Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:12-26, Psalm 113

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul taught that believers should look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others (2:4) — a lesson that is easier said than done. But first, Paul lived this kind of servant lifestyle as an example that all of us should follow. His example shows us that looking out for the interests of others is really about serving to advance the gospel.

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. – Philippians 1:12-14

Paul found something to be thankful for EVEN IN THE MOST DIFFICULT OF SITUATIONS. In fact, he was thankful for the chains themselves. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, Paul praised God for all the good that was coming out of all the bad in his life. He was thankful for the effect his imprisonment was having on the palace guard, for they knew that he strongly believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah, even if it meant being arrested and imprisoned for his faith.

GRATITUDE AND PRAISE

Paul was also thankful for the effect his chains were having outside the walls of the prison. Instead of running in fear, believers were gaining confidence in what God had called them to do. They were speaking God’s message of salvation through Jesus Christ without fear.

Listen carefully, sometimes our difficulties, chains or even our persecution are more than just a chance for self-pity or our next attention-getting social media post. Never in Scripture do we hear God telling us to feel sorry for ourselves. Instead we find verses like this: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too (Philippians 2:3-4).

Paul goes on in his letter to talk about others who are preaching the gospel with selfish motives. They had made a competition out of it, filling the church with undertones of jealousy and rivalry instead of partnership and encouragement. They preached with selfish ambition, wanting to be the best. We see evidence of this kind of competitive spirit existing among believers today, whether it is an attempt to build the largest church, gain the most followers, or see the most fruit from our ministry.

But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. – Philippians 1:18-19

OPTIMISM AND HOPE

What a great attitude! Paul rejoices about his imprisonment and the good coming out of it. Then he rejoices about the wrong motives of preachers, because at least unbelievers were coming to a saving knowledge of Christ in the midst of the rivalry and selfish ambition. Not only does Paul have a good attitude, he works hard to preserve it; he is determined to make life about Christ and how He wants to use Paul in the lives of others.

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better…But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me. – Philippians 1:20-26

Joy is definitely a theme of Paul’s in his letter to the Church at Philippi. He is a wonderful example of how the fruit of the Holy Spirit can play out in our lives. He can give us joy in difficult situations — joy that is UNEXPLAINABLE in light of what is happening around us. He can give us joy even when we see faults in the believers around us. We can pray for others to experience joy in their faith, and we can let the joy of our salvation make a difference in the lives of others — those close to the difficult situation we are going through and also those watching from a distance.

God, make this the desire of my heart. Take away any rivalry, jealousy or selfish ambition in my attitude. Help me to do everything for your glory and for the advancement of your kingdom. Change my heart so that I can look to the interests of others, and not selfishly try to impress others or look out for myself. Fill my heart with a love that abounds and a joy that is unexplainable. We love you, Father God! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Philippians 1:1-11; Psalm 88

We’ve been moving our way chronologically through the Bible and, more recently, through Paul’s prison letters. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians speaks of God’s plan for our lives; his next letter speaks of God’s provision for those who are persecuted because of their faith.

The Philippian church was going through a difficult time and Paul was able to empathize with them. He used his own circumstances as an example of knowing what it means to be persecuted. After all, he was in prison for his faith as he was writing this letter, and he had spent a night in prison when he had previously visited Philippi. So, even though his freedom and future were in question, He wrote to encourage and strengthen the believers in the midst of their difficulties. He called them to holy living and joy — yes, joy and passion for Christ EVEN WHEN LIFE IS AT ITS WORST.

Paul knew things had been rough for the church in Philippi — that they had suffered persecution for their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. He understood what it meant to be mistreated for his faith. He encouraged them to continue living both FOR Christ and LIKE Christ.

