BY DAWN REED

To be honest, he really used to get on my nerves.

He seemed so bossy and harsh. Every word that proceeded out of his mouth was some kind of instruction or rule or bossy-something.

I glossed over his writings, thinking it was probably important, but had no time to delve into all that. Occasionally, I chose a few of his more positive thoughts to ponder, but not a lot.

I pictured him with a pinched face and perpetual scowl.

And that’s how I felt about the Apostle Paul when I was younger. I was so dumb.

Now, as I read the words God inspired him to write, my heart is greatly stirred. As I realize where and when he wrote them, I am oft moved to tears.

I wish I had been older first. I would have been so much wiser.

This week, reading Ephesians, the words leapt off the page. Paul is writing while under house arrest. (In my earlier days, I never paid attention to the background of Bible books.) I find from my Life Application Bible and other commentaries that Paul addressed the church at Ephesus and believers everywhere. That’s me, right here in eastern Kentucky! If I choose to, I can take these priceless words into my heart and apply them to my daily life. Though written almost 2,000 years ago, they are as fresh as if written this very morning.