I PRAY THAT THE EYES OF YOUR HEART MAY BE ENLIGHTENED: pephotismenous (RPPMPA) tous ophthalmous tes kardias [humon] : (1Peter 5:8; Psalms 119:18; Isaiah 6:10; 29:10,18; 32:3; 42:7; Matthew 13:15; Luke 24:45; Acts 16:14; 26:18; 2Corinthians 4:4,6; Hebrews 10:32)

MacDonald writes that...

We have seen that the source of spiritual illumination is God; the channel is the Holy Spirit; and the supreme subject is the full knowledge of God. Now we come to the organs of enlightenment: the eyes of your hearts (NKJV margin ) being enlightened. (MacDonald, W & Farstad, A. Believer's Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson)

Those for whom Paul is praying were once "spiritually blind" walking around in "spiritual darkness" as he reminded them of later writing that...

you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8)

Lawrence Richards has a pithy comment stating that...

One way to build our own prayer lives, and to direct our intercession for others, is to model our prayers on those found in Scripture. Here we see a prayer Paul offered with the intention of strengthening Christ’s church. What did Paul ask? That we might know God better (v17). That we might look beyond appearances, to see the church as God does—a people transformed to display His glory, unspeakably precious to Him (v18). That we might sense and experience the working of “His incomparably great power for us who believe” (v. 19a). I suppose it’s all right to pray for that addition to a new Sunday School wing. Or the funds to go on the radio. But if we want our church to truly be the church, the things Paul prayed for here are vastly more important. (Richards, L.  The 365 Day Devotional Commentary. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books)

Eyes (3788) (ophthalmos)  is literally the organ of vision but in Paul's use is obviously figurative. It is a beautiful picture, the heart being regarded as having eyes looking out toward God and all of the spiritual blessings that have their source and supply in God's Beloved Son. Proper understanding of spiritual truth is not dependent on having a keen intellect but rather a tender heart!

Is your heart tender to the Word of God? Do you hunger and thirst for God as a deer does for the water brooks?

Paul is praying for a deeper spiritual understanding, that "Ah Ha" reaction we have when we begin to really understand something and exclaim "I see it! I finally see what you’re telling me, Lord!" That's what Paul is praying for here. Why? Why would he be praying for this "Ah Ha" enlightenment? Remember that the first three chapters are doctrine but the last three begin with how we are to walk. Paul knows that as a man thinks in his heart, his spiritual interior, will determine how he walks. And so he prays that these saints might be able to grasp the breadth and length and height and depth of the great truths in this chapter, so that they might be enabled by the indwelling Spirit and the riches of God's grace to order their steps in a manner which is pleasing to the Lord.

The psalmist understood that the supernatural Word of God was unlike any writing of man and thus pleaded with God to...

Open (Hebrew galah = Piel stem always denotes "to uncover" something which otherwise is normally concealed. LXX translates with apokalupto from apó = from + kalúpto = cover, conceal which means literally to uncover and so to remove the veil or covering exposing to open view what was before hidden. The Greek tense is aorist imperative which speaks in context of a request in the form of a command and speaks of urgency and need) my eyes, that I may behold (careful, sustained, and favorable contemplation - LXX translates with katanoeo from kata = down + noeo is literally to the the mind down on  and speaks of  giving very careful consideration to some matter, think about very carefully, consider closely. observe fully, consider attentively denotes action of mind apprehending certain facts about a thing) wonderful (amazing, astounding, marvelous, extraordinary or even difficult - things beyond human capability) things from Thy law. (Psalm 119:18) (Comment: When you open your Bible, ask the Author to open your heart)

Heart  (2588) (kardia) (Click word study of kardia) is not the literal organ that circulates ancients considered the heart the center of knowledge, understanding, thinking,  wisdom. The heart the seat of the mind and will, and it could be taught what the brain could never know. The "heart" in Scripture  speaks of the very center and core of one's life, the seat of thought and moral judgment.

The heart is the seat of emotions in some cultures, but in the Greek culture it was not. In the Greek culture the seat of emotions would be the intestines. The heart was the seat of understanding.