This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders and deacons. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. – Philippians 1:1-2

GRACE AND PEACE

This is a familiar greeting used in Paul’s letters but written with great meaning. Consider when we pass someone at the store and say, “Hi. How are you?” It’s a standard American greeting but we typically don’t expect the person to stop and have a conversation with us. We expect them to say, “Fine. How are you?” and be on their way. Not so with Paul. This is much more than a casual greeting. Paul was speaking a blessing over them — I wish God’s grace in your life. During good times and bad times, may God’s generous grace be evident and may His peace reign in your hearts.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:3-11

JOY AND CONFIDENCE

Paul prayed with joy and confidence when he prayed for the persecuted believers — joy that they were fully committed to the gospel, and confidence that the same God who started a good work in them would faithfully carry it on to completion. Oh, how I love that verse! God will never abandon us. He took the initiative in sending His Son to die on a cross so that we could experience salvation and He can be trusted to continue to work in our lives beyond our salvation decision. He will take the good work that was started in our hearts and strengthen it, helping our faith to grow and our love to overflow.

FAITH AND LOVE

Love – that is what Paul is praying God will grow in the hearts of the Philippians. Not just grow but ABOUND. Abounding love, knowledge and deep insight. Paul prays for these things because he knows that it will help the believers be able to discern what is God’s best for them and live a holy life until the day of Christ.

Paul prayed for believers to have knowledge, depth of insight and discernment, while being filled with the fruit of righteousness. And who wouldn’t want to have all of these things? But no matter how hard we try, we cannot have any of these things of our own strength. It is God who started a work in us, and it is God who continues to make us who He wants us to be. He does not do this for our credit but for His glory, not for our plans but for His purposes. It is the fruit of our relationship with Him, of His Spirit living within us and producing within us a “good work”.

Lord, we open our hearts to you this morning and pray that you will bless us with these same gifts. Will you fill us with abounding love? Will you give us deep insight and discernment as we study your word and consider your plan for our lives. Our desire is to grow in our relationship so that the fruit of your Spirit will produce good works and holy living for your glory. Help us to recognize your grace in our lives, EVEN WHEN LIFE IS DIFFICULT, and give us peace in all circumstances. We love you, Lord. Amen.

So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only LOVE MUCH but LOVE WELL. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9-11 (The Message)

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6:10-24, Psalm 74

PRAY in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. – Ephesians 6:18

BE STRONG IN THE LORD

At the end of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul describes for us the armor of God and how to stand firm against the very real attempts of the enemy to block God’s plan for our lives. During a time when fear and panic are settling over the world, Ephesians chapter 6 reminds us of what our response should be: Stay strong in the Lord, resist the enemy and pray in the Spirit.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:10-12

Paul has spent his entire letter talking to the believers about God’s plan for their life — individually and for the Church. Now he gives a final word, but it is much more than a simple conclusion. It is a strong warning! Be strong in the Lord who holds the plan and in His mighty power and strength. God has provided armor to make this possible, even when the devil is using all his tricks and strategies. Be aware that there is an unseen spiritual battle taking place and there are times you will find yourself right in the middle of it.

RESIST THE ENEMY

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. – Ephesians 6:13-17

There is no doubt about it — we have an enemy! There is the potential for us to fight some kind of spiritual battle every day. But there is no need to panic and no need to fear, for God is on our side and the battle has already been won. When the enemy tries to discourage us, we can remind Him of the Sovereignty of God; when he tries to block the path ahead of us, all we have to do is speak the name of Jesus and he has to flee.

Resist the devil and he will flee from you. – James 4:7b

I can tell you right now that the enemy does not like it when we are growing in our relationship with Christ. He tries to discourage us and speak lies into our hearts. I have had to make a very conscious effort to put on the armor of God and speak the name of Jesus, reminding myself that the devil is full of lies and wants nothing more than to block God’s plan for my life. The best advice I can find in my morning coffee to prepare me for the battle ahead is found in Ephesians 6:18: Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

PRAY IN THE SPIRIT

Prayer is our strongest tactic. We are called to pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion, staying alert and praying persistently, not just for ourselves but for all believers everywhere. The next best thing I can do to prepare for the battle ahead comes next in the Scripture — I can ask you to pray for me. There is power in prayer and when we unite in prayer, the enemy has no chance.

And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. – Ephesians 6:19-20

Yet another reason why God calls us into fellowship with other believers — to pray for them and to let them pray for us. So stand your ground. Satan is much more than a red cartoon costume with horns and a pointy tail. His attempts to destroy us are much more serious than the clever line “the devil made me do it”. Put on every piece of God’s armor so that you will be able to resist Satan’s attempts. Put on the belt of truth so that you can stand against His lies.

