think of how difficult it can be to do these things. It is difficult to follow God on a college campus. Sometimes it is difficult to even find Him there. There are so many other things screaming for your attention, and often times there are so many lies being thrown at you. It is difficult to have wisdom and discernment. It is difficult to continue to grow closer to Him. Sometimes it is difficult to even want to follow Him and grow closer to Him. As I think about these difficulties, I think about the book of Ephesians.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul prays some powerfully uplifting prayers, he charges the Ephesians to live a righteous life, he encourages them to maintain unity, and he urges them to prepare to fight against the evil one. I echo many of Paul’s thoughts and prayers as I pray for you, and for all Christian students on Eastern’s campus. Ephesians 1:15-23, 3:14-21, 4:1-3 & 14-16, and 6:10-18…these are the things I pray for you. If you have the time this week, sit down and read through the book of Ephesians. Or better yet, pray through the book of Ephesians, specifically through each of these passages. Ask God to enlighten your heart with wisdom and knowledge of Him. Ask Him to strengthen you with power through His Spirit, and to help you be rooted and grounded in love. Ask Him to help you walk in a manner worthy of Him and not be tossed back and forth by the waves of deceitful teaching. Ask Him to prepare you with His armor so that you may stand firm against the evil one. Ask Him for these things, and He will answer.

Paul and I are asking Him too.

Have you ever thought about friends? Ever thought about how they are people who can lift you up, be someone to have serious, deep, meaningful conversations with? Someone that can tell you that you are wrong and do it in a tactful way?

I was thinking about relationships the other day, specifically friendships. I have a few friends that it is clear when I need to just spend some time with. My mood changes because I have bottled up something and just need to get it out. They are guys that I can bounce idea's off of, talk to, and really be transparent with. These are guys that I can share anything with, and I know that they will be joining me in prayer, as well as the battle for what ever the issue may be.

When I think of friends, I am reminded of the relationship the Apostle Paul had with Timothy. Paul refers to Timothy as his dear brother in his letter to the church at Colossae. Their relationship in the New Testament indicates how intimate their relationship was. It is clear that Paul mentored and discipled Timothy.

As you start off your school year, let me encourage you to seek out Godly friendships and relationships. Ones that honor God. As you build these relationships, don't be afraid to let God in.

I pray that you will find relationships during your school year that will be meaningful conversations. Ones with guys (or gals) that will be beneficial to you.