This deep, interior enlightenment is undoubtedly the result of the work of the Holy Spirit Who leads the believer to know (eido) intuitively all that God has made available to him in Christ, and in essence to come to understand what it means to be "in Christ" or "in Him". They knew to a degree what the concept of being "in Christ" meant but not in a deep intuitive way. That is what Paul desires for them and for all believers.

Paul prayed that believers would know the three things mentioned not in their head but in their hearts, the very essence of their being. When we know them in the head and not the heart, we are simply "smarter sinners" but when we know them in our heart, we will become more like our Savior.

Note that the KJV translated from the Greek Textus Receptus (the is from the Nestle-Aland Greek) does not have "heart" (kardia) but has the word "understanding" which is the noun dianoia an old word for the faculty of understanding. It speaks of a clarity of mind or understanding by which one is able to see things intelligibly and clearly and proceed accordingly. Virtually all the authorities agree that "heart" is the correct translation.

May be enlightened  (5461) (photizo from phos = light)  means to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it. To give light to, to illuminate. It means to make known in reference to the inner life or transcendent matters and thus shed light upon. The idea is to cause something to be fully known by revealing clearly and in some detail.

Figuratively, as used in this verse, photizo means to make clear, to cause to fully know or to cause to understand and is used of God's enlightenment through revelation. This effect in context undoubtedly refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit Who illuminates spiritual truth to the hearts of believers.

The passive voice indicates that this action is performed on the subject by an outside source. The perfect tense speaks of an enlightenment that has occurred at a point in time and which persists. Paul want this enlightenment to be an abiding, permanent state.

It is interesting to note that photizo (enlightened) was used by the pagan Mystery religions as a technical term for the rite of initiation into their inner secrets!

Luke used ophthalmos figuratively in recording Christ's charge to Paul that He was sending him to the Gentiles...

to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness (cf "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2 - see note) to light (cf notes Colossians 1:13; 1:14) and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness (sending away) of sins and an inheritance (for which they were predestined before the foundation of the world, see Ephesians 1:5) among those who have been sanctified (set apart - here referring to the initial act of belief although more commonly in NT referring to the ongoing day to day salvation of the believer = sanctification, which is also by faith) by faith in Me. (Acts 26:18)

Robert Morgan illustrates the truth in this verse with the following story...

Recently when my CD player died, I asked a friend to look at it. “I think the needle is broken,” I told him. “CD players don’t have needles,” he said, laughing. “They use laser beams to read songs encoded on the disk. The eye on yours is dusty.” He cleaned it and the problems disappeared. In his prayer for the Ephesians, Paul asked God to enlighten their eyes so they could better understand the message encoded in His Word.... (Morgan, R. J. Nelson's Annual Preacher's Sourcebook: 2002 edition  Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers)

SO THAT YOU WILL KNOW WHAT IS THE HOPE OF HIS CALLING: to eidenai (RAN) humas tis estin (PAI) e elpis tes kleseos autou: (Ro 2:12; 4:4; Romans 5:4,5; 8:24,25; Galatians 5:5; Colossians 1:5,23; 1Thessalonians 5:8; 2Thessalonians 2:16; Titus 2:13; 3:7; 1Peter 1:3; 1John 3:1, 2, 3) (Ro 4:1; Romans 8:28, 29, 30; Philippians 3:14; Colossians 3:15; 1Thessalonians 2:12; 2Thessalonians 1:11; 1Timothy 6:12; 1Peter 3:9; 5:10)

So that  (1519) (eis) conveys the primary idea of motion into any place or thing  figuratively as here speaks of the purpose for the Ephesian saints having been enlightened. It is only as God enlightens us that we actually can truly know the spiritual truth He wants us to know.

Know  (1492) (eido, oida - eido is used only in the perfect tense = oida) means in general to know by perception.

Literally eido/oida refers to perception by sight (perceive, see) as in Mt 2:2

Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw (eido) His star in the east, and have come to worship Him."

Eido (oida) in general speaks of a sure, positive, absolute, beyond a chance or possibility of doubt knowledge not an experiential knowledge. For example in Paul writes...