God, I ask this morning for you to clothe me in your righteousness. As I spend time this morning in your word, please fill me with your peace, fully preparing me for what is ahead. Thank you for the reminder to hold high the shield of faith and the sword of the Holy Spirit, which is the word of God. I ask for you to give me courage and boldness, so that I do not live in fear but in peace. Amen.

As we end our study of Ephesians, let me leave you with Paul’s closing words to us:

Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 6:23-24

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6:5-9, Psalm 128

Just as Paul had instructions for the relationship between children and parents, as well as in marriages and the church, he also gave instructions for the relationship between slaves and masters. We can apply these words of wisdom to our relationships on the job or in our ministry teams.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites. – Ephesians 6:5-9

SERVE THEM SINCERELY — with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord. We recently looked at very similar instructions from Paul to the Church at Colosse.

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master — in heaven. – Colossians 3:22-4:1

SERVE THEM SINCERELY — as though you were working for the Lord, for the Master you are serving is Christ.

God calls us to have a servanthood attitude in everything we do and in every relationship, whether we are the child or the parent, whether we are the leader or being led. We are all servants and we all have the same Master. When we surrender our lives, we declare that Jesus is Lord! He is in charge, and we willingly take up our cross and follow Him. We go where He tells us to go and do what He tells us to do, saying what He tells us to say as we align ourselves with His will for our lives.

There are quite a few incredible pastors in my life who serve God with a servant attitude. They work long, hard hours — pouring their lives out in response to God’s call. Pastors are willing to go where God sends them, respond as the Holy Spirit leads them, and sacrificially dedicate their lives to the Great Commission. To all the incredible ministry leaders reading this today, whether you are a pastor or a teacher or if you work for a non-profit or ministry, I speak these words of Paul to you: Do the will of God with ALL your heart. Work with enthusiasm, because you are working for the Lord and not to please people.

SERVE SINCERELY out of the reverent love you have for your Savior, Jesus Christ.

WORK WILLINGLY at whatever you do — whether it’s this incredible moment of ministry or it’s the toughest thing you have ever been asked to do.

SERVE HUMBLY, knowing God loves you SO much but that He also loves those He has called you to serve.

PERSEVERE — On your toughest day, hold onto the beautiful promise that the Lord has an inheritance waiting for you, a reward for your faithful obedience.

STAY FOCUSED — The Master you are serving is Christ.

To everyone: Whatever God has called you to do or wherever He has placed you, serve God today with your whole heart. Consider every task ahead of you as if you are doing it for the Lord, as if it is another great opportunity to serve. Remember that the Master you are serving is Christ.

Have you told your pastors lately how much you appreciate them — how thankful you are for the role they play in your walk with Christ? The enemy is daily seeking to discourage and defeat them. Let’s always be an instrument of encouragement in their lives. With deep respect, let’s follow their leadership and serve God with all our hearts. October is pastor appreciation month, a perfect time to tell your pastors how grateful you are for them.

Lord, what are you asking me to do today? I am available. What do you want me to say today? May my words be an instrument of your grace and truth. Everything on my to do list I give to you; may I complete each task as if I am doing it for you and for your glory. Thank you for another opportunity to serve you with my heart, soul, body and mind. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 6:1-4, Psalm 127

God calls us to make the most of every opportunity. He calls us to show His love to one another — to embody both SUBMISSIVE LOVE and SACRIFICIAL LOVE. As we discussed yesterday, submission and sacrifice should be evident in our relationship with God, our marriage relationship, and our relationship within the church. As we continue reading in the next chapter of Ephesians, God calls us to this same submission and sacrifice in our relationship with our parents and with our children.

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on earth.” — Ephesians 6:1-3

Paul is repeating a familiar commandment to the Church, the 5th of the 10 commandments found in Exodus 20 or Deuteronomy 5. This is the first commandment where God is promising blessings on anyone who will obey, which shows us how important this is to God. But the phrase that sticks out the most to me in these first three verses is “because you belong to the Lord.”

BECAUSE YOU BELONG TO THE LORD

We are God’s children — we belong to Him! Notice He gave no exceptions to this command to obey your parents. It doesn’t say, “If your parents are good to you…” or “If your parents deserve honor…” God’s instructions are for us to show honor to our earthly parents because He is our Heavenly Father and we belong to Him.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4

God has a purpose in parenthood that goes far beyond supplying the physical needs of our children. It is in the parent-child relationship that we begin to understand our relationship with our Heavenly Father. When we discipline our children, as God teaches us to, they begin to understand His agape love for us and why He disciplines us; we model what it looks like to submit to His authority and guidance. He is calling us to make the most of this OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD our children.

BECAUSE WE BELONG TO THE LORD, WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN THAT THEY, TOO, BELONG TO THE LORD.

Hebrews 12:6-11 explains this further: “For the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children…For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening – it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Oh, there are the blessings again — the blessings of a peaceful harvest of right living! This passage comes right after the familiar FAITH chapter in Hebrews 11, which is followed by Paul’s instruction at the beginning of chapter 12. He says to throw off anything that is hindering us, whether it is sin or not; to keep our eyes focused on Jesus and run the race marked out for us. He continues this analogy of running the race in verses 12 & 13, referring to the discipline we receive from our earthly Father:

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. – Hebrews 12:12-13

We have a legacy to carry on to our children. Just as we learned from the discipline we received from our parents, so we need to help our children understand the love of a Heavenly Father who expects submission. In doing this, we are impacting generation after generation.

But perhaps the discipline you received from your earthly parents is not a good reflection of the loving discipline God carries out. Our earthly parents are not perfect like our Heavenly Father is, and they sometimes miss out on God’s plan for how a parent should discipline their child. But this does not change God’s instructions to you. Perhaps you are the one who will make a difference for the coming generations by following God’s commandment — by honoring your parents and by training your children in the ways of God. In doing this, you will lead your children and your children’s children to the throne of God.

BECAUSE WE BELONG TO THE LORD, WE MAKE THE MOST OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEAD THE NEXT GENERATIONS.

“…Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” – Ephesians 6:4b (The Message)

Lord, help us to model for the next generation what it means to be fully sold out to you. Give us the wisdom and understanding we need to mentor and advise those you give us the privilege of influencing, whether they are our children, grandchildren, neighbors or friends. Thank you for the honor of belonging to you and for the reminder to make the most of every opportunity to love and to lead. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5:21-33

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. – Ephesians 5:21

The next passage of Scripture can easily be connected with what God had for us in our morning coffee over the last two days, when we were called to make the most of EVERY opportunity. We have choices to make in our relationships with others. We can put ourselves first or INSTEAD submit to one another out of our love and respect for Jesus Christ.

SUBMISSIVE LOVE

I need to decide if I love Jesus enough — if I respect Him enough to submit to His authority and live as He has asked me to live. We cannot take this decision for granted because it is the very thing that is keeping us from doing what He has asked us to do. What God asks of us is not always easy, but there is a secret to making any of these relationships work as God designed. It goes back to yesterday’s instructions — to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

First, Paul instructs us regarding the marriage relationship. He tells wives to submit to their husbands and husbands to love their wives. As the church submits to Christ, wives should submit to their husbands; as Christ loved the church, husbands should love their wives. And we know that Jesus loved the church so much that He gave His life to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word, without spot or wrinkle.

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must LOVE his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must RESPECT her husband. – Ephesians 5:28-33

I do not think we can do what God is asking here, or at least maintain it for a significant amount of time, without the infilling of the Holy Spirit. It is not always easy to submit in love and respect to our spouse. In the same way, we as the Church have difficulty submitting to God’s authority over us as the body of Christ. This kind of love and respect is also made possible with that key ingredient — the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

In order to truly love each other the way Christ loves the church, let’s consider again the wisdom of Ephesians 5:2: “Live a life of love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

SACRIFICIAL LOVE

This is what God is calling us to in our marriages and in our relationships with others. He is calling us to love to the point of sacrifice, putting others before ourselves as a reflection of our relationship with Christ. It goes back to the flavor of yesterday’s morning coffee — to make the most of every opportunity. Today we will be given opportunities to love sacrificially. Starting our day off in God’s presence and allowing Him to fill us fresh and new with His Spirit will empower us to love and respect each other the way God calls us to. Our lives can be an example of sacrificial love, whether it is to our spouse or our family or the church or anyone God puts in our path today. Today, let us once again set out determined to make the most of every opportunity.