Or do you not know [eido] what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? (see note Romans 11:2)

And in Mark 12:14 we read

And they came and said to Him, "Teacher, we know [eido]  that You are truthful (Comment: They had a beyond a shadow of doubt knowledge and were absolutely convinced that Jesus was truthful.)

Paul uses eido here in Ephesians 1:18 in the sense of what one knows absolutely and finally as the result of his prayer.

The meaning of eido is somewhat difficult to convey but in general this type of "knowing" is distinguished from ginosko (and epiginosko, epignosis), the other major NT word for knowing, because ginosko refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge" whereas eido often refers to more intuitive knowledge, although the distinction is not always crystal clear.

Eido (oida) then is not so much by experience as an intuitive insight that is "drilled into your heart". In spiritual terms, eido is that perception, that being aware of, that understanding, that intuitive knowledge that only the Holy Spirit of God can give. It is an absolute knowledge, a knowledge that is without a doubt.

Jesus answered and said to him (Peter), "What I do you do not realize (oida - know beyond a shadow of a doubt) now, but you shall understand (ginosko - understand by your experience) hereafter. (John 13:7)

And He said to them, "Do you not understand (this parable? And how will you understand (KJV = know = eido = know beyond a shadow of a doubt) all the parables? (Mark 4:13)

Note that it is somewhat difficult to give a crisp, succinct definition of eido, so keep that caveat in mind as you read these notes. The uses will not be listed because of the large number (656 hits in 619 verses searching on Strong's Number in the NT).

To reiterate in general this type of knowing conveyed by the verb eido/oida is distinguished from ginosko (and epiginosko, epignosis), the other major New Testament word for knowing, because ginosko refers to knowledge obtained by experience or "experiential knowledge" whereas eido often refers more to an intuitive knowledge, although the distinction is not always crystal clear. Eido is not so much that which is known by experience as an intuitive insight that is drilled into one's heart. Eido is that perception, that being aware of, that understanding, that intuitive knowledge that for a Christian only the Holy Spirit of God can give. That type of knowing is what Paul is pleading with God to unleash in the heart of these saints.

Eido was found in the Greek secular writings to describe a theory or hypothesis which had been confirmed.

Here is an example of a use of eido that illustrates the meaning...

But in order that you may know (eido) that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-- He said to the paralytic--I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home. (Mark 2:10-11) (Comment: Here they would see and they would know beyond a shadow of a doubt about Jesus' authority).

Here is another use of eido, John writing that...

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know (eido) that you have eternal life. (1John 5:13) (Comment: A T Robertson writes that it means "to know with settled intuitive knowledge. He wishes them to have eternal life in Christ [John 20:31] and to know that they have it....")

The point is that when the Holy Spirit opens the spiritual eyes of the heart of Paul's readers, they will be able to perceive and to know these great truths intuitively with a positive knowledge beyond a chance of a doubt. Note that all three clauses (hope, riches, power) are linked to the verb "will know".

This earnest prayer reveals the infinite importance of knowledge as a foundation for walking worthy in this Christian life. Compare Peter's opening blessing for his readers in his second epistle...

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge (epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge (epignosis)  of Him Who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. (See notes 2 Peter 1:2; 1:3; 1:4)

Here in Ephesians Paul prays for God to grant them a true experiential knowledge (epignosis) concerning God and then appeals to God to illuminate their tender hearts, the very core of their being, with an intuitive, beyond a chance of doubt knowledge (eido) on three specific issues - hope, riches of His inheritance and power. Why? For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.

What  (5101) (tis) is singular in contrast to the next clause regarding "riches" which is introduced with "what are" which is plural.

Is  (2076)  is the present tense of eimi = to be, and so conveys the idea "what is continually the hope..."

Hope  (1680) (elpis) (See also study on Believer's Blessed Hope) expresses a desire of some good with the expectation of obtaining it. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good. Not "I hope so" but strong confidence that God is going to do good to us in future.  It is an expectation or confidence. Paul says that hope ultimately is a person "Christ Jesus...our hope" (1Timothy 1:1). 