Let’s look at the rewording of Ephesians 5:1b-2,22-27 in The Message:

Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.

Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church — a love marked by giving, not getting. Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. – Ephesians 5:1b-2, 22-27 (The Message)

Father God, thank you for not only challenging me to make the most of every OPPORTUNITY TO LOVE, but also for equipping me for that task with the infilling of your Holy Spirit. As I enter your presence this morning, help me to keep my eyes focused on you as I become the person you created me to be — a person who embodies both SUBMISSIVE LOVE and SACRIFICIAL LOVE. God, help me to daily live a life of love. I desire to be a pleasing aroma to you in the way I serve you and the way I live out my relationships with others. Lord, I put my day into your hands and ask for you to bless our country, our churches, and our marriages. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5:15-20, Psalm 149

What are your thoughts on jelly-filled donuts? Have you ever bit into a donut not realizing it was filled with something? Or have you ever anticipated the cream cheese filling only to find nothing inside your pastry? Have you ever bit into a chocolate candy with no idea what to expect?

Sometimes life gives us what we did not ask for, what we did not choose. In that moment of realization, we have another choice to make. We can react emotionally to the unexpected circumstance in our life or we can proactively give it to God and ask Him to guide our response.

MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY.

We have so many choices in life. We can choose to focus on the future this world has to offer us or the future God has to offer. We can seek satisfaction with what the world tries to fill us with or allow God to fill us with His presence. We cannot choose both. We either choose one or INSTEAD choose the other. Paul lays out these options for us in his letter to the Church at Ephesus:

• Be filled with the sin nature or instead filled with God
• Be filled with ourselves or instead filled with Christ’s love
• Be filled with immorality, impurity and greed or instead filled with thankfulness
• Be filled with the darkness of the world or instead filled with the light from the Lord
• Be filled with what pleases you or instead filled with what pleases the Lord
• Be filled with what the world offers or with what God offers

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. INSTEAD, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. – Ephesians 5:15-20

BE AVAILABLE.

Paul warns us to be careful how we live. God has a plan for our lives and He wants us to be available to Him EVERY moment of EVERY day. His plan is for us to make the most of EVERY opportunity. You may be familiar with this verse, but have you considered the context that verse is coming from. It’s another either / or decision – be filled with the sensual pleasures of this world or filled with the Spirit; live like fools or like those who are wise.

There are some things we can fill our lives with that alter our ability to make the most of every opportunity. Paul uses the example of wine here. There are inherent dangers in the consumption of wine that set it apart from most other things we can consume. Paul warns us here that it can ruin your life. Alcohol has the potential to alter our ability to make a good decision. It does not just quench our thirst but it influences us — it changes personalities, it breaks down inhibitions, it leaves you craving more.

BE FILLED.

But God says — crave ME! Don’t go looking for what the world has to offer in order to find pleasure, but let me be the One to bring you satisfaction; let me be the one to alter you into the person I want you to be. Be filled with MY Spirit and spend your time giving praise to ME, giving thanks to ME. Understand what I want you to do! Beware of things like alcohol that have the potential to derail you from the life that I have planned for you.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. – Colossians 4:2-6

BE ALERT.

Pray for many opportunities. Proclaim God’s message clearly. Live wisely. Make the most of every opportunity. Over and over again, God has focused my attention on His plan for my life. He created each of us for a purpose. He died on a cross so that we could serve Him, so that He could work through us to bring others to Christ.

God has a plan for our lives and He wants us to be available to Him every moment of every day, ready and alert. His plan is for us to make the most of EVERY opportunity. Let’s guard our hearts and our minds from ANYTHING that might take away our ability to do just that. Let’s make the most of today.

Lord, please see the desire of my heart to be alert and available for you today. Fill me with your Spirit, and place a song in my heart. Give me an awareness of the work you are doing in my life and in the lives of those around me. I desire to make the most of every opportunity you place before me this week — to be emptied of my selfishness and pride so that my actions are a reflection of your guidance. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 5:1-14, Psalm 148

Each day we are faced with choices. We spend our day making one decision after another. So as we spend time with Jesus, with or without a cup of morning coffee, let’s open our hearts to the choice Paul lays before us to live one way or INSTEAD live another way.