Christians unlike the Gentiles who have no hope can have hope or firm assurance that God will do good to us in the future because Christ has purchased salvation for us on the cross in the past (see Ro 5:1,2 below), sanctifies them through His Spirit in the present (Gal 5:16-25), and will lead them to glory in the future (Colossians 1:27 - note; 1Jn 3:2,3).

As stated above, because of Christ's work for us on the Cross means that believers have...

"been justified (declared righteous or in right standing before God, acquitted of our sins) by faith, we have peace with God (peace "of" God on the other hand depends on how we respond to our circumstances, testings, etc, and if we do by walking in the Spirit, He gives us peace of God) through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand (perfect tense speaks of the permanence or abiding nature of this condition "standing in grace") and we exult in hope of the glory of God." (See notes Romans 5:1; 5:2) (Comment: The firm assurance or hope that believers have in this life is the return of Jesus Christ in glory to take them home into His presence and give them glorified bodies like His).

Paul's prayer that they come to intuitively, absolutely know the hope of their calling is in marked contrast to their former state as idol worshipping pagans who were without "hope and without God in the world." (see note Ephesians 2:12)

Hope gives us the assurance that we are going toward something better than this present life. Knowing with absolute certainty where we are going should give believers the confidence to live as more than conquerors now.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
(play "The Solid Rock")

Paul reminded the Gentile believers that now in Christ they...

were called in one hope of your calling (see note Ephesians 4:4) (Comment: The fact that Paul qualifies this "hope" as "one hope" emphasizes that there is the same ultimate, glorious reality for all of the church, whether Jew or Gentile! Paul wants to make certain that both Jewish and Gentile believers fully understand that there is no differentiation between Christians. This expectation of seeing Jesus, our "Blessed Hope" [see below] and being like Him is entertained equally by both groups. All members of the true church are called to the one destiny of being taken out of this world, being like Christ [1John 3:2], and sharing His glory forever. )

The hope of our calling is the absolute certainty of our heavenly destiny and includes all that awaits the saints at the return of the Lord Jesus and is what Paul referred to by the phrase the "Blessed hope" writing in Titus that...

the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking (not just any kind of looking but looking anxiously, eagerly, earnestly, expectantly)  for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (See notes Titus 2:11; 2:12; 2:13; 2:14) (Comment: "The Blessed Hope" is the appearing of Christ in His majesty and glory).

In a similar way Peter encouraged his afflicted and persecuted readers with the assurance of their "hope" writing...

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope (living because of the resurrection of Christ Who ultimately is our "Hope" as Paul states in 1Timothy 1:1 "Christ Jesus, our hope") through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,  to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (See notes 1 Peter 1:3; 1:4; 1:5) (Comment: Our "living hope" guarantees our inheritance, our protection until the revelation of our the final aspect of our salvation - glorification - when Christ returns "in the last time")

Calling (2821) (klesis) (Click for more in depth discussion of calling - klesis) (Click for analysis of related word kletos, and a discussion of who are "the called") refers to an invitation as to a banquet. NT, metaphorically, invitation to the kingdom of God, the divine call which introduces us to the privileges of the gospel. It's an invitation to come to something special. In the New Testament it's a special invitation from God to man to accept the benefits of His salvation.

What is involved in the calling of the Christian?  Your calling involves everything that God has done, is doing, and wants to do one day regarding your salvation. Paul is simply saying, "I just told you about your calling. I just told you about what God has done for you. Now I want you to understand it deeply, deeply in your heart. It involves not only the joy of being blessed with every spiritual blessing. It involves not only the joy of being chosen by Christ before the foundation of the world. It involves being redeemed by His blood. It involves being adopted as His Son. It involves being sealed in Him with His Spirit, but it also involves the hope of His returning, and everything that is to come after He returns for His church." That is the full payment of which we have the earnest right now."