INSTEAD, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. – Ephesians 4:15

INSTEAD, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy. – Ephesians 4:24

INSTEAD – Have you ever considered the power of this word? Paul continues in Chapter 5 with the comparison of following our old sin nature or INSTEAD growing each day to become more and more like the God we were created to reflect — our truly righteous and holy God.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. – Ephesians 5:1-2

Or listen to how The Message rewords 5:2 — Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that.

LOVE LIKE THAT

Just as children follow the example their parents set for them, we are to imitate our Heavenly Father in everything we do. The primary way to imitate God is by living a life filled with love. We are to LIVE LOVE — but not just any kind of love, the example of sacrificial love that Christ Jesus set for us. When we live a life of sacrificial love, the aroma of our life is pleasing to God. When we live for ourselves, let’s face it, we stink!

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes – these are not for you. INSTEAD, let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. – Ephesians 5:3-5

Oh how the things of this world pull for our attention every day! We are surrounded by the stink of sexual immorality and, I have to admit, the smell often clings to us as well. The choices we make in the television shows we watch or the movies that entertain us or the jokes we laugh at — they all make an impact on us. We come out smelling a little more like the world every time. Here is Paul’s suggestion: INSTEAD of choosing to fill our minds and our mouths with what the world thinks is entertaining, we can fill our hearts with love so that thankfulness is what spills over. The aroma of thankfulness is pleasing to the Lord.

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. Don’t participate in the things these people do. For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. – Ephesians 5:6-9

I love that last sentence! It holds the secret of how to imitate God or how to follow the example of Christ. It is the light within you that produces what is good and right and true. Christ living in us — the Holy Spirit filling us each day — that is what changes our aroma. It’s not about human effort to be something I cannot be no matter how hard I try. Imitating God by my own strength is like applying perfume in order to mask body odor instead of simply taking a shower and washing the smell away.

Human effort comes into play when we are faced with choices each day. But in the moment of decision, God has equipped us with the light needed to make the right choices. He can grow us to be what He created us to be but we still have a choice between listening to the prompting of the Spirit or participating in the things those around us are doing — Christians and non-Christians alike.

Paul has another “instead” for us in verses 10-14 of chapter 5: Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; INSTEAD, expose them. It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Christ provides the light for us to walk in. God does not simply command us to be like Him without equipping us with what we need to obtain holiness. God gives us love so that our life can be filled with the same kind of sacrificial love Christ displayed on the cross. God does incredible things in our life so that it is not difficult to let thankfulness flow from our conversations. Jesus gives us the light within us so that our life can produce what is good and right and true.

Lord, thank you for reminding us today of the transformation you are willing to make in our hearts. May your Spirit prompt me in all of the “instead” moments that I face today. May I reject what the world has to offer me and INSTEAD rise from the dead and allow Christ to shine through me. I want my life to cast your aroma in every situation or conversation, in each opportunity that comes before me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 4:17-32, Psalm 104

Any time we make a major change in life, we are going to find ourselves comparing the old to the new. Look back and consider when you first got married or when you had your first child, when you started a new job or moved to a new community, when you lost a loved one or graduated from school. There are times in our lives when things shift and major changes take place, like when we turn our lives over to God and allow Jesus to take residence in our hearts through His Spirit.

In the last three chapters of Ephesians, Paul compares the old way of life to the new life in Christ. Yesterday we looked at Ephesians 4:14-15, which compares how we used to live with what we are growing to become:

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. – Ephesians 4:14-15

GROWING IN EVERY WAY TO BE MORE AND MORE LIKE CHRIST

Life is full of changes and each change has a purpose in our life. God uses each new situation to draw us closer to Him and to form us into the person He created us to be. His plan is not for us to continue in the old way of sin but to allow Him to reproduce His holiness in us.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy. – Ephesians 4:21-24

CREATED TO BE LIKE GOD BECAUSE GOD REPRODUCES HIS CHARACTER IN US

I like how The Message restates verses 22 through 24: Everything — and I do mean everything — connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life — a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

God’s character is reproduced in us — I love that! Paul goes on to compare the old person with the new person, the old sinful nature with the life renewed by the Spirit with God’s character reproduced in us. He shows the change that occurs in our life when we STOP living for our own purposes and START following his good and pleasing and perfect will for our life.

Praise God for the change He has made in my life. I thank Him for making me a new person, yet I admit I sometimes allow myself to fall into some of the old and familiar patterns of this world. Forgive me, Lord! Let your Spirit do a work in my heart, continuing to renew me and transform me into a new person for the sake of your plan for my life.

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Let’s look at the comparison of the old sinful nature and the new life where our thoughts and attitudes are renewed by the Spirit (Eph. 4:25-32):

Old – Telling lies.
New – Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

Old – Letting anger control us.
New – Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Old – Stealing.
New – Use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

Old – The use of foul and abusive language.
New – Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Old – Bringing sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.
New – Live with the knowledge that He has identified you as his own, that you have been “sealed for the day of redemption” (v.30).

Old – A life where there are moments of bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
New – Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Lord, I’m so grateful that you do not simply hold up a standard and then sit back to watch us fail. No, you complete a work in us, daily transforming us into a new person. It’s not about striving and straining; it’s about submission and transformation. It’s not about religion but relationship. Jesus, grow me in every way to be more and more like you. Renew my thoughts and my attitudes, reproducing your character in me — not for my reputation but for your glory. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16, Psalm 122

God has a plan for my life and He has a plan for your life. He calls us to a specific purpose and to a way of life that is worthy of His creation. Let’s look at Ephesians 4 to see what God is calling us to.

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. – Ephesians 4:1-5

LIVE A LIFE WORTHY OF YOUR CALLING

It is an honor to belong to our Creator.
It is a privilege to be loved by Him.
It is a gift to be saved by Him.
It is a responsibility to be called by Him.

He calls us because He has a purpose for our lives and He equips us with His Spirit so that we can live the kind of life He is calling us to. This is what I hear God saying in this passage:

You have been called by God.
Be humble — do not think too much of yourself.
Be gentle — in actions and in words.
Be patient with each other — show love and notice the needs of those around you.
Love others enough to allow them to be imperfect, just as you are imperfect.
Be united and live in peace for there is only one body and one Spirit and one future to which we are called. We serve the same Lord, have been given the same faith, and have experienced the same baptism. Our pasts may look different, but our eternal future looks the same.

GOD HAS GIVEN US A HIGHER CALLING

So why do we allow ourselves to get irritated with each other? Why do we form opinions about our sisters in Christ? Why do we choose to be a friend to one brother in Christ and avoid another? This is not God’s plan. He has given us a higher calling. Our natural tendency is to form opinions about other people but God wants us to die to our sinful nature and grow in the Spirit.

God’s plan for our lives is to grow! The Spirit-filled life described above doesn’t happen overnight. We need to grow in our walk so that day by day the Spirit does a work in our hearts. God has given us special gifts to help us grow, which Paul talks about in the next few verses of Ephesians chapter 4.

However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ…

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. – Ephesians 4:7,11-13

Maturity in Christ looks like unity; it looks like knowledge of who Jesus is and what he did for us. Jesus set a standard for us calling us to walk the extra mile, to love our enemies, to bless those who persecute us, and to reconcile with those who have something against us (Matthew 5). He called us to respond with maturity because we are daily growing in every way to be more like Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, GROWING in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. – Ephesians 4:14-16

Thank you, Jesus, for loving us enough to leave Heaven and come to earth in order to fill the universe with your glorious presence. Thank you for the gift of the many people you send into our lives to teach us and to help us grow. Lord, bless our pastors and give them wisdom to speak the truth in love. Prepare our hearts so that those you have sent into our lives to teach us can equip us to do your work. Bring us to a place of maturity and understanding, growing in every way to be more and more like You!

Lord, help me today to be worthy of the life to which you have called me. Fill me with your Spirit and give me new eyes to see the world around me. Fill me with your Spirit and give me a new heart to love those you love. Lord, today I take myself off the throne of opinions and allow you to be GOD — to be over all and in all and living through all! Amen.