The Christian’s holy calling is described in some detail in Ephesians 1-3, especially Ephesians 1:3-14 where we see the truths that saints are chosen (see note Ephesians 1:4), predestined (Eph 1:5, 1:11see notes Ep1:5, 1:11), adopted as sons (Ephesians 1:5 note), accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6 note), redeemed through His blood (Ephesians 1:7 note), forgiven (Ephesians 1:7 note), sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13 note) and given the earnest of our inheritance (see note Ephesians 1:14). In addition to a holy calling, saints also have a high ("upward") calling (Philippians 3:14-note) and a heavenly calling  (Hebrews 3:1-note)

The hope of His calling points to the certain eternal destiny and future glory of the saints. Click for additional discussion on some of the aspects of the hope of this calling. See related in depth study of the Believer's Blessed Hope.

The better we truly know the "hope of His calling", the more we will be motivated to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called".

It is truth too magnificent for words to describe which is why even God’s own revelation requires illumination of His Spirit in order for believers to begin to understand the magnitude of the blessings of salvation that exist for saints.

Jon Courson writes that...

Throughout Scripture, the word “hope” always refers to that which is coming, to that which is ahead. I’m convinced the single greatest problem carnal Christians have is that they don’t know the hope of His calling. They don’t know the reality of heaven. Consequently, they constantly strive for material things and are continually caught up in carnal pursuits. They’re depressed and discouraged because they don’t see the big picture of eternity. (Courson, J.  Jon Courson's Application Commentary. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson)

In summary, Paul is praying for one of the things these believers need to fully understand and to deeply realize -- the hope of God's calling. In Ephesians 1:3-14 Paul had just summed up what their calling involved. Now they needed to understand the hope of that calling so that they would then walk worthy of that calling. When you begin to understand what is the hope of His calling in your life, the assurance and certainty associated with that calling and when you begin to realize that now we only have the earnest of that calling, but that one day we’ll have the full payment, then whatever comes your way you can stand fast on the truth of what God has accomplished for you in Christ in the past, present and future. Knowing these truths in a deeper, more intuitive way, you will be empowered by His Spirit to stand firm on Who He is and how faithful He will be to all of His promises towards you. This is why Paul prayed for the eyes of their hearts to really understand these truths.

Paul does not want these believers to be like Chief Crowfoot. As the story goes Crowfoot, the chief of the Blackfoot nation in southern Alberta, gave the Canadian Pacific Railway permission to lay track from Medicine Hat to Calgary, he was given in exchange a lifetime railroad pass. Reportedly, Crowfoot put the pass in a leather pouch and wore it around his neck for the rest of his life—but he never once availed himself of the rights and privileges it spelled out. What a tragedy when believers do the same thing with the riches they possess in Christ, failing to really possess their possessions!

WHAT ARE THE RICHES OF THE GLORY OF HIS INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS: tis o ploutos tes doxes tes kleronomias autou en tois hagiois:  (Eph 1:7,11; 3:8,16)

There are two ways to interpret "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints"...

(1) The saints are His inheritance He considers a treasure of incomparable worth! Amazing grace! In Ephesians 1:14 Paul spoke of our inheritance, but here seems to speak of God's inheritance in believers. As saints, we’re God’s inheritance, His treasure, His prize! Our riches are in God, God’s is in His saints.

(2) The other view is that the inheritance means all that we will inherit in Christ.

View (1) is probably the more valid interpretation although both truths are taught in Scripture and the Greek text does allow for both interpretations.

This is amazing that God would even nee an inheritance because He owns everything and yet here Moses clearly states that the Lord’s portion is His people.

This same truth is found in the first epistle of Peter where we read that believers...

"are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (See note 1 Peter 2:9)

That we belong to God is an awesome thought. We are His own possession. He considers each us to be His precious portion. This thought is too great to fully comprehend in this life! We belong to somebody. We have His "seal" on us, and more accurately within us in the presence of the the Holy Spirit of God.

Paul applies this truth that we are God's inheritance in his letter to the Corinthians writing...

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (1Cor 6:19, 20) (Comment: In light of this incredible truth, walk in a manner worthy of your high calling, in a manner that gives [glory or] a proper opinion to others of your Owner!)

Click for multiple Scriptures dealing with the other view (#2) that the inheritance refers to what believers will inherit one day by virtue of their position in Christ.

Riches (4149) (ploutos) refers to the abundance of earthly goods, but here refers to spiritual abundance.

“The riches of His glory” refers to the abundant, preeminent glory of God as displayed in His saints.

Glory  (1391) (doxa) in this context seems to refer to the splendour, brightness or the brightness, shining or radiance.

Inheritance  (2817) (kleronomia) is literally what is received as a gift from someone who has died, but figuratively as in this verse it refers in a religious sense to God's promised salvation, gifts, and benefits.

Saints  (40) (hagios) describes men and women who have been set apart from the world by the sanctifying work of the Spirit for a specific purpose determined by God before the foundation of the world (see notes Ephesians 2:10).

Paul identifies the readers as saints nine times (Ep 1:1, 1:15, 1:18; 2:19; 3:8, 3:18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18).see notes Ep 1:1, 1:15, 1:18; 2:19; 3:8, 3:18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18).

Johnson agrees writing that Paul is...

"not speaking so much about what we have in Christ, but about what he has in us... he thinks of us as His inheritance. In the Old Testament, that’s what Israel was called; she was called “The Lord’s Portion,” the Lord’s inheritance. (cf Deut 32:9) And that’s what we are. We are the Lord’s Portion, the Lord’s Inheritance. We have an inheritance in him, and he has an inheritance in us. God glories in his saints. Isn’t that something? That’s amazing. (Ref)

><> ><> ><>

F B Meyer (takes view #1) and sees this verse as referring to believers as God's inheritance writing about...

GOD'S INHERITANCE IN THE SAINTS. (Ephesians 1:18) What an extraordinary combination! It is a mystery that God should find his inheritance and portion in the love of men and women like ourselves. But that he should find the riches of glory in them!--this passes thought. It may, however, be explained by a piece of farming that I learnt recently. The other day, when travelling in Scotland, I was introduced to some farmers whose soil was naturally of the poorest description; and yet, in answer to my inquiries, I found that they were able to raise crops of considerable weight and value. This seemed to me very extraordinary. Out of nothing, nothing comes, is the usual rule. But they unravelled the mystery by telling me that they put in, in enriching manure, all that they took out in the days of golden harvest.

Is not this the secret of any grace or wealth there is in Christian lives? Not unto us, not unto us, but unto Thee, O Christ of God, be the glory! Whatever Thou dost get out of us, Thou must first put in. And all the crops of golden grain, all the fruits of Christian grace, are Thine from us, because Thou hast by thy blood and tears, by the sunshine of thy love, and the rain of thy grace, enriched natures which in themselves were arid as the desert and barren as the sand. Augustine therefore said truly, "Give what Thou commandest, and then command what Thou wilt."

But we must see to it that we keep nothing back. There must be no reserve put on any part of our being. Spirit, soul, and body must be freely yielded to the great Husbandman. We, who are God's tillage, must make no bargain with his ploughshare, and withhold no acre from the operations of his Spirit.

This is the curse of Christian living. Here is the reason why God is so little to us. We are mean enough to wish to make all we can of God, and to give Him as little as possible of ourselves. We fence off a part of ourselves for God, excluding Him from all the rest. But it is a compact that will not hold. Love will only give itself to love. The shadows of secrecy or reserve on either side will blight a friendship in which all the conditions seem perfectly adjusted. And many a life that might grow rich in its heritage of God is dwindled and marred, because it sets a limitation on God's heritage of itself.

Give all thou hast to God. As He bought, so let Him possess, everything. He will occupy and keep thee. He will bring fruit out of thy rockiest nature, as the Norwegians raise crops on every scrap of soil on their mountain slopes. He will put into thee the grace that thou shalt give back to Him in fruit. He will win for Himself a great name, as He turns thy desert places into gardens, and makes thy wildernesses blossom as the rose.

><> ><> ><>

Our Daily Bread has the following devotional entitled "Faith and Riches"...

Do you want to be rich? Do you think your faith will bring you riches? What kind of riches are you looking for?

There's good news and bad news if wealth is what you want. The good news is that God's Word does promise riches to the believer. The "bad" news is that it doesn't have anything to do with money.

Here are some examples of the riches that can be ours as believers in Jesus Christ:

An understanding of God the Father and the Son, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:2-3